2 chapters have been posted tonight...so don't miss out on chapter 62 before reading this one.

I had to add a little steam to this one. J&E needed some time together. And please everyone...review, review, review. Please let me know that you're still with me here and what you think. We appreciate the time you can take to let us know. Thank you!

And I apologize, these last few and next few chapters have been and will be very hard to read...and write.

***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***STEAM ALERT***


May 19th, 2014 – Hope Meadows Ranch

The kids were up, dressed, breakfast eaten, and outside with Jack while Elizabeth was loading the dishwasher. She was standing at the sink now, watching through the window at the kids playing on the playground as Jack chased them. Colton was running across one of the bridges with his daddy right on his tail. Elizabeth could almost hear his laughter as the little boy curled down into a corner trying to protect his belly from daddy tickles. Peyton and Blake were soon upon Jack as they both began to wiggle their fingers along his back. Jack dramatically fell down onto the wood floor of the playhouse while all three kids tackled and tickled him. All Elizabeth could see now was a heap of arms and legs flailing around.

It was 9:43 and Elizabeth hadn't seen any sign of Becky yet. Quietly making her way downstairs, she softly knocked on her bedroom door but there was no answer. She turned the doorknob and opened the door slightly and peered inside. She could see that Becky was still in bed, lying on her side, her back facing the door.

"Becky?" she asked softly. "Becky?" she asked again, a little louder.

But Becky did not answer or move. Elizabeth straightened and felt her heart begin to pound. She had often thought of a day like this, when she would go and find Becky already gone. There was a tightening in her throat as she pushed the door open and took one step inside. She thought that she might be sick and took a deep breath, trying to calm her heart.

"Becky?" she asked one more time. This time, she heard a muffled response. She hurried to her side and pulled back on Becky's shoulder, "Becky?"

"Hmmm."

"Becky, can you answer me?" Elizabeth asked, her anxiety growing with each second.

"Hmmm," was all Becky would say, her eyes still closed.

Elizabeth grabbed her phone from her pocket, scrolled to Sam's name, and pressed call.

A few minutes later, Sam was running down the stairs to Becky's room, where the woman still had not responded any more than a mumbled moan.

"She won't wake up, Sam. I don't know what to do." Elizabeth was becoming frantic. She wanted Jack at her side, but didn't want to scare the kids.

Sam rolled Becky onto her back and sat on the bed next to her. Picking up her wrist, she checked her pulse. "Becky," she said, brushing her hair back and feeling for a fever. "Becky, can you hear me." Becky moaned and moved her head slightly. "Becky, come on, sweetie." Sam was shaking her slightly now, gripping her shoulders.

Becky finally began to open her eyes, but clearly not focusing on anything. She swung her arms around, battling an unseen monster in front of her. She was getting combative with Sam as she tried to calm her down.

Sam turned to Elizabeth, "Call 911."

Elizabeth stood at the bank of windows overlooking the backyard. She had just returned her phone to her pocket after dialing 911 and was watching Jack playing with the kids. She pulled her phone back out and called Jack's.

"What's up?" he asked, out of breath.

"The ambulance is on the way," she said, seeing Jack turning and looking at the house. "Becky isn't waking up. I don't want Blake here when they arrive."

"I'll call Ma and I'll be right in."

She saw Jack shove his phone into his pocket and climb down from the playground, all three kids right behind him. Within ten minutes, Charlotte had arrived and had the kids loaded into her truck. They could hear sirens approaching as Jack closed the last door, and he signaled his mother to hurry out.

Just as she turned to the right out of the drive, she watched in her rear-view mirror as the ambulance turned in.

…..

Jack and Elizabeth sat in the waiting room, still no news on Becky. Elizabeth's hand was in Jack's as he brushed his thumb along the top of her fingers. Tom and Frank were sitting next to them, Frank's head was bowed in silent prayer.

They all stood when Sam entered the room, a small smile on her face. "She's awake and responsive. They gave her fluids, and that alone started to perk her up a bit. They are running a few more tests, but we should be able to take her home this afternoon."

"Praise God," Frank stated.

"So, she was just dehydrated?" Elizabeth asked.

"That was part of it. The morphine patch was too much and sent her into delirium. The cancer is also spreading through her entire body so her organs are beginning to shut down. She's in much more pain than she let on, so they are putting her on intravenous morphine drip so we can better control it." Sam looked to Elizabeth, "Hospice has been called."

Jack wrapped his arm behind his wife, drawing her in against him. Her throat tightened as she fought against the tears, and she nodded her head.

"They think she only has a few days and wanted to keep her here. But Becky insisted on going home. She doesn't want to be in a hospital."

"No, we will not leave her here," Elizabeth spoke up.

"They are going to deliver a hospital bed this afternoon to your house," Sam continued. "Do you have a spot picked out for it?"

"We will figure it out and have it ready before they arrive," Jack assured.

"I'll let them know." Sam looked between Jack and Elizabeth, "I took off the next few days so I can come over if you need me."

"Thank you, Sam," Elizabeth said, moving to her sister-in-law and hugging her.

They held each other for a moment, Elizabeth's shoulders were shaking slightly from the tears that she could no longer hold back. She straightened and wiped her cheeks. "We need to get home so we can get ready," Elizabeth said, turning to Jack.

"We'll stay with her until they bring her home," Tom assured.

"Thank you, Tom," Jack said, hugging his brother.

The couple left and rode home in silence. When they arrived, they stood in their entry way, staring into the house, wondering what they were going to do.

"She can't be downstairs," Elizabeth finally said.

"I know."

"What about in here?" she asked, motioning toward the living room.

"What about privacy for her?" Jack asked, scanning the room.

"I don't think she'll care, but we can get some partitions or something to put up a couple of walls maybe."

"That might work."

They got busy rearranging the room. They moved the couch in one direction, the piano in the other, took one side table to the basement and left another to place next to the bed for Becky. Jack ran to town and returned with four large cubicle panels that he'd borrowed from a friend. By the time the medical store delivery van arrived with the bed, Becky's space had been created and decorated. The painting that Elizabeth had done for her hung on one of the partitions that would be placed near the foot of the bed.

Everything was delivered, set up, and instructions given, and Jack and Elizabeth moved the temporary walls into place. They left the entire backside open which was the left side of the bed, leaving a perfect view of the wall of windows that opened into their backyard. They knew Becky would want to see the outdoors as much as she could. The right side of the bed had a chair and two partitions, blocking the view to her from the front door, and another at the foot of the bed, blocking the view toward the kitchen and dining room. Everything was set up in such a way that she would be able to see the entire living room, including the toy area, the T.V. and of course, the outdoors.

