Thank you for your reviews. Hope to hear from a few more of you this time! Sorry...no steam alert this chapter...but it's coming in the next one! ;)
July 12th, 2014 – Rodeo of the Ozarks, Springdale, Arkansas
The top competitors from the past two days were returning for the finals. The crowd was larger, the temperature was warmer, the stakes were higher, and the tension was growing.
Savannah was pacing back and forth along the horse trailer when Jack found her.
"What's wrong, sweetie? Do you know your mom is looking for you?"
"Sorry...there's so many people."
"Most of them were here yesterday," Jack replied. "Why are you nervous now?"
Savannah stopped pacing and leaned her back against the trailer. "All the girls riding today are really, really good."
"Okay."
"They've been running barrels longer than me."
Jack knelt in front of his niece. "Honey, yes, most of them have been competing longer than you. But that means nothing. Yes, all the girls that are riding today are really, really good. Including you." Jack smiled, his dimples showing, watching Savannah coming to realize that he was right.
"I guess so," she finally said.
"No guessing about it. I have never seen a team as connected as the two of you. You'll do amazing things with that horse."
"You and Harley are a good team. And you and Jake."
"Yes, that's true. But even Harley doesn't give me as much as Cash gives you."
"Really?"
"Really. That horse knows you're different and he takes care of you. He loves you and wants to please you. He shows that by the way he performs for you."
"Really?"
Jack chuckled, "Yes...really."
"He is a pretty awesome horse," she signed, smiling.
"Yes, S, he is an amazing horse."
Savannah was beginning to believe in herself; though she was still nervous, it wasn't controlling her any longer. She followed her uncle and the two of them joined their family on the bleachers to watch the bronc riders.
…..
As the calf tying event was going on, Jack looked over to Luke to find him watching it intently. He was quietly making comments to himself, celebrating when they did well, upset when they did poorly. Jack watched the boy's facial expressions then nudged his brother.
"What?" Tom asked, looking up at Jack who was sitting behind him.
"Watch Luke," he answered softly.
The two brothers continued to watch the boy as he remained locked on to each rider that competed.
Jack leaned down and whispered to Tom. "Looks like you're going to have another rodeo star."
"He has been practicing in the back yard with his rope and steer head. I just thought he was playing around."
"That look in his eyes isn't just play, Brother."
"I can see that. I guess I'll have to bring some calves up to the barn for him."
"Let me know when you do, I want to be there," Jack grinned as he leaned back against the empty bleacher behind him, resting his arms on the warm metal.
Tom looked back at his brother once more, "You know we'll be horse shopping again. I'll expect your help finding him one as good as Cash is for Savannah."
"I'll be there," Jack said smiling.
…..
"Mommy!" Blake shouted as he ran across the metal bleacher.
"Slow down, sweetie," Elizabeth stated, holding out her hands to catch him if he tripped. "What are you so excited about?"
"Mutton bustin'!" he said loudly, jumping onto her lap. "There's mutton bustin' here today and I'm gonna ride a sheep."
"Is that right?" she giggled. The excitement that exuded from Blake had everyone around them smiling.
As Elizabeth and Blake had a conversation, Charlotte, Frank, Sam and Rosemary all looked at each other, eyes wide, shock on their faces. When Blake stood and ran back down where Jack, Lee and Tom were standing, the four of them all turned to face Elizabeth.
"What?" she asked, having no idea why they were staring at her.
"When did that happen?" Charlotte asked.
"What? Mutton busting?"
"No...Mommy."
Realizing what had happened, Elizabeth's face relaxed as she smiled. "A couple weeks ago, he ran into the kitchen at home and called me Mommy like it was normal. He didn't even notice he'd done it. We didn't say anything to him because the next time he called me Elizabeth. Then a couple days ago, he called me Mommy again. We sat down and talked to him about it, letting him know that it was up to him, but also that it was fine if he wanted to call me that. And he has ever since."
"That's wonderful, Beth," Sam stated, laying her hand on her sister-in-law's knee.
"Yes, dear. Every child needs a mother in their life," Charlotte stated, wrapping her arm around Elizabeth's shoulders. "Especially one as sweet and loving as you."
"Thank you, Mom. Jack and Tom are very lucky to have you, too."
….
Several things were planned for the half time show of the rodeo. Beginning with mutton busting, Blake and Austin were both beside themselves, waiting to go. With their safety vests on, just like real cowboys according to Blake, they stood next to their fathers and watched the other kids take their turns.
