Thank you to everyone that is taking time out of their lives for reading this story! Please take just a little more time and leave a review, letting me know what you think. I love reading them all. Okay, time to get Jack back home with his Elizabeth.


April 21st, 2014 – Becky's Apartment Building, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Jack knocked on the door of the apartment manager and waited for someone to answer. When the door finally opened, an older woman, dressed in an oversized housecoat, stood and stared at him.

"What do you want?" she asked. Her voice was gravelly, as if she'd smoked her entire life; the smell that wafted out of the room verified that fact.

Jack removed his cowboy hat, "Ma'am, I'm here on behalf of Becky Hardin in apartment 8A."

"Ya, I know who she is," she said harshly. "What about her."

Jack drew in a calming breath, attempting to ease his irritation over this woman's bad attitude. "Well, ma'am, she is moving out this week and I wanted to find out how much time she has remaining on her lease."

"No, sir! She still has eight months left," she stuck her index finger out toward Jack. "If she moves out, she still gonna pay all that rent! In cash!" The woman clutched her housecoat closed up around her neck, her face set in a permanent frown. Her hair was a dull shade of light brown with a few inches of new growth, consisting of several shades of silver. Her face looked like wrinkled leather.

"That's fine, ma'am. Let me know the total and I will have the cash for you this afternoon." Jack's level tone was annoying the woman.

"Well, it's $420 a month at eight months...," she tried to work the numbers in her head.

"$3,360, ma'am," Jack answered quickly. "I'll have it here this afternoon in cash. Becky and Blake will be out by Thursday."

After the initial shock of hearing the man say he'd bring all the money in cash, the woman squinted her eyes and stared at Jack, "Are you that boy's daddy?"

"Yes, ma'am. I am," Jack answered without flinching. "And I'm taking them home."

"Hmmm," the woman grunted. "I see." She looked down and noticed the ring on Jack's left hand. "Your wife good with that?" she asked abruptly.

Jack placed his hat back on his head and tipped the brim, "Ma'am, I'll see you this afternoon when I bring her rent money. Please have a lease release and receipt printed up." He turned and walked back to Becky's apartment. He could feel the woman's eyes burning a hole in the back of his head, but he never looked back.

…..

Jack walked out of the bank, shoving his wallet into his pocket. He looked up and down the street before crossing to his truck where Becky and Blake waited. Jack climbed in and pulled his seatbelt around, buckling it.

"You really didn't need to do this, Jack." She was filled with guilt over the amount of money Jack had been spending on them.

Before putting the truck in drive, he turned to face Becky. "Yes, I do. If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't be here, in this...this...money situation. If I'd known about Blake all these years, I would have given you money to help support him. So, just consider this a very small payback."

"Okay," she answered, meekly, her gaze falling.

Jack placed the truck in drive and turned down the street toward the Tulsa Health Department. Once inside, they walked through the halls, following the signs to Vital Records. Jack opened the door and held it for Becky and Blake to enter, then followed behind them, entering the room with a wall full of windows.

Becky handed the woman behind the counter her driver's license and Blake's birth certificate after explaining the purpose of their visit. The woman handed Becky a clipboard with the proper form and asked her to fill it out. When she was finished, Becky returned it to the lady, took a seat, and waited.

"Mr. Thornton," she called out, peering through the glass.

Jack stood and crossed the room.

"May I see your driver's license, please?"

"Yes, ma'am," he said, removing it and sliding it through the three-inch gap at the bottom of the glass.

The woman filled out part of the form, returned Jack's license, then passed the form to Jack. "Sign here, please." She pointed toward a line near the bottom of the page; the line above it held Becky's signature.

Jack signed the paper and handed it back.

"Thank you. It will just be a few minutes," she said, smiling and eyeing Jack up and down.

Jack returned to his seat next to Becky and picked up the magazine that he had been reading. Blake moved to stand in front of Jack, placed his hands on his daddy's knees, and pushed himself up on his tippy toes. His lips were puckered as he stretched toward Jack's face. Jack leaned down and kissed him, and while doing so, Blake wrapped his arms around his daddy's neck. Jack pulled him onto his lap and tossed the magazine aside.

"Are we 'bout done?" Blake asked, staring into Jack's eyes.

"Almost...I think," Jack answered.

"What are we doing here? It's boring."

"Taking care of some paperwork."

"What's paperwork?"

"It's just stuff that big people have to do sometimes," Jack answered, smiling.

"Like what?"

Jack looked at Becky who was hiding her grin, created from her son's rapid-fire questions.

"We are telling them that I'm your daddy."

Blake's eyes widened and his grin grew. "Really? Why?"