As Elizabeth paced back and forth, waiting for the ambulance to return Becky, she pulled her phone from her pocket and made a call to New Hampshire.

…..

They rolled the gurney through the house and up to Becky's new bed. Jack and Elizabeth stayed back and watched at the men transferred Becky from one to the other, taking care not to cause her any more pain than necessary. A nurse was with them, going over everything with Sam. The two women worked together getting IVs hung onto the metal pole and attached to the ports that were already in Becky's hand and arm. A catheter had been inserted while she was still at the hospital and attached it to a bag that was hanging off the bed.

Becky had been given extra morphine before the ride and she had slept through almost everything as they got her settled into her new living space. Before they were finished, she had fallen into a deep sleep, her face finally relaxing, pain free.

…..

Their house had become a waiting room for the entire family. No one knocked, it was not necessary. They came and went as needed. Becky, Jack, Elizabeth and the kids were never alone. Charlotte, Sam, Tom and Rosie had even planned shifts through the evenings so Jack and Elizabeth would always have another set of hands if necessary.

At one point, when everyone was there, Elizabeth stood. "I would like to do something, but I need help in order to get it completed in time."

"Anything, Beth," Tom replied.

"I want to repaint and decorate the boys' room. Something they would both love. And I'd like it done before Becky..." Her voice trailed off.

"Of course," Rosemary said, moving to her friend's side. "You just tell us what needs to be done and we'll do it."

"Thank you," Elizabeth said, hugging her best friend.

Elizabeth drew out a sketch of her thoughts for the room and a few new ideas had been given to her from the men. A shopping list was created, and Jack, Tom and Lee were sent to town to fulfill it. By the time they'd returned, the rest of the family had already moved the boys into Peyton's room, makeshift beds were set up on her floor, and their room had been emptied.

The work had begun and within a few hours of the first mention of it, the walls had a new coat of paint.

…...

May 20th, 2014 - Hope Meadows Ranch

Jack pulled into the driveway after running errands for Elizabeth, with a trip to the grocery store, the medical store, hardware store, and the farm store for himself. Before leaving, he had helped Elizabeth move Becky and her IV stand to the couch so she could sit up for a while and watch the kids play.

After dropping off a few bags of horse feed into the barn, he pulled around to the front of the house and filled his arms with his purchases. Elizabeth was standing at the sink washing out Becky's emesis basin, and after Jack set the bags down, he walked up behind her and surprised her with a bouquet of two dozen long-stem, red roses, holding them in front of her.

"Jack, these are beautiful," she said, taking them in her hands and turning to face him. "Thank you." Stretching onto her toes, she kissed him softly on the lips. Noticing another bouquet on the island she asked, "Are those for Becky?"

Jack picked up the mixed flower arrangement, including hot pink roses and carnations, orange Asiatic lilies and Peruvian lilies, yellow sunflowers, lavender stock, purple monte casino, green Athos poms, and assorted greenery.

"I wasn't sure what kind of flowers she likes, so I had them put this together. I hope you don't mind."

"Of course, I don't, Jack. These are beautiful. She'll love them. Let me put them in water then you can take them to her."

Elizabeth pulled down a short square vase and filled it with water, then cut and arranged the flowers before handing it to Jack.

"This looks great," he said, kissing her. "Thank you. But first," he removed one pink rose, along with a few other flowers. "This one is for Peyton." He handed them to Elizabeth to place in water.

"She'll be so excited," she said as she dropped them into the little vase.

Elizabeth removed another large vase from the cupboard for her roses as Jack took the flowers to Becky.

Becky was awake when Jack walked around the partition. Her eyes lit up when she saw the flowers.

"These are for you," Jack said softly as he placed them on the table next to her bed.

"Beautiful," she said, cranking her head around to see them.

"Oh, here," Jack said as he pulled the table over, making it easier for her to see.

"Thank you. Who are they from?" She asked.

"Me," Jack answered. "And Beth."

"Thank you," she said. She reached out and ran a finger along the soft pink petal of a rose.

"You're welcome." Jack pulled the flower from the vase and handed it to her. "Here, you can hold it for a while."

She lifted it to her nose and smelled the strong floral scent of the bloom. She kept it in her hands, running her thumb along the tops of the petals.

Jack started to turn to walk away when he felt a hand on his arm.

"I need to talk to you about something," Becky said as Jack turned back to face her.

He lowered himself into the chair next and rested his arms on the edge of the bed. "Sure, what is it?"

"I want you to sell Max to pay for my funeral."

"What?" Jack was taken aback by her comment. He knew that day was coming, but he had tried not to think about it.

"I know funerals are expensive. And Max is a good barrel horse. He's worth some money right now. So, I'd like you to sell him."

Jack shook his head. "No, that won't be necessary."

"Yes, it is. I don't have any money to pay for it. He's the only thing of value that I own. Other than Doodle. But I don't want him sold."

"No, Becky. Don't worry about it. We've got it covered."

Becky started to sit up but a wave of dizziness flooded her and she fell back onto her pillow, as Jack took hold of her arm. Once the spinning stopped, she opened her eyes and looked at him. "No. I don't want you doing that. Please, sell Max."

"You don't want Blake to have him?"

Becky thought for a moment, then answered. "No, I need the money for the funeral."

Jack scooted forward on his chair and took her hand in his. "Becky, we have it covered. I will not sell Max. But I will keep him and take care of him for Blake to ride in a few years."

"I can't ask that of you, Jack."

"I don't recall you asking," Jack replied, smiling. His dimples were out, something she hadn't seen in a while.

"There you are," she said.

"What?"

"You're smiling. I haven't seen that in a while. I'm sorry I've brought such a damper into your home. That was not my intention. I just wanted you to take Blake."

"Becky," Jack lowered his head, gathering his words. "It was our choice to open up our home to you. And we were more than happy to do it."

"I don't know what I would have done without you and Elizabeth. And your whole family."

"We're all here for you, Becky. For both you and Blake." Jack stood and kissed her on her forehead. "Don't worry about anything. We've got it all covered."

"Thank you," she said, her voice cracking.

Blake came running around the partition, almost running into Jack's chair.

"What's up, Blake?" Jack asked, picking up his son and placing him on his hip.

"I just wanted to tell Mommy hello."

Jack sat Blake on the edge of the bed.

"Pretty," the little boy said, touching the rose in Becky's hand.

"What have you been up to?" Becky asked.

"We were playing with Wyatt. He's fun. He licked my face."

"He's a good dog."