Austin was next and Tom stood in the chute with his son. He had listened to Jack last time the kids rode, and he gave the little boy the same directions that Jack had given Blake. With his fingers locked into the wool and his legs squeezed tight, Tom motioned to the gateman that he was ready.
The fluffy animal shot out of the pen and ran full speed toward the waiting herd at the other end. Austin held on for five seconds before losing his grip, hitting the dirt with a mask covered face. Tom ran to his aid and grabbed his vest, pulling the boy to his feet. Expecting to see tears in his son's eyes, he was surprised when he saw him laughing.
"Did you have fun?"
"Yes. So much fun! That was awesome," he said, spitting out dirt between each word.
Tom smacked him on the back and walked him out of the arena to wait for Jack and Blake.
Jack was in the chute now, the sheep's rump locked between his knees while he got Blake situated.
"Now, remember, lock your fingers in this wool and don't let go."
"Okay, Dad."
"Use your legs, too. It's very important to use your legs. If you lose your seat, your fingers will not be able to hold on."
"Okay, Dad."
"Are you ready?"
"Ready."
Jack nodded and the gate swung open. It stood still for a brief second, then spun out of the chute toward the right. Realizing the other sheep were at the south end, he turned sharply and began running in their direction.
Blake lost his balance when the animal turned, but he twisted his toe into the sheep's flank to hold on. This kept the young boy on, but it also sent the sheep into a series of bucks. Blake fell off just after the six second buzzer sounded.
He jumped to his feet, both arms in the air, running toward Jack, who was running toward him. Jack grabbed him under his arms and threw him into the air. Having forgotten about his shoulder, he winced when his arm raised too high, almost causing him to drop Blake. He shook it off and carried Blake out, high fiving him along the way.
"That was awesome," Austin said, hugging Blake when Jack lowered him down. "Your sheep bucked."
"I know. It was so cool. Wasn't that cool, Daddy?"
"It was amazing," Jack beamed.
Blake came in first that day and ran to receive his trophy. Austin was second and got a smaller trophy, but he was so excited. The boys celebrated together, doing a little dance they'd seen other cowboys do. The family was in hysterics by the time the boys and their dads made it back to the bleachers.
"Mommy, look!" Blake shouted as he handed his trophy to Elizabeth.
Having missed the earlier conversation, Tom looked at Jack and mouthed the word, "mommy?"
Jack smiled and nodded.
Jack and Tom took their seats next to their wives as the next part of the show entered the arena. Colton ran to Jack and climbed up onto his lap, turned, and faced the truck that was entering.
The announcer introduced the act. It was Rider Kisner, a trick roper and one of the fastest guns around. He was standing on top of a platform as the truck slowly moved across the area. He was tossing and turning and catching a pair of white pearl handled guns.
All the kids were on the edge of their seats now, watching him, gasping at each trick. Even Savannah and Luke were mesmerized by Rider as he worked his magic with the guns.
Then the man picked up two small lariats and began twirling them both next to his feet. As soon as he began jumping in and out of the loops, alternating legs, Colton jumped up and started clapping, joined in by his sister. After a few more rope tricks, he walked down a set of steps at the back of the platform, and met his assistant who was holding his horse. Once on, he began working the loop of a very long lariat, opening it more and more by spinning it, until it was large enough to encircle his horse as he rode across the arena.
Noel, Savannah, and all the other children were on their feet now, clapping, smiling, a couple dancing. Jack, Elizabeth and the rest of the adults were laughing at the kids and feeling their excitement.
"Did you see that, Daddy? Did you see that?" Colton called out.
"I sure did, Colt. Do you think you want to try that on Peanut?"
"Can I?" the little boy asked, his eyes wider than Jack had ever seen them.
"Me, too?" Noel asked Rosemary.
"Me, too. Me, too," Peyton joined in.
"Way to go, Jack. Now I have to teach my kids how to trick rope," Lee stated, rolling his eyes.
"Brother, you need to learn how to rope before you teach them tricks," Jack joked.
Lee spun in his seat, eyeing Jack. "Oh, you're going there."
"Went there and back already, Brother. Keep up," Jack laughed. And before he knew it, he was doused with a glass of ice water.
"You need to cool off, Jacko," Lee joked back.
Elizabeth was looking at Jack now, grinning, her eyes wide. Jack was watching her, wiggling his eyebrows, the desire for each other quite evident in their glances.
"Again? Do you two ever stop?" Lee said, turning back around in his seat.