"Because some people have to know."

Blake's face pinched with confusion.

"Don't worry about it, buddy. We're almost finished."

"Ms. Hardin," the woman called out.

Becky stood and crossed the room to the window. Jack watched and when he saw her remove her wallet from her purse, he jumped up, carrying Blake over his arm, and stopped her, laying his free hand on her arm.

"I've got it," he said, his voice filled with kindness. He lowered Blake to the floor and pulled his wallet from his pocket.

The trio exited the building and walked toward the truck, Jack holding the newly printed birth certificate in his hands. He read the names on the paper:

Jackson Blake Hardin
Father: Jack Ashton Thornton
Mother: Becky Lynn Hardin

Soon, it would read "Thornton" instead of "Hardin", Jack thought to himself. The reality of the situation was setting in just a little more.

…..

Hope Meadows Ranch

Rosemary and Elizabeth were hard at work on the pretty pink room. The walls were painted, Lee and Tom had moved the bed in against a wall, along with some new furniture. The little chandelier was hung, the canopy was up, and the women were attaching butterflies to the tulle and hanging a string of white lights behind it.

They stepped back, looking over their handiwork.

"She is going to love this," Elizabeth said, taking it all in. "So much pink. Jack might shoot me," she laughed.

"No, he won't. As soon as he sees Peyton's eyes when she shows it to him, his heart will melt," Rosemary reassured her.

"You're right. He loves his little girl."

Rosemary turned to face Elizabeth and took her hands in hers. "There's something I need to tell you."

Elizabeth looked at her friend, noticing the seriousness in her face, "Okay. What is it?"

Rosie drew in a deep breath and let it out through her nose. "I'm pregnant."

Elizabeth squealed and hugged her friend, almost choking her. "Another one? Already?" she asked, gripping her shoulders and holding her at arm's length.

Rosemary smiled wide, her eyes filling with tears, "Yes. Lee wants a boy so badly so we are trying for another again."

"Oh, Rosie," she said, pulling her in for another hug. "I'm so happy for you."

"I warned him that we seem destined for girls and that he just might end up a father of three of them."

"And...what did he say?"

"He didn't care. He loves his girls so much. He'd probably be fine if we had our own girl's basketball team. I'm putting my foot down on that one," she laughed.

"This is so exciting. Look at us, Rosie. Our little families are growing." The look in Elizabeth's face was true. She left no doubt with anyone speaking to her about how she felt about Blake.

Rosemary wiped her damp face and let out a loud sigh. "I sure won't miss these hormones, that's for sure."

…..

Becky's Apartment Building

Jack knocked on the door of the apartment manager and waited once again. When the door opened, a cloud of smoke rolled out and encircled Jack's face. He let out a cough, and fanned his hand in front of him, trying to clear the air.

"You again," the woman complained, still wearing the same housecoat.

"I brought the rent money to pay out Becky Hardin's lease."

The woman stuck out her hand without saying a word.

"I'm sorry, ma'am, but we are going to need a rental release and a receipt for this."

"Why? You don't trust me?"

Jack just eyed the woman, not replying, trying to bite his tongue.

"Fine!" She shouted, then slammed the door shut. A few minutes later she returned with two pieces of crumpled paper. "Here," she said, shoving them into Jack's chest.

Jack looked over the pages, making sure everything was filled out properly and dated correctly. Satisfied, he pulled an envelope from his back pocket and handed it to the woman. "She's paid in full. We'll be out either Wednesday or Thursday."

"Hmmm," she grumbled, looking him up and down. "You're way too good for that trash. What do you want with her?"

Jack had had enough of this woman now. "Ma'am, I kindly ask that you don't speak of her that way."

"Or what?" She snapped back, bobbing her back and forth like a Bobblehead doll.

"Or I'll call the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and file a complaint on this place. I'll let them know just exactly what a lovely establishment you're running here and how well you take care of your tenants and their complaints. I have no trouble hiring a lawyer if I need to. Believe me, ma'am, when I say that I have the money to do so. I'm sure they would love to hear about the rodent and bug infestations, the leaking pipes, and the nonexistent hot water at times, and other issues that have happened over the last six months without an ounce of help for the tenants. Or how you constantly badger your tenants to pay their rent when they already have, because you are too lazy or too ignorant to come up with a way of keeping track of their payments." He paused briefly. "Need I go on?"

Jack never faltered during his speech, but the woman's jaw had dropped to the floor. She stood staring in shock at this man that dared challenge her. But she said nothing.

Jack gripped the rim of his hat with his fingers, tipped his hat, said "Ma'am," turned, and walked away.

…..