"Are you hurting today, Mommy?" Blake asked, the smile leaving his face.

Jack turned his head away as he sucked in a deep breath through his nose. Blake's questions and sadness were drilling him to the core.

"Not too much today," she answered. Her smile appeared genuine and this eased Blake slightly. "Are you having fun with Colton and Peyton?"

"Yes. My brother and sister."

Becky looked up at Jack who was now watching her. "Yes, Blakey. They are your brother and sister."

"I never had a brother or sister before."

Becky chuckled, along with Jack. "No, you sure haven't. But you do now. And lots of cousins."

"Cousins? I do?"

"Oh, yes," Jack answered this time. He lifted Blake, sat on the edge of the bed, and sat him on his lap, facing Becky. "Savannah, Luke, Austin, Noel, Autumn. And there's more that you haven't even met yet. Skylar, Jacob, Amelia and Max."

Blake laughed, "Max is Mommy's horse. He's not my cousin, silly."

"You also have a cousin named Max. But he lives in London. That is a very, very long way away. Across the ocean."

"Wowwww." Blake's eyes were wide as saucers now. "Can we go there?"

"Maybe, someday," Jack answered.

Becky took a long, deep breath, then reached for Blake's hand. "Since we're on the topic of family...I want you to know that I will always be your mommy. But when I'm gone, you'll have a new mommy."

Her eyes moved to Jack's. He was looking at her with shock, shaking his head.

"It's okay," she said to him. Looking back to Blake, she continued, "Elizabeth will be your mommy and I want you to listen to her like a good boy. Just like you listen to me."

"But, you're my mommy."

"Yes, I am your mommy. But after I'm gone, you'll need another one. All little children need a mommy."

"Lizbeth?"

"Yes. She will take very good care of you."

Elizabeth had walked up just as her name was mentioned. She was on the other side of the partition, going unnoticed by Becky and Jack. Her hand was over her mouth, and tears stung her eyes as she listened.

"But, Mommy."

"Blake, I will always be your mommy. No matter what. I will always love you. But you need a mommy that is here to care for you, to help you, to love you. And Elizabeth wants to do that."

"She does?" Blake looked up at his daddy.

"Yes, Blake," Jack replied. "Elizabeth wants to do that, but not while your mommy is here. She is still your mommy right now," Jack said as he laid his hand on her arm.

"Okay," Blake said. His voice was quiet and wavered, clearly filled with worry. "Am I supposed to call her Mommy?"

"You call her whatever you want," Becky assured.

A knock at the door pulled Jack's attention away. He moved Blake off his lap, leaving him with Becky, and walked around the temporary wall near the foot of the bed. Stopping in his tracks, he found Elizabeth standing there with tears staining her cheeks. Realizing what she'd heard, he wrapped her in his embrace and held her. Another knock on the door pulled him away again, but not before he wiped her cheeks dry and kissed her.

"Hey, guys," Jack said, swinging the door open for Tom, Sam and the kids.

Colton and Peyton ran out of the kitchen where they'd been scratching Wyatt's tummy, and greeted their cousins with hugs.

"Hi, Autin. Hi, Luke." Then they waved at Savannah and gave her another hug.

Peyton signed "doll" to Savannah, and the two ran off to play together. The three boys returned to Wyatt in the kitchen, where he was still laying on his back, waiting for more tummy rubs.

"How is she today?" Sam asked.

"Okay," Jack answered, seeing Elizabeth approaching them now, her eyes still red. She stopped at his side and he tucked his arm behind her. "You okay?" he asked quietly.

She nodded.

"What's going on?" Tom asked, looking back and forth between the couple.

"Difficult conversation," she simply answered.

Tom nodded in understanding.

"Is it alright if I go check on her?" Sam asked.

"Of course," Elizabeth said. The two women walked together and found Blake still sitting on his mommy's bed. "Look who's here," Elizabeth said, laying her hand on the little boy's back.

Turning, a smile grew across his face. "Savannah, Austin and Luke?"

"Yep, the boys are in the kitchen with Colt," she answered, lowering Blake to the floor.

"How are you today?" Sam asked, feeling her pulse, and then Becky's forehead.

"I'm alright."

"Wow, those are some beautiful flowers," Sam said once she noticed the bouquet.

"Yes, they are," Becky stated, lifting the rose to her nose again. "Jack and Elizabeth gave them to me."

Elizabeth leaned forward and whispered, "Actually, Jack bought those." She winked at her friend.

"What did he get you?" Becky asked, grinning.

"What?"

"I know for a fact that if he bought these for me on his own, that he brought something for you, too."

Elizabeth smiled, "Well, yeah, he did."

"And?"

"Two dozen red roses."

"I knew it," Becky teased.

Sam watched the exchange between the women, astonished at the light hearted discussion. They spoke to each other as if they were longtime friends. The pair continued with their conversation about the different types of flowers and which were Becky's favorite as Sam sat and listened, joining in now and again.

…..

Their house slowly filled as the day went by. Charlotte and Frank had joined them for lunch, and Rosemary, Lee and the kids arrived after.

Jack had received a phone call from one of his friends, asking if a small group of them could come visit. After a conversation with Becky, she'd finally agreed to them coming over. Within the hour, Diane arrived, along with Candace, Jen, and Amanda. A little while later, Trevor, Mason and Robyn arrived. Jack, Tom and a few of the guys moved the partitions out and moved some chairs in, and the group encircled Becky's bed.

The group laughed about old times and shared their current standings and rankings with Becky. Mason, a close friend to Jack, stood back next to him, catching up on life.

"She looks terrible," Mason said under his breath to Jack.

"Yes, she's gone downhill very fast.

"How's your son?"

"Surprisingly, doing better than the rest of us."

Mason nodded, watching Becky as she listened to everyone's stories. Jack joined his family as Mason joined the group.

"It's got to be so awkward...being here under the same roof as Jack's wife," Jen finally said.

Becky already knew that this is what was on everyone's mind. "No, not really," she replied.

"How can it not be?" Candace asked. "I mean, you slept with her husband."

"He wasn't her husband at the time," Becky quickly rebutted.

"But still, I mean, it's not weird? Seriously, what kind of woman just moves in the mother of her husband's illegitimate child? Is she for real?"

Becky scooted back on the bed, sitting up straighter. "Elizabeth is the realest person I know. She brought me in. She brought Blake in. She's nursed me, shared with me, we've become friends." Becky began to cough and when Diane tried handing her a glass of water, Becky pushed it away. "Elizabeth has God in her heart, and she has shown Him to me."