"Lord, I hope not," Jack exclaimed, quite loudly.
Elizabeth's cheeks were bright red by now as Charlotte gave her son a scolding look. "Boys."
"Sorry, Ma," Jack and Lee said simultaneously.
When Rider was finished and out of the arena, the rodeo clown entered and began talking with the announcer. They asked for four teams of four men each to come out into the arena.
"You guys go," Sam shouted.
"Nope, I'm good," Lee remarked.
"Come on, Brother," Jack said, smacking Lee on the back. "Afraid you can't hang with us?"
"I'm afraid I'll embarrass you with my skills," Lee replied.
"Oh, then show us all your mad skills, Lee," Tom added, standing up and egging him on.
"Fine, let's go. We need four though. Frank...you in?"
Charlotte nudged her husband, "Get on out there. I'd love to see this."
"Sure, why not," Frank responded, standing and joining the guys.
The four men scaled over the fence and made their way to Benji, the clown, and waited for their instructions.
Once enough men had arrived to make up the teams, Benji began the rules. One man from each team had to place his forehead on a baseball bat and spin around ten times. Then he had to get onto a large inflatable horse and bounce across the dirt to his waiting teammate, who would repeat the steps. This would go on until the last man crossed the finish line.
The women and kids were laughing at the guys as they were horsing around, trying to pick their lineup. Frank would begin, then Lee, Tom, and end with Jack.
The women cheered as Frank took his stance to begin. After the ready, set, go, Frank was spinning as fast as he could. Slowing as he neared the tenth spin, he dropped the bat and tried to run for the horse., but his feet went the other direction, bringing him into one of the other men that was also stumbling around.
After finally getting his footing, he got on the horse and bounced across the dirt. Lee was standing at the other end with another bat, yelling at Frank to go faster. As soon as he crossed the line, Lee began spinning. At rotation eight, Lee lost his balance and fell over. Standing, he did his last two, then ran to the horse, falling once more.
Laughter filled the air around the arena as the men bounced across the dirt. One fell off his horse while another continued to go sideways. Tom was spinning now, then as he made his way to the inflatable, he stumbled, stopped, and began to run again.
As Tom bounced past Jack, Jack began his turn with the bat. Turning faster than the other men, he was soon headed for the horse. Each time he'd start to lose his balance, he'd stop with his feet at a wide stance, regain his footing, and continue.
"Go, Daddy," all three kids shouted as Jack jumped on the air-filled horse.
Jack jumped up and down, moving the horse quickly across the dirt, falling over just as he crossed the finish line. Once he was on his feet, Benji held Jack's arm into the air, signaling the winning team.
The guys were each handed a gift bag from Cinch, filled with different trinkets, T-shirt, and a gift certificate. They climbed the fence and rejoined their families, who were all waiting in laughter, as the four men celebrated their win.
…..
Jack and Lee waited on their horses behind seven other teams. Jake and Cisco stood still, calm and relaxed. But once they got into the arena and into the box, they would change and be fired up to perform.
"How's your shoulder today?" Lee asked.
"Hurts. A lot."
"You've been hiding this for some time, haven't you?"
Jack looked at Lee, "Yeah."
"Why didn't you tell anyone?"
"I was managing it with Tylenol for a while. I knew I'd have to go to the hospital for them to do something and just couldn't be out of commission that long. And then Becky and Blake happened. But now it's constant and I can't lift my arm past midway."
"And you just spent all that time in the lake throwing the kids?"
"Yeah, that was a big mistake," Jack grinned. "I'm paying for that one."
"So, you've been going on with life as normal, acting like everything was just peachy. But in reality, every time you did something that involved that shoulder, you were in pain. And hid it."
"Pretty much," Jack replied. "I had things to do."
"We all have things to do, Jack. But you need to take care of yourself."
"I know, Brother. I've been scolded several times by Beth. I won't be making that mistake again."
The guys moved their horses up as each team took their turns. They were next and were now in the arena, waiting for the team ahead of them to run their steer. They watched as the guys performed perfectly, each making their catch, but a flag was thrown and the announcer reported that they broke the barrier, adding ten seconds to their time.
Lee smacked Jack on the leg as he passed by, headed to the starting box. "Ready for this, Jacko?"
"Let's do this," Jack replied, kicking Jake into a job toward the pen.
He walked his horse into the box, turned him around and backed him up against the box pad. The horse leaned back, doing just as Jack had trained him, waiting for his cue from his owner.