Elizabeth was mashing potatoes for supper when her phone rang. She grabbed it, and answered the call without looking at the name, hit the speaker button, then laid it on the counter.

"Hello?" She said, returning to the potatoes.

"Elizabeth?"

"Yes," she replied, not recognizing the voice on the other end.

"Hey, it's Faith."

"Oh, Faith! How are you?"

"I'm good. How have you been? We sure miss seeing you at school."

"Oh, I know. Me, too. I'm good. How are you?"

"I'm great. Looking forward to the summer though."

"Yes. Best perk of teaching," Elizabeth laughed. She laid the potato masher in the sink and picked up a large wooden spoon.

"I have some news I wanted to tell you."

"Good news, I hope."

"Yes. Well, you know how Walker and I have been seeing each other off and on in the past?"

"Yes, I'd always hoped you two would figure things out and get together for good."

Faith chuckled on the other end of the line. "Well, you could say that we finally did."

"Really?"

"Yes. He asked me to marry him and I said 'yes.'"

"Oh, Faith," Elizabeth's voice jumped up a couple octaves. "That's wonderful. Did you set a date yet?"

"No, not yet. But we were thinking next spring, possibly."

"Congratulations, Faith. I'm so happy for you."

"Thank you, Liz. I was wondering if you would be one of my bridesmaids?"

"Yes, Faith. Absolutely. I would be honored."

"Oh, good. I'm calling Rosie next, to ask her."

"She will most definitely be all in," Elizabeth laughed. "Any excuse to get dressed up."

They visited for a few more minutes until Elizabeth had to go and serve lunch to the twins, promising to get together soon for lunch to catch up more on life. Elizabeth left out her current situation until they talked again.

…..

Becky's Apartment

"Good night, Blake," Jack said as he kissed his son's forehead.

"Night night, Daddy." The little boy rolled to his side, exhausted from the day having spent a few hours riding Doodle and playing with Jack.

Jack closed the door halfway and walked into the living room where Becky was sitting with a book on her lap.

"I'm going out to my trailer for the evening," Jack said as he moved toward the door.

"Okay, Jack. Have a good night."

Stopping at the door, Jack turned back. "Are you feeling okay?"

Becky smiled, "Yes, Jack. I'm fine. Thank you for asking, though."

Jack grinned and gave her a slight nod, "Good night."

As soon as he was in his trailer, Jack dialed Elizabeth's number then fell back onto the leather couch.

"Hi, Elizabeth."

"Jack, it's so good to hear your voice."

"Yours, too. Are the kids still up?"

"Yes, let me get them." Jack could hear Elizabeth calling the kids. "Do you want to talk to Daddy?"

"Yeesssss!" He could hear them shouting.

"Hi, Daddy!" Colton yelled into the phone.

"Colt, you don't need to yell. Daddy can hear you just fine. Sorry, Jack." She turned on the speaker phone and set it on the table. "You two stand here. There, now just talk to Daddy normally."

"Hi, Daddy," Peyton said in her sweet, soft voice.

"Hi, Pey Pey. How are you?"

"I good. I miss you."

"I miss you, too, Baby."

"Hi, Daddy." Colton added. "I miss you."

"I miss you, too, bud. Have you guys been behaving for Mommy?"

"Wellll, no," Peyton answered, her voice sounding heartbroken.

"No? Why aren't you being good? What did Daddy tell you?"

"To listen to Mommy while you gone." Colton answered this time, his voice was filled with sadness.

"So, why weren't you good?"

"Colt tole my toy!" Peyton shouted.

"Peyton," Jack said in a stern voice, rubbing his ear from the pain her extreme volume had caused. "You do not need to yell. I can hear you just fine."

"Sowry, Daddy," she responded, barely above a whisper.

"Now, Colt, what is this about you stealing toys again?"

"I don't know."

"Didn't I tell you to stop doing that?"

"Yes."

"Does Mommy need to take the toys away?"

"She alweady did."

Jack chuckled, "Oh...okay. Good." Changing the subject, Jack asked, "Have you been helping Mommy?"

"I did, I did," Peyton said, her volume raising once more.

Elizabeth sat back into the couch, listening to her children and their daddy have a conversation about everything they helped with and all the fun things they did. They had lasted about fifteen minutes before getting bored and losing interest.

"Bye bye, Daddy," they said in unison, then took off running up the steps.

"Bye, Pey and Colt. Be go..."

"Jack, they're gone," Elizabeth laughed, picking up the phone and turning the speaker off.

"Oh. Well, I see how I rate," he teased.

"You rate very high," she affirmed. "I'm lucky to get ten minutes from them."

"Man, I can't wait to get home," Jack rolled onto his side and shoved the throw pillow under his head.