The group fell silent as Becky spoke...and it was at this exact moment that she knew exactly what Frank had meant by her story helping someone. "God, help me find the words," she said silently to herself. She closed her eyes and saw a vision of a man's hand, holding a pen. She opened her eyes with a new found clarity, and continued.

"Aside from the pastor, Elizabeth is the most honest, loyal, loving person I have ever met."

"The pastor?" Robyn asked.

"Yes, Frank, Jack's step-dad."

"Wait…Jack's step-dad is a pastor? Jack Thornton?" Jen asked.

"Yes, he is. This family has taught me all about God and His love for me. Jack, too."

"Jack does seem different," Mason said. "This explains a lot."

"I don't believe in this God stuff," Jen said, crossing her arms and sitting back in her seat.

"Neither did I," Becky stated. "Until I saw it for myself."

"What do you mean?" Diane asked, moving to the edge of Becky's bed.

"I saw the faith that Elizabeth carries. She invited me into her home. She cares for me...even loves me. She talks to me like a friend. She has shared her entire family with me. Jack told me about his struggles and how he finally forgave himself, even though the Lord had already forgiven him."

The group remained silent, allowing Becky to share her story. Though Jen was skeptical, the others were drawn in and wanted to hear more. Becky shared everything: her struggles as a singer mother, getting her diagnosis, the day she'd knocked on the Thronton's front door. Then she told them of her first visit to the church and of Frank's sermon, and how everyone had prayed over her. Though difficult to do, she tried to describe the feelings that had washed over her throughout all of this.

"That's amazing, Beck," Diane said, holding her friend's hand. "I'm so glad that you finally found the peace that you needed."

"It's so much more than that, Di."

"I want to hear more," Diane added.

Becky explained what she could, of her limited knowledge of faith. But the group listened intently as Becky shared the rest of her story, planting that tiny seed that could blossom into something wonderful.

….

After a few hours of visiting, the house was filled now with laughter as Jack lay on the floor. Autumn was sitting on his stomach and he was tickling her under her chin. The contagious shrieks and giggles had everyone else laughing along with her. Colton was lying on his back next to his daddy, reaching over and trying to tickle the little girl on her chubby legs. Jack lifted Autumn into the air, and rolling toward Colton, he laid the little girl on his son's other side, then began to tickle him. Colt was squirming back and forth, trying to get away, his loud laughter rendering his efforts useless against his daddy's strong hands.

Peyton and Blake, both wanting in on the fun, dogpiled on top of Jack. Wyatt was barking, adults were laughing, children were screeching, as Becky watched. A chuckle had sent her into a coughing fit, and Diane, who was sitting closest, handed her a glass of water.

"Thank you for coming over," Becky said once she got her coughing under control.

"Of course, Beck. I just wish you'd contacted me sooner...years ago. I've missed you." Diane held Becky's hand in hers. "I could have been there for you."

"You are now...that's what matters." Becky squeezed her friend's hand, though her grip was very weak.

Diane moved from her chair onto the edge of the bed. She brushed Becky's hair from her face and laid her palm against her friend's cheek. "I love you, Beck. I hope you know that."

A tear rolled down Becky's cheek, landing against Diane's hand. She nodded her head, unable to speak. Diane leaned down and hugged Becky, trying to be careful not to hurt her. She felt her friend wrap her arms around her and the women wept and hugged each other, both knowing this would be the last time they saw each other.

The others moved in. Candace sat on the other side of the bed, her hand on Becky's thigh. Jen was at her head, brushing her hand down Becky's hair.

The Thorntons had noticed this and were watching the group of friends surrounding Becky. There wasn't a single eye in the room left dry as the friends said their final goodbyes. Lee and Jack were at the door, letting everyone out, saying farewells to their friends.

The house was eerily quiet now as everyone sat in silence. The only sound was some music playing faintly in the background, and the sound of plastic against plastic as the kids played with their toys.

"It was so good to see everyone," Becky said to Elizabeth as she took a seat on the edge of the bed.

"Yes, I'm glad they came over and you got to see them again."

"I'm really tired, though. I think I should sleep now."

Elizabeth ran a finger along the edge of Becky's long dark hair and down her cheek. "You rest now."

Becky's eyes closed and she quickly drifted off to sleep. Images of horses and barrels flashed through her mind as she slept. Max was running the pattern almost on his own as she rode with her hands and arms straight out, parallel to the ground. Her head was tipped back and her hair was flowing behind her in the wind. They ran the pattern perfectly, over and over, constantly repeating it, never growing tired. They finally stopped and watched the sky light up in hues of reds, golds and oranges as the sun dipped behind the horizon. When the sky went dark and the stars began to sparkle like giant diamonds, Becky turned Max, and the pair walked out of the arena, disappearing into the dark tunnel.

…..

May 21st, 2014 - Hope Meadows Ranch

When Sam and Charlotte arrived that morning, Jack was already outside in the arena, riding his horse.

"Where's Jack?" Charlotte asked as she picked up Peyton to give her granddaughter a hug.

"He's out with his horse," Elizabeth answered, wiping the spilled breakfast from Colton's face. "He needed some fresh air so I told him to go out to the barn for a while."

"Understandable," Charlotte replied. "Why don't you join him?"

"What?" Elizabeth walked to the sink and draped the washcloth over the center divider.

"Go. Get some air. Take a break. You both need it." Charlotte had set Peyton back down and was helping Colton out of his highchair.

Sam helped Blake down and cleaned up his plate and a few crumbs from where he'd sat.

"I'm fine," Elizabeth said, picking up her coffee and taking a slow sip.

Charlotte crossed the room and stopped in front of her daughter-in-law. "Go," she said, laying her hands on either side of Elizabeth's face. "Go spend some alone time with your husband, get some fresh air, talk, ride, go to town, whatever you two want to do. Sam and I've got this. Frank and Tom will be here soon."

Elizabeth looked at Sam, finding her sister-in-law nodding her head. "Okay. Becky already ate, I think she's sleeping now."

"We've got this, Beth. Go enjoy yourself," Charlotte said again.

…..

When Elizabeth found Jack, he was in the arena riding Jake. He was wearing his grey and black jacket along with his baseball cap. His eyes were hidden behind his sunglasses and Elizabeth couldn't tell if he'd seen her approach or not. She rested her arms on the rail and watched him as he moved Jake into different gaits and directions.

Finally spotting her, he smiled and turned the horse in her direction. "Hey, Beautiful," he said, stopping his horse in front of her.

"Hey there, Cowboy."

"Want to go for a ride?"

"Absolutely."

Jack guided the horse to the gate, opened it, walked through, and closed it, all without getting down. "Climb on up," he said, moving the horse beside her.

He removed his foot from the stirrup and Elizabeth put hers in. She reached up to Jack who grabbed her arm and pulled her up as she swung her right leg over the back of Jake. Settling in behind her husband, Elizabeth wrapped her arms around his waist, tighter than normal, and held on as Jack kicked the horse into a run.

They ran across the field, feeling the wind in their faces, the warmth of the sun on their skin, the smell of honeysuckle swarmed around them. Elizabeth could feel Jack's arm lay across hers, his fingers pressed between each of hers and curled around to her palm. He kept the horse running, not slowing until they reached the forest's edge. Spinning the horse around, they sat together and looked across the ranch.

Jake's presence had stirred the mares and newborn foals, and Jack and Elizabeth watched as the herd ran across the nearby pasture. They kicked up a cloud of dust as the large group moved past them on the other side of the fence. Jake stood, his ears forward at attention, staring at the animals bucking and kicking, soaking up the weather of this perfect spring day.

Jack turned his horse back to the trees and the couple disappeared among the trunks and brush of the forest. Jake walked along the trail that had been cut through by hundreds of passes by the local deer. Elizabeth's eyes were closed as she laid her head against her husband's back, breathing in the scent of his cologne as much as she could.

Jack tightened his grip on her hand, his fingers still locked with hers. He could smell her perfume as it floated around his head, sending his own senses into overdrive.

As they reached a clearing, Jack guided the horse to the right and headed to a special area that he'd had in the back of his mind all morning. Ducking back into the trees, he carefully moved the horse to the left, then the right, being mindful of where fallen branches were. Jake carefully lifted his legs to move over each obstacle. Elizabeth opened her eyes and peered around Jack, trying to figure out where they were. It was nowhere that she recognized.

Then she saw it, a small patch of grass hidden among the trees. It had been eaten down by the deer and looked almost as if it was part of a manicured lawn. Jack pulled his horse to a stop, took Elizabeth's arm and lowered her to the ground. Once he dismounted, he tied Jake to a branch, walked to the middle of the small grassy area, and held his hand out to his wife.

They didn't speak. Not one word. Their eyes were locked onto one another as Jack removed his jacket and spread it across the grass. Elizabeth stepped forward and slowly unbuttoned Jack's shirt. She pulled the tail from his jeans and pushed it off his shoulders. She stood still, staring at her husband, her heart racing as if it was her first time. Elizabeth wiped her sweaty palms against her jeans as Jack reached for her shirt. Gripping the bottom hem, he pulled it up over her head as she stretched her arms into the air. With his fingers locked around the fabric, he lowered his hands behind her back at the top of her jeans and drew her in, her skin against his, a fiery heat generating between them, warming their skin more than it already was.

He let go of her shirt, letting it fall to the grass. Moving his hands up, he cupped the sides of her face, his fingers moving deep into her hair, he tipped her head back and pressed his lips to hers. His kiss was soft...and yet somehow at the same time, it was firm. Longing. Wanting. Passion filled. Every adjective ran through Elizabeth's mind as she took her husband's mouth with her own. Brushing her tongue along his. He gently bit her bottom lip before his mouth moved on, skimming the hot skin of her neck. Sending her insides into a frenzy.

Driven by the need to feel her husband's skin on hers, Elizabeth's fingers fumbled along his belt buckle, trying to separate it from the leather strap that prevented her from accessing his jeans. After struggling with it briefly, she felt Jack's hands on hers, calming her, slowing her. He pulled the buckle from its grasp, then took her hands and returned them to the front of his jeans. But he held them for a moment, attempting to slow her haste, wanting her to take her time.

When he finally removed his hands, she relaxed. Though her chest was still heaving, trying to catch her breath from her racing heart, she leisurely unbuttoned his jeans, then lowered the zipper. Her eyes raised back up to his, locking with his piercing gaze. The longing in his eyes was as clear as the nose on her face. He wanted her just as badly as she wanted him. But today, he had a controlled way about himself, as his hands glided slowly across her body.

Both wanted to think about something else, anything else, other than what was happening in their house. Each wanted the other to take their mind someplace else, in only a way they could for each other. Jack unhooked her bra, then gradually brought his hands up her back and over her shoulders, pushing the straps off along the way. The pink lace fell to the ground at their feet, discarded to the wayside, unwanted and unneeded at this moment in time.

Elizabeth hooked her thumbs into the sides of Jack's jeans and boxer briefs. She eased them over his hips and pushed them down until gravity finished the job for her. Using one foot, Jack pushed his boot off, stepping out of the pile of denim that laid lifeless at his feet. He pushed his other boot off, and now being free from his clothing, he moved back to his wife. Standing up straight and tall before her, he looked down into her eyes that were staring back up at him. He scooped her into his arms, carried her to the center of the grass, and lowered her onto his jacket. Moving down to her feet, he pulled each boot off, each sock, then eased her jeans down her legs.

His eyes scanned his wife's body, lying among the trees wearing only a pair of pink lace panties. It was the most beautiful sight he'd ever seen. He lowered himself beside her, resting on his elbow. Touching his fingertip to the hollow of her throat, he dragged his hand downward. Her soft, milky skin was developing shiny wet beads of sweat, creating a glistening image of diamonds across her body. His fingers explored her, gently touching each of her most sensitive areas, removing her panties in the process.

Jack leaned down, kissing her mouth, their lips eagerly searching, nipping, and tugging. His tongue swirled with hers as it skimmed along her teeth and lips. He lifted himself up, moved over her, his hands on the grass, one hand on either side of her head, then lowered down on top of her. Her legs were spread as she took him, all of him, deep and hard inside her. Knowing there was no one around within earshot, she called out in pleasure, holding nothing back, as Jack rocked his hips.

The air was becoming warmer as the sun rose higher in the sky. A herd of deer grazed in the nearby field, unaware of the activity in the trees. A mother bird in her nest high in a tree above them screeched and squawked at the nearness of the humans to her newly laid eggs. Jake made breakfast out of the leaves that grew on a neighboring bush, his ears and eyes always alert for an approaching predator.

Having rolled over, Jack was now sitting up, Elizabeth straddling his lap, moving her hips forward and back. Jack's hands were pressed against her back and his lips on her breasts. They made love for what felt like an eternity to them, each taking their turn with pleasing the other. Until the moment they both reached their peak, and Jack tightened his arms around her as she tightened around him.