"Me, too. I miss you so much."

"When I see you...I'm going to...," Jack trailed off.

"You're going to what?" she asked grinning.

"I'm going to take you in my arms..."

"Yes?"

"Then I'm going to dip you all the way back..."

"And then?"

"And then I'm going to press my lips against yours."

"What next," she asked, curling her legs up onto the couch.

"Then we'll get interrupted by three kids, all the family, Becky, Lee, Wyatt and a Rosemary."

Elizabeth leaned her head back, laughing, "Oh, Jack. You speak truth."

"I do." They sat quietly, enjoying the closeness of each other. "But for real...I'm going to take you to bed, remove all your clothes, and make the sweetest, slowest, most passionate love to you that I've ever made."

"I would really like that," she answered quietly. "But we have some moments together that will be real contenders"

"Believe me, I know. I'll have my work cut out for me." He unbuttoned his jeans, adjusting to get comfortable, glad no one was there to see him.

"Yes, you will. But I believe in you."

Jack could hear her giggle. "I love you so much, Baby."

"I love you, too."

"Can I ask you something?"

"Of course, anything," Elizabeth answered.

And in his most sultry voice, he asked, "What are you going to do to me?"

…..

April 23rd, 2014 – Becky's Apartment

Jack knocked on the door and waited until Becky opened it. This was the day his son would have Jack's last name. Letting the world know that Blake belonged to him. His nerves were edging up, threatening to invade him, but he'd push them back down by telling himself that there was nothing to worry about. What judge would deny them this? He was in fact the boy's father. He'd stepped up as soon as he learned of him. He was here for him now.

The door swung open and Becky stood, holding it, grinning. "You know, you don't need to keep knocking. Just come in."

"Sorry. Okay." Jack stepped in, dressed in his newest blue Wranglers, grey blazer, white dress shirt and black tie. He carried his new tan felt cowboy hat in his hand.

"Wow, Jack. You look really nice," Becky remarked as she closed the door behind him.

"Thank you," he said, turning to face her. Noticing she had taken the time to curl her hair and apply make-up, he could see some of the old Becky shining through. "So do you," he remarked, also noticing that she was wearing her new dress they had purchased the day before.

"Thank you, Jack."

"Is Blake ready?"

"I believe so. Blake, come out here, sweetie."

Blake joined his parents in the living room, dressed in his new clothes that his daddy bought him. New blue Wranglers, a white dress shirt, and a brown vest. Even a little bow tie that Blake had insisted that he needed.

"You look very nice, Blake," Jack said, kneeling in front of his son.

"Thank you, Daddy."

"Do you like this?" Jack asked, tugging at the vest.

"Yes. I look like a big boy."

Chuckling, Jack replied, "You sure do." Jack buttoned the top button of his vest.

Blake reached up and touched Jack's blazer. "I like this," he said, his hazel eyes looking over Jack's attire. "We have the same shirt."

"We sure do," Jack replied, giving his son a big smile.

Blake moved his hand to Jack's face. "We have the same face," he said, touching his daddy's dimple.

Jack froze, his heart felt as if someone had reached into his chest and grabbed it, his smile faded. He wrapped his arms around his son and pulled him tight against his chest. His heart, which was clearly working again...melted.

Watching from a few feet away, Becky covered her mouth with her hand, and tightly squeezed her eyes closed to attempt to stave off the tears.

Blake's arms were now around Jack's neck as they hugged one another, and Jack could no longer see a life without Blake in it. "I love you, Blake," Jack whispered into his son's ear.

"I love you, too, Daddy," Blake whispered back.

…..

Hope Meadows Ranch

Elizabeth stood in the kitchen, drying a plate that she'd already dried three times.

"Are you okay, Beth?" Sam asked. She had just finished three twelve-hour shifts and was enjoying her day off by spending part of it with Elizabeth.

"What? Oh, yes. I'm fine. Why?" she asked, still drying the already dry plate.

"Because you've been drying that for the past five minutes. You're going to rub the pattern right off if you don't set it down."

Elizabeth looked down at the plate in her hand, "Oh, yeah. Right." She opened the cupboard door and added it to the stack on the bottom shelf.

"What's going on?" Sam asked, handing Elizabeth a wet plate.

"Today is the court petition for changing Blake's last name."

Sam watched as Elizabeth nervously over-dried the plate once more. Taking it from her hand, along with the towel, Sam asked, "You don't think it will go okay?" She set the plate on the stack.

Elizabeth leaned against the island, resting her hands on top of it on either side of her hips. "No, I think it will go fine. It's just...this is it. This is the final step to legally making Blake Jack's son."