Their bodies were damp with sweat as they remained locked together, sitting amongst the trees in each other's arms. A tear fell down Elizabeth's cheek. Jack didn't have to ask why, he simply wiped it away and kissed her skin where the salty drop had once resided.

Their breaths began to return to normal, along with their racing hearts. Jack turned and lay down, bringing her with him. They lay on their sides, face to face, arms, legs, bodies intertwined. The couple turned their faces skyward, each looking up at the towering trees looming over them. A mixture of white pines, ash, silver maples, and American elms. The beautiful blue sky was peering between the branches and leaves, as if it was watching them. Watching them share a heartache and the attempt to distract one another, even for just a fleeting moment in time.

They remained in each other's clutches, their bodies fitting together like two perfect puzzle pieces. The sun played with the leaves of the trees, sending a dancing array of sunlight and shadows across the forest floor.

Jack turned his head back to his wife and ran a finger along the bridge of her nose, across the tip, and down the curve to her perfect lips. He traced and outlined her face as she lay still, her eyes closed. She could feel the change of temperature of her skin that his touch left behind, and mentally retraced the path of his fingers.

Jack moved over her, his body hovering above hers. She opened her eyes and found his staring back. Reaching up, she touched his face with both hands, sliding them back into his disheveled hair, she pulled his face to hers, kissing him, wanting him again.

They spent another hour in their private little haven, making love once more, getting lost in the paradise that was their life. Out of breath, Jack dropped beside his wife. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her to him, wanting no separation between them. Pine needles and grass adorned their hair, as well as their legs. Elizabeth's head rested against his chest, as Jack pulled the debris, piece by piece, from his wife's hair.

She lifted her chin and in the first words spoken since they arrived, Elizabeth said, "We should get back."

"Okay," he replied, brushing his fingers under her chin and kissing her forehead.

Once dressed and brushed off, Jack pulled himself onto Jake, then reached down for his wife. They took their time going back, knowing that Becky and the kids were in good hands. Jack took the long way home, following the edge of his property. He moved his hand back, gripping the back of her thigh, and clutched it, holding onto her for the remainder of the ride. Her arms were around him and her hands rested on his chest, her cheek against his back.

The smell of pine and sweat mixed with her perfume and his cologne engulfed them, bringing their minds back to just moments earlier when they were as one, lost in the heat of passion and each other.

Jack stopped the horse in the middle of the concrete aisle of the barn and eased Elizabeth down. Once his feet were on the ground, with a rein in one hand, he moved his other around his wife and pulled her to him until their lips met.

Elizabeth watched as Jack pulled the saddle off, quickly brushed Jake, then put him in his stall. As Jack passed by her, he dropped his hand into hers, locking their fingers together. They walked to the house, hand in hand, enjoying their final few minutes alone.

As they neared the front steps, the door swung open and three children barreled out of the house. Peyton jumped into Elizabeth's arms and Colton into Jack's. Blake walked between them, holding onto the hands on either side of him, as Jack and Elizabeth swung him back and forth. The little boy giggled each time his feet left the ground, then he'd land, run forward, and jump one more time.

…..

Elizabeth found Becky half asleep with an episode of Friends playing on the TV. She sat on the chair beside her and laid her hand on her knee. Becky's eyes slowly moved until they locked with Elizabeth's.

"Do you feel up to looking at something?" Elizabeth asked, her voice soft and caring.

Becky managed a small smile and nodded.

Elizabeth motioned to Jack and Tom, and the two moved to either side of Becky, helping her to her feet. With Jack holding one arm and Tom at the other, they walked Becky to the stairs, while Sam carried the IV bags attached to her arms. And one step at a time, they assisted her to the second floor and to the room that once was Peyton and Colton's.

With Becky standing in front of the door, Elizabeth smiled and pushed it open, revealing the boys' room that she, Sam and Charlotte had just finished. With the help of Tom and Jack, the furniture had been moved in that afternoon.

Becky's eyes grew wide as the men helped her. She looked all around, taking in every detail. A set of bunkbeds sat along one wall with an old-fashioned horse and rider painted on the wall above the bottom bunk mattress. Both beds had blue comforters covered in horses and red bandana pillow shams. A little red table with four blue chairs sat in the middle of the room. The décor spread throughout consisted of two pairs of red leather chaps hanging on the wall, a horse lamp, a lariat hanging off the bed, even two canteens hung in the room.

Becky walked forward with assistance, the men never leaving her side. She ran her fingers along the headboard of the bottom bunk as her eyes continued to scan the room. Elizabeth moved in front of her, seeing a few tears fall down Becky's cheek.

"I wanted you to see where Blake will be living. He and Colt will share this room."

Becky turned her head to face Elizabeth, her tears flowing harder now. She forced a smile and nodded. "Thank you," she said with a hoarse voice. "Thank you."

Becky reached her arms out and Elizabeth moved into them, gently holding the woman and balancing her as they hugged each other. "You're welcome, Becky," Elizabeth whispered to her.

Elizabeth stepped back, keeping her hand under Becky's left arm, steadying her, Tom and Jack still on either side, their hands positioned to catch her needed.

"Blake will love this so much," Becky said.

"How about I go get him and bring him and Colt up here?" Jack asked.

Becky looked at Jack and smiled. "Yes, please."

Elizabeth moved to Becky's side as Jack stepped back. A couple minutes later, Jack returned with two rambunctious little boys. When they walked into the room, Colt and Blake both ran around, touching and looking at everything, eyes wide, mouths dropped open.

"This is your new room, boys," Jack said, laughing at their excitement.

"This is for us?" Blake asked.

"Yes," Elizabeth answered. "You two both get to sleep in here together."

Blake and Colt hugged each other in that little boy way, slapping each other on the backs. Colt jumped onto the bottom bed while Blake climbed up to the top. He leaned over the edge in the small opening of the railing and giggled when Colt looked up and saw him.

"This is wonderful," Becky said, laying her hand on Elizabeth's arm. "Thank you for this."

…...

May 22nd, 2014 - Hope Meadows Ranch

Elizabeth paced across the floor, constantly peering out the front window, until she saw her husband's truck come around the trees, stopping in front of the house. She ran out the front door and down the steps. When she reached the truck, Grace was stepping down as Elizabeth entered her arms.

The woman held her daughter who was crying into her shoulder now. Grace brushed her hand down Elizabeth's hair, something she'd done since her daughter was young, and hummed quietly. Elizabeth straightened and pulled back, her eyes red and swollen.

"There, there, Dear," Grace said, wiping the salty tears from her daughter's cheeks. "It's going to be okay."

Even with all the family around, everyone helping and supporting as much as they could, Elizabeth still needed her parents. "Thank you for coming, Momma."

"Of course, Beth."

"Daddy," Elizabeth said, moving to her father who'd just walked around the truck. His arms were out and she moved into them, like a little girl seeing her daddy after he'd returned from a long trip.

When Elizabeth finally released her arms from her father, William held her out at arm's length and looked at her. "Take us inside, Sweetie."

Elizabeth guided her parents into the house, where Charlotte and Frank were waiting with the kids.

"Oh, my goodness. Look how they've grown," Grace said, kneeling down to eye level with Colton and Peyton. "Come here, babies," she said, her arms outspread as the twins moved into them.

"Gamma," both shouted. Then yelling, "Gampa," they ran to William.

Grace and William both stood in time to see a little boy enter the room. Both looked between Blake and Colton, then glanced up at Jack who was now standing behind them. "Incredible," Grace stated, shocked by the resemblance of all three. She knelt again. "You must be Blake."

"Uh ha. Who are you?"

Jack knelt down behind Blake and laid his hands on his son's shoulders. "This is Elizabeth's mom. You can call her grandma."

With wide eyes, Blake looked at his dad then back at the woman. "I have another grandma?"

"And a grandpa," Grace added, pulling William down beside her.

After introductions and many hugs with Blake, Grace and William followed Elizabeth into the living room to meet Becky.

"She's not having a good day today," Elizabeth warned, before they walked around the partitions.

Becky's eyes were closed when Elizabeth stopped at her bedside. She gently laid her hand on Becky's arm and the woman slowly blinked, staring at the unfamiliar faces around her.

"Becky," Elizabeth's voice was soft. "I'd like for you to meet my parents. This is my mother, Grace. And my father, William."

Grace moved to Becky's side, opposite of Elizabeth, and carefully picked up her hand. "Hello, Becky. It's very nice to meet you."

Becky smiled slightly and blinked her eyes, too tired to talk.

"Why don't you rest, Sweetie," Charlotte said. "We'll be around for a while."

Becky gave a slight nod with her head, only noticeable if you were watching for it, and closed her eyes.

Elizabeth and her parents returned to the kitchen and joined the others.

"It's so good to see you," Charlotte said, wrapping Grace in a hug.

"You, too, Charlotte." Grace had become accustomed to Charlotte's greetings, and had even begun to look forward to them with each visit. "How long has she been like this?" Grace asked.

"She's been getting worse every day. She has been like this since last night," Jack answered.

Grace stepped in front of Jack and took his hand in both of hers, "And how are you doing with all of this?"

"Okay, I guess. It's hard. It's very hard seeing Blake going through this and trying to make sense of it all."

"Oh, I can just imagine."

William had remained fairly quiet since their arrival. Elizabeth was unsure of his reaction to Jack when he'd picked them up from the airport.

"Jack, can you come help me with something?" She asked, "We'll just be a minute." She took her husband's hand and led him upstairs to their bedroom. "Was Daddy terrible to you? I told you I could get them or at least go with you. He was terrible, wasn't he?"

"Beth," Jack said when she finally took a breath. "No. He wasn't terrible. He hasn't said much, but he was fine. He asked a few questions and he sounded genuine about them."

Elizabeth let out a breath of relief. "Oh, good."

"Beth, this isn't exactly an atmosphere to be chatty." Jack rubbed her arms, then pulled her into a hug.

"I know. I was just so worried about how he would treat you. And then you insisted on picking them up. My mind was all over the place."

Jack chuckled. "So, just another day in the life of Beth?"

"Very funny," she said, slapping his arm. "Thank you."

"For what?" He tucked her hair behind her ear and kissed her cheek.

"For making me laugh."

Jack cupped her face and kissed her. "Anytime." He grinned, a real grin, his dimples caving in.

Elizabeth ran her fingers across them, "So good to see these."

…..

Sam, Tom and their kids arrived later that afternoon. Shortly followed by Rosemary, Lee and the girls. Elizabeth, Sam, and Rosie each took turns visiting with Becky during the few times she was lucid that day. Grace had tried talking with her a couple of times, but Becky had been unable to stay awake.

They kept the conversations light that evening during supper with the kids in the room. But when the adults were alone and out of earshot of Becky, they had begun discussing the impending funeral, much against Elizabeth's discord.

…..

That evening, when Elizabeth had finally made it to bed, Jack was already asleep. She moved in next to him, pressing her chest to his back and wrapped her arm around him. Her face was at the back of his neck, her breath sending chills through his spine. Jack was instantly awake and rolled over to face her.

"What's wrong?" he asked, brushing the hair off of her face.

"It's just been a long day. Will you hold me, please?"

She turned and Jack drew her in tight against him. He held one of her hands in his, tucked against her chest, and gently brushed his thumb along her fingers until she fell asleep.

…..

May 23rd, 2014 - Hope Meadows Ranch

The morning was spent much the same as the previous one; Becky was out of it most of the time, but someone was constantly checking on her. The entire family had trickled in by lunch, but Tom and Sam arrived with arms loaded with food and fed everyone.

Tom and Lee had joined Jack when he'd gone out to chore, each man needing some time away from their own imaginations. Watching Becky in such a helpless state had all the guys putting their wives in her shoes, and struggling with the thought of it.

That afternoon, Frank and William were sitting out on the front porch, discussing different aspects of the Bible. Grace and Charlotte were baking cookies, with help from Savannah, Noel and Peyton. Tom, Lee and Jack played a game of pool while the young boys watched a movie on the basement TV. Sam had gotten called into work soon after lunch, promising to return the next morning.

When Rosemary went upstairs to nurse Autumn, Elizabeth snuck in to check on Becky and found her staring off in space...or so she thought.

"How are you feeling?" Elizabeth asked, sitting in the chair next to the hospital bed.

"Is that Jack?"

Elizabeth turned around to see that Becky was looking at a painting that she'd just hung that morning.

"Yes, that's Jack."

"Did you paint that?"

"Yes. I gave it to him after he was baptized. I just moved it in here today. It had hanging out in Jack's office."

"It seems familiar."

"Yes. It's based on a famous painting by Thomas Blackshear called Forgiven. My parents have had that painting hanging in their house since I was a child. I would just sit and stare at it for hours. I did this for Jack so he'd never forget whose child he is and that no matter how hard life gets, Jesus is always there to help him through it. I wanted Jack's face on it so he would identify with it more."

"It's beautiful." Becky stated, unable to take her eyes off the artwork.