"And...this is a problem because?"

"It's no problem. I don't know what's wrong with me. I don't know if I'm nervous for Jack. Nervous for me. Sad for Becky. I don't know."

Sam took three steps and stood in front of Elizabeth, laying her hands on her shoulders.

"Close your eyes and take a deep breath."

Elizabeth complied, breathing in through her nose then blowing it back out. When she opened her eyes, Sam was staring into them.

"Everything will be fine. You have married into the best family I have ever known. Blake will be drawn in as if he's been in the family since he was born. He will be treated no differently than Austin or Colton. Becky will learn what a real family is like and will be loved and cared for until her final day." Sam's voice cracked. "Jack is a good man. Just like his brother. Their father raised them well."

Elizabeth was nodding, tears staining her cheeks. "I know."

"Then what is it? Is there something else?"

Elizabeth shook her head. "No. It's just been a long week and a half and I miss Jack."

Samantha drew her sister-in-law in for a long embrace, rubbing her hand along her back.

"This really is an awesome family," Elizabeth said in Sam's ear, letting out a small laugh afterwards.

Sam backed up, keeping her hands on Elizabeth's arms. "The best," she said, smiling ear to ear.

…..

Tulsa County Courthouse

Jack was sitting in a chair outside the court room, his arms resting on his legs, staring at his hands. He was praying that this would go smoothly so Blake could officially be a Thornton. This was the final step in the little boy legally becoming Jack's. In his mind, the boy was fully his son, without a doubt. This trip had brought him closer to that realization and acceptance. His heart had opened up and Blake had entered into the space that Peyton and Colton dwelled. He was the father of three now and his love for Blake matched that which he held for the twins.

Today will be the closing of the Oklahoma chapter in Blake's book. With the trailer loaded of what little belongings they were keeping, the Goodwill donations delivered, the apartment cleaned and the key turned in, they would be loading up the horses and hitting the road as soon as they were finished in court...the beginning of his new story.

After three days of watching Becky's health fluctuate so drastically, Jack had convinced her to sell her car and ride back in his truck. He had been afraid that she might pass out while driving and he wasn't willing to risk it. They had driven her car to a dealership on Tuesday after dropping off the donations and sold it for what little they had offered. Jack took the cash and handed it to Becky, telling her to spend it on herself or Blake, however she wanted.

Now, as they sat in the courthouse, Jack's mind constantly drifted to Elizabeth, seeing her beautiful face smiling at him as he walked toward the front door to greet her. Almost five days away from her had felt like an eternity and he wanted her in his arms as soon as possible. He was also missing the twins terribly and wanted to feel their little arms around his neck and their kisses on his cheek.

A tapping on his arm brought Jack back to the present and he looked up to find Blake staring at him. "You okay, Daddy?"

Jack straightened and pulled the little boy onto his lap. "Yes, I'm just fine."

"Why are we here?"

"We are going to go in there," he pointed toward the family courtroom, "to ask the judge if we can change your last name."

"Why?"

"Because normally kids have the same last name as their daddy. My last name is Thornton. So, we are going to ask the judge if yours can be Thornton."

"Jackson Blake Thornton?" he asked, his voice filled with innocent confusion.

"That's right," Jack replied, running his fingers through Blake's hair, pushing it off his face. Watching his son's expression, he could see that he wasn't understanding. "When you were born, your mommy gave you her last name...Hardin, because that's what she wanted to do at the time. But now that you and I are together, you should have my last name so everyone knows that you are my son."

"Ohhhh, yes. I want everyone to know." His smile covered his entire face, spreading into his sparkling eyes.

"Me, too," Jack replied, grinning. Blake's enthusiasm over this was contagious and Jack's excitement began to grow.

Becky was sitting in a chair across the hall from Jack and her son, watching and listening to the exchange. Her eyes glistened as she was getting a glimpse into Blake's future, knowing she wouldn't be a part of it for much longer. Her heart ached and swelled at the same time. Happy that her son was finally getting to know his father, but broken that she wouldn't be a part of his path into his new life. Her gaze dropped to the floor as she thought of everything she would miss. Swallowing hard against the lump that had formed in her throat, she thought that she might be sick and quickly scanned the hall for a restroom sign.

"I'll be right back," she said, swiftly moving down the hall with her hand over her mouth.

After splashing some cold water on her face and rinsing out her mouth, she stepped out of the ladies' restroom to find Jack, with Blake's hand in his, waiting for her.

"Are you okay?" Jack asked softly, a look of concern covering his face.

She was dabbing the back of her hand against her lips. "Yes. I'm fine."