"Thank you." The women sat quietly, looking at the painting. "I'll be right back," Elizabeth said, getting up and walking around the partition. When she returned, she had Jack's Bible in her hand. "I want to read you something that goes with that painting." She opened the book; the cover was showing signs of wear due to the amount of time Jack spent reading it. The pages had many notes in the margins, lines highlighted, and a folded piece of paper marking a page in the book of John. But instead of reading from the Bible, she unfolded the paper and pushed it flat on the book. "Frank gave me this poem when he heard I was painting this, and I gave it to Jack when I gave that to him. I believe it was written by Frank's pastor friend that wrote the poem that he read at church a couple weeks ago. It's called, 'I Have a Picture.'" Elizabeth cleared her throat then began to read.

"I have a picture of Jesus and me;
On the wall in my office, come and see!
Take a close look, at the hammer in my hand;
I am so weak; I cannot even stand!
I also have a nail, that causes Him pain;
Every time I sin, He feels it again
He is holding me up, to keep me from falling;
And in my ear, my name He is calling!
You can see clearly, my guilt and shame;
The filth of my sin, of which I am to blame!
He also keeps saying, just lean on me;
I will get you home, I will set you free!
The words that I hear are hard to believe;
Why would he save a sinner like me?
Why would He die, on Mount Calvary?
He is Holy and spotless, it's easy to see;
Why lift a sinner, as unworthy as me?
He has taken me from darkness, into the light;
From a life of death, into the way of life!
The picture is clear, he's holding me up today!
Do I deserve it, not ever, no way?
But I am firmly in the grip of His arms of love;
I am thankful I have a picture, with the Savior above!"

(Poem by Pastor Kerry Lake)

As she listened to Elizabeth, Becky's gaze shifted back and forth between His nail scarred hand and His face. She felt as if she knew him, possibly from a dream; she wasn't sure. She wanted to see Him now, she wanted Him to hold her up, to remove this cancer that was invading her body and taking it over. She wanted to hear His voice say her name, to welcome her home. She wanted to feel His arms around her, giving her the strength she had lost. She wanted to feel whole again.

"I want to hear Him say my name," Becky said in a weary voice.

Elizabeth set the book aside and stood, leaning over Becky. She took the woman's hand in hers, holding it against her own chest. "And you will, Becky. You will rejoice at the sight of Him and sing His praise. You will feel His love and grace. Your pain will be gone. You will be free."

Becky nodded, still staring at the painting, yet no tears fell. She knew her time was near. She knew she would be meeting her Prince soon. She looked into the face of Jesus, longing to see Him in person. Longing for the pain to end. Becky closed her eyes and still saw His face...but he was looking at her now. His eyes locked with hers. He was holding out His hand for her to take it. She wanted to reach out for Him.

…..

May 24th, 2014 – Hope Meadows Ranch

Frank was sitting at Becky's bedside, reading to her from the Bible. She was only half awake when she heard the word "baptized."

"I'm supposed...to be...baptized," she struggled to say.

Frank stood so she could see him without moving. "Yes, God does say that believers should be immersed in the water, but He also is an understanding God." The smile on his face was gentle and kind, and would put anyone at ease.

"I..." Becky closed her eyes and waited for the next wave of pain to subside. "I need to."

Frank held her hand in his, "Becky, God understands if you aren't."

A tear fell from the corner of her eye. "I need to."

Hearing the desperation in her voice, Frank squeezed her hand. "I'll see what I can do."

Twenty minutes later, the family was all standing around Becky's bed, the temporary walls had been moved out of the way, and Jack was at her side. Sam inserted something into her IV port, some pain meds that would work instantly to ease any discomfort that she would experience. She then proceeded to disconnect each IV and the catheter bag.

Grace had her arm through Elizabeth's, gripping onto her hand as she watched Jack. Slowly and carefully, Jack slid his arms beneath Becky's back and legs as Sam pulled the blankets back. He picked her up, cradling her against his chest. She was much lighter than he'd expected, it felt as if he was carrying a child.

Frank led the way, followed by Jack, then the rest of the family. They walked up the stairs to the master bathroom, where Elizabeth had already run a warm bath. A towel and change of clothes were laying on the double sink for Becky.

Wearing just his jeans and a T-shirt, Jack stepped into the water and knelt to his knees, carefully lowering her into the water. Keeping his hand under her head, he stepped out onto a towel that Elizabeth had spread across the floor and Frank stepped in.

The whole family had moved into the room, including the kids, who somehow knew to keep quiet. There wasn't much room for everyone, but they made it work. Their arms were interlocked or around one another, each of the smaller children were in someone's arms. Savannah was standing next to Tom so he could sign Frank's words to her.

Frank was cradling Becky's head in one hand, his other holding one of hers against her chest. He was kneeling next to her on one knee, trying to keep enough room for when it came time to immerse her.

"Do you believe that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior?"

"Yes," she faintly replied.

"Because you've professed your faith in the Lord Jesus, I now baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit."

Frank placed his hand over her face, plugging her nose for her. He slowly lowered her below the surface of the water and quickly pulled her back up.

There was not a dry eye in the room.

Elizabeth picked up the towel as Jack stepped back into the water next to Frank. Together, they got her back into Jack's arms as he lifted her out.

Everyone, except Elizabeth, Rosie and Sam, left the room and returned to the main level, as Jack carried Becky into their bedroom and eased her onto their bed. The women began to towel dry her as Jack changed into dry clothes in the bathroom, then left them to get Becky changed. He waited outside the door until he was called back in.

Elizabeth sat on the bed to Becky's left, as Rosie and Sam stood next to the bed on Becky's right. Each one carefully working together to remove her clothing, replacing them with dry ones.

When they were done and Becky's hair was towel dried and brushed out, Elizabeth opened the door and let Jack back in. He picked her up once more, and carried her down to her bed. They got her situated comfortably, and Sam reconnected each of her IVs and catheter bag.

The walls were put back, Frank returned to his seat next to her and began reading from the Bible, as Jack and Elizabeth stood and listened from the other side of her bed. Blake had pushed in front of Jack and he picked him up so he could see his mom. Becky saw him and turned her head; a forced smile slowly covered her lips. She lifted her hand and Blake took it. He held it as if it was a piece of crystal that he'd been told not to drop, for fear it would break. As he let go, he tucked his head into Jack's shoulder and wrapped his arms around his daddy's neck, burying his face into the fabric of his shirt.

Jack motioned with his head to Elizabeth that he was going to take Blake out, then vanished around the edge of the partition.

Elizabeth pulled the nearby chair closer to the bed and lowered herself into it. She held Becky's hand as they listened as Frank read from the book of Luke.

"Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

Then Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."