Jack could see in her eyes that she wasn't fine, but he let it go for now, knowing there was nothing he could do for her to ease her heartache or illness, whichever was affecting her at this time.

A court security officer stepped out into the hallway with a paper in his hand. "The family of Jackson Hardin?"

The trio moved toward him. "Right here, sir," Jack replied.

"Follow me, please," the man stated, holding the door open until Jack took hold of it.

They sat in plain beige chairs that lined the front, just behind a wooden table that matched the bench and every fixture and trim throughout the room. Jack's knee bounced, a nervous habit he had never been able to break. He had removed his hat, which was now resting on his bouncing knee.

The judge entered the room and everyone stood. Blake was standing in front of Jack as Jack held his hat in his hands, covering the boy's chest. The woman sat down, but Jack, Becky and Blake remained standing.

After glancing at the form in front of her, the judge began. "I'm Judge Sherrie Michaels and I see you have petitioned the court to change the last name of...Jackson." The judge looked at the little boy. "Are you Jackson?" she asked, smiling.

He nodded, then turned his body toward Jack's, hiding his face in his father's thigh. Jack turned the little boy back around to face the front.

"Why are we requesting the change?"

Becky took a step forward and answered, "He has my last name and I want him to have his father's last name." She pointed toward Jack.

"And why now?"

Becky looked at Jack who quickly spoke up. "I just found out about him a little over a week ago, Your Honor. Before then, I didn't know he existed. We've already added my name to his birth certificate."

"I see," she said, shuffling through the pile of papers in front of her. Looking back up at Blake, she asked, "Do you want your last name to be Thornton, like your daddy's...instead of Hardin?" The judge was smiling and her voice was very soft.

Blake, finally relaxing, nodded his head. "Yes. Like my daddy."

She raised her gaze from Blake to Jack. "Mr. Thornton, I applaud you for stepping up and taking ownership of your parental duties. Not too many men would do this after all this time. And you've quickly stepped up to do so."

"Thank you, ma'am."

"Okay, I don't see any reason not to change his name. He definitely seems to want it," she grinned at Blake. Looking through the paperwork in front of her, the judge signed in three different sections, then handed the stack to the clerk. "Congratulations, Jackson Blake Thornton, you now have your daddy's last name."

Blake spun around to face Jack and jumped into his arms, causing Jack to drop his hat to the floor. With one arm behind Jack's neck, he turned to face the judge. "Just like my daddy."

Chuckling, Judge Michaels agreed, "Yes, just like your daddy."

…..

Elizabeth scrambled, picking up toys, wiping off the counter, making beds, starting a load of laundry, trying to get the house back in order for Jack's return. Attempting to get Peyton's room done in time and without Jack being there to help, she had fallen behind with her housework. She was almost caught up as the excitement of Jack's return was building.

As she walked through the kitchen, she noticed Wyatt sitting by the front door, staring at her. "Need to go outside boy?"

The dog jumped up and spun in a circle.

"I'll take that as a yes," she said as she opened the front door and let him out.

The weather was warm and Elizabeth stood in the opening, breathing in the fresh air filled with the fragrance of her lilac bushes growing near the corner of the porch. Seeing they were in full bloom, she retrieved a pair of scissors and cut off a few of the fragrant stems.

She watched Wyatt running across the front yard chasing a squirrel. Just as he was about to snatch its tail, the critter leaped onto the closest tree and climbed to the lowest branch. Sitting safely on its perch, the squirrel chattered at Wyatt, teasing the irritated dog.

Wyatt jumped up and down, barking, trying his hardest to reach the animal.

"Wyatt, quit," Elizabeth finally called out, laughing at the scene.

Feeling defeated, the dog lowered his head and trotted away, keeping his nose close to the ground for the scent of another intruder.

Elizabeth crossed her arms and stared out over the ranch. Wrangler and Harley were in the pasture closest to the house and she watched them slowly moving forward as they pulled at the grass. She had asked Lee to let them out since they'd been cooped up for two weeks. She noticed Lee's truck near the barn, he must be choring. She smiled, thinking of how this entire family would come together in times of need.

Peyton and Colton saw the door open and ran out to join their mommy on the porch.

"Want to go play on your playset?" she asked.

"Yes, yes, yes," they shouted in unison, jumping up and down. They had already begun their twin thing, saying and doing things at the same time.

"Let Mommy put these in water and then we'll go out back."

They followed her through the house and patiently waited until the vase was filled with the purple blooms and was placed in the middle of the island. The twins trailed closely behind her, down the steps and out the sliding door of the basement. As soon as they were outside, Peyton and Colton took off running to the playground Jack had built them last year.

Peyton positioned herself at the top of one of the four slides while Colton carefully made his way up one of the two rock walls. Elizabeth just shook her head and laughed every time she looked at their elaborate playground.

It had taken Jack, Tom and Lee a full month to build it. Jack thought they needed two of everything to keep the twins from fighting over it. And each time they built a section, one of them would think of something to add...and so they would add another part to the set. The result was a giant red cedar playground in the middle of their backyard, complete with two straight slides, two spiral slides, two swings, two rock walls, two play binoculars, and four playhouses. She thought it was a bit overdone, but she also loved watching how excited the twins were playing on it, especially when their cousins would come visit.

She hadn't had a chance to clean up her studio since the storm. Stepping into it for the first time since Jack boarded up the broken window, she took inventory of what would need replacing. She pulled out her canvases, most of which were water damaged, and set them aside to take to the trash later. One of her brush jars had fallen to the floor and shattered everywhere. She had picked most of it up before, but saw a few small pieces that she'd missed. After cleaning up the glass, she checked her paints and pastels that had been kept safe inside the drawers, relieved that the branch hadn't come through that side of the building instead.

She bent down and picked up a plaque, three brushes, a palate knife and some rags that she'd missed the first time, and returned them to the shelf where she stored them. For the most part, she'd been very lucky and had not suffered very much damage inside her little studio.

She glanced out the window to check on the twins and saw them running across one of the bridges from playhouse to playhouse, laughing the whole time. Wyatt kept vigil at the bottom of one of the slides, as always.

Her phone began to ring and she pulled it from her pocket to find Jack's name across her screen. Smiling, she pressed the green button.

"Hey there, Cowboy."

"Hi, Beautiful."

"So?"

"It's done. He's officially Jackson Blake Thornton." Elizabeth could hear the pride in his voice. "We're on our way home."

"What? Now?" Her excitement sent her voice up two or three octaves.

"Yes, I just wanted to get home to you and the twins. I miss you so much."

"We can't wait to see you. You're driving now?"

"We just loaded the horses and had to stop at a station and fill up. They're inside grabbing some snacks."

"Did you get her car sold?"

"Oh, yes. I forgot to tell you that. She didn't get much for it, but I couldn't let her drive."

"I wouldn't either. It doesn't sound like she's very well."

"She'll be fine one second and down the next."

Elizabeth was nodding, "That's the way it will be. Sam was here this morning and told me some things to expect."

"Oh, that's good. I'd like to know what to expect as well." Jack replaced the handle to the pump and finished his transaction.

"I'll ask Sam to sit down with all of us sometime soon."

"Okay. They're on their way out now. I'm going to go so we can get on the road. I want you in my arms."

"Okay, Jack. I'll see you soon."

They were quickly on the road and headed toward Missouri. Blake was buckled into his seat in the back, his tablet playing Spirit once more. Becky was in the passenger seat, lost in her thoughts, staring out the side window. Jack glanced over now and again; her expression never changed. He looked back at Blake and saw that he had his headphones on.

"Are you feeling alright?" He asked, real concern in his voice.

Becky finally turned her head from the window and looked at Jack. "Yes, I feel fine right now."

He turned his gaze from road and looked at her, "What are you thinking about?"

"Everything. A lot has happened this past month and although I have thought about nothing else, I haven't stopped to process it all." She looked back out the window. "It's all hitting me right now. The finality of it all."

Jack could hear her voice crack and looked at her again, seeing the tears begin. He left her alone for a while as he drove, getting lost in his own thoughts, letting her work through hers. Then he saw a sign for a rest area. Knowing there was a playground, he took the exit and parked as close to it as he could.

Jack and Becky stood by the truck, watching Blake running up the steps of the small playground. The little boy slid down the slide and tore around to the steps once more to repeat his fun.

Jack turned his gaze toward Becky, watching her smile and seeing the love for Blake in her eyes.

"I'm sorry," he said, his tone soft and heartfelt.

Becky turned her head, her brow pinched.

"I'm sorry if I ever hurt you." His voice was soft, tender, and filled with sincerity.

She turned her body, her side resting against the fender, her left arm on the hood. "You don't have to apologize to me, Jack. Your heart was never opened for me. You were waiting for Elizabeth and I see that now."

"But I used you and hurt you."

Becky shook her head and looked at Blake. "We used each other," she pointed toward her son, "and as a result, I got him. He's the best thing that ever happened to me. I never knew true love until him." She looked back at Jack. "So, I'm not sorry."

"You are an amazing mom, Becky. Thank you for raising him right."

She turned her body back toward the playground, watching Blake and smiling. "He made it easy."

"I want you to know that we will care for him and love him. He will be treated no differently than Peyton and Colt."

She turned back to Jack. "I know. And that has given me peace. I have no doubt that your family will love him. You have a wonderful family, Jack. You are truly lucky."

Jack nodded in agreement. "I am very lucky. And you will be a part of this family for as long as you live."

She tried to speak, but her throat caught, and all she could do was cry. Jack moved to her side and wrapped his arm behind her, holding her tight in his shelter as they watched their son play. The clouds in the sky had begun to part and sunbeams were breaking through the gaps, shining a bright light across the landscape behind the playground. Blake was in a swing now, pumping his little legs as hard as he could, his head leaning way back as he let the wind blow across his face and through his hair. A smile filled his face, his dimples deep, his laughter filling the air.

…..

Hope Meadows Ranch

Elizabeth was folding a blanket and draping it across the back of the couch when she heard the loud growl of a diesel truck coming down the drive. Running to the window, she saw Jack's truck and trailer making the curve around the driveway toward the house.

"Daddy's home," she shouted up to the twins who were playing in their room.

"Daddy!" they shouted, always in unison, barreling down the stairs.

She opened the front door once Jack's truck came to a stop and watched as her babies ran to his door. As he opened it, they were both at his side, arms up, waiting for their hugs. Jack swung his legs out, knelt in front of them and held them both tightly. She could see their lips going on and on, clearly telling him everything they had done while he was gone. Jack listened patiently, his eyes locked with Beth's, a smile filled his face, as the twins continued. She leaned against the post at the top of the steps, her arms crossed, and shrugged her shoulder as she gave him a grin.

It was then she saw Becky slowly lowering herself from Jack's tall truck and Elizabeth hurried out to help her.

"How are you doing, Becky?" she asked, taking her arm to steady her.

"I've been better," she attempted a joke and a grin.

"Let's get you inside." Elizabeth helped the woman up the steps and into the living room, lowering her down onto the couch by holding her hand and elbow. "Can I get you anything?"

"No, Elizabeth. Thank you. I just need to rest."

"Okay. I'll get Blake and your things."

Becky smiled and closed her eyes, leaning back into the softness of the cushion.

Blake was already outside running around with Peyton and Colton when Elizabeth stepped out. She scanned the area for Jack and saw him unloading the horse and pony, leading them to the barn. Rounding up the kids, she took them inside and sent them up to play.

Becky was sitting up straighter when Elizabeth returned to the living room. Her eyes were open and she was reading Jack's vows on the canvas that hung above the fireplace.

"That's beautiful," she stated, moving her gaze to Elizabeth.

"Yes, Jack had that made for me," she replied, looking at the picture.

"You are a very lucky woman," Becky said.

Elizabeth quickly looked back at Becky, searching her eyes for a hidden agenda. Seeing none, she said, "Yes, I know I am."

"And Jack is a very lucky man to have you."

"Thank you, Becky. That means a lot."

The woman's gaze moved back to the vows and she began to read them once more.

Elizabeth looked out the door and saw the back ends of the horse and pony vanish into the barn. "Will you be okay in here for a few minutes with the kids? I just need to run outside for a bit."

Becky nodded and pulled her phone out of her pocket. "I'll call you if I need anything."

"Perfect. I won't be long."

She ran out the door and across the lawn to the barn. She slowed to a walk as she entered through the large double doors, stopping just inside. Jack walked out of the stall and saw her silhouette against the bright sky as he slid the door closed. His heart skipped, his stomach did somersaults, and he quickly closed the gap between them. His hands instinctively moved to the sides of her face, his fingers weaving through her hair, as he tipped her face towards his. Their lips met and their time apart faded away as they came back together. Jack moved his hands behind her, drawing their bodies together, feeding the desire for the nearness they had longed for since he'd left.

When they finally parted, strictly for the sheer need to breathe, he stared into her eyes, getting lost in the depths of the oceans that made up their perfect shade of blue.

"Welcome home, Cowboy," she said, stretching onto her toes and meeting his lips once more.

He reached up to her face again, cradling it in his hands as their tongues danced. He shifted them back, deeper into her hair, gripping her tresses as if he was afraid she would disappear if he didn't keep hold of her.

Staring into each other's eyes again, both smiling, both hearts racing, both bodies with an internal fire burning for the other, Elizabeth's mouth straightened as she said, "I need to get inside for the kids."

Jack nodded, "I know," and released his fingers from her hair. "I'll be in shortly." He watched as she turned to go, looking back over her shoulder before rounding the corner toward the house, giving him her most beautiful smile. Jack looked at the dirty concrete, grinning and shaking his head, dragging his toe as he turned around, "Lord, help me," he laughed.