Jack and Lee both swung their ropes back and forth, opening the loop to the desired size, then tucked it under their arms, holding the rope at the knot in their right hands. With both horses alert and ready, Lee nodded his head and the steer was released.
The horses leaped into action as they moved forward. Lee circled the rope over his head only twice before releasing it, landing perfectly around the animal's horns. He veered Cisco to the left, pulling the steer sideways, setting him up just as Jack tossed his rope.
The guy's horses stood, facing each other, the steer between them, the men staring at each other in disbelief. Jack moved Jake forward a few steps, allowing slack into the rope, freeing the steer.
"3.7 seconds!" the announcer shouted. "Now that's how you do it folks!"
He waited near the gate for Lee to return after getting his lariat released from the steer. As Lee ran his horse toward him, Jack could see a huge grin on the man's face.
"How was that, Brother?" Jack asked, smiling ear to ear.
"Doesn't get much better than that, Jacko." Lee smacked the back of Jack's left shoulder, causing the man to flinch forward, his face twisted. "Oh, shit. Sorry, Jack. I mean...shoot."
"No problem, Lee," Jack said, his teeth clenched.
"Seriously, Jack. Sorry about that," Lee said again as they left the arena. Once he saw Jack's face, Lee pinched his brow and added, "You really are hurting. How have you been hiding this for so long?"
"Lots of practice," Jack said, rolling his shoulder back. "But that trip to the lake...that really messed it up."
"I guess so."
The guys waited outside the arena, watching the remaining four teams race the clock. As soon as the last team's header missed his mark, the guys knew they had it in the bag and celebrated with a fist bump and smiles.
"Three-time world champion bull rider, Jack Thornton, is sure making his mark in team roping. Along with long-time buddy and fellow bull rider, Lee Coulter. Let's welcome them back to the arena to receive their buckles, check and to take their victory lap, our new Rodeo of the Ozarks Team Roping Champions with a 3.8 second run!"
The duo entered the arena, and stopped by the sponsor who was holding an oversized check for $4100. They dismounted their horses, stood for photos with the check, and accepted their buckles. With the buckles in hand, they remounted their horses and kicked them into a dead run. Running along the outside edge of the ring, Jack and Lee each removed their hats, waving them at their fans. As they reached their families, their five kids lined the railing, with their wives and family behind them, clapping, screaming, and jumping up and down as the men approached.
Jack slid Jake to a stop, sending another wave of cheers through the stands, reached over the railing and kissed Elizabeth. Roars and whistles filled the bleachers as Jack placed his hat back on his head and finished the loop and rode out to the grass.
"You always have to show me up in front of my wife, don't you," Lee teased.
"Hey, no one stopped you from doing the same," Jack said, pointing at his friend.
"Well, her belly probably would have."
"I'm telling her you said that," Jack replied, squeezing his horse into a run and heading for the trailers.
"Jack Thornton," Lee called out, trying to get Cisco to catch up with Jake, "Don't you dare."
…..
"How are you feeling?" Rosemary asked Savannah.
They were standing next to the trailer as the young girl fed Cash a handful of grass.
"Okay, I guess," she answered.
"You're just as good as all of them. You know that right?"
Savannah shrugged her shoulders.
"Well, if you weren't, you wouldn't be riding today."
"Uncle Jack said the same thing."
"He's right. You should listen to him."
Savannah turned and faced her horse and began petting his neck.
Rosemary tapped on the young girl's shoulder, and when she turned back around, she continued. "What's the worst that could happen?"
"I could come in last or get a no-time."
"Is that the worst?"
Savannah gave Rosie a confused expression.
"Wouldn't it be worse not to be here at all?"
A small grin began on Savannah's lips as she nodded, yes.
"Well, you've already beaten that. So, the worst can't happen."
Savannah smiled and shoved her shoulder into Rosemary's arm. "You're silly," she signed.
"I've heard that before." Rosemary winked and patted Cash's neck. "You'll do just fine. Cash knows what to do."
The young girl nodded, still smiling.
"Now, go get 'em and show them how a Thornton girl can ride just as well as the boys."
Savannah gave Rosie one big nod, quickly mounted her horse, and rode him toward the staging area near the entry gates.
…..
Rosemary returned to her seat and took Autumn from Lee's lap, moving her onto her own.
"How'd it go?" Jack asked, looking around Elizabeth at Rosemary.
"Pretty well, I do believe."
"What did you tell her?"
"To go show them that this Thornton girl can ride just as well as the boys."
Jack leaned back laughing and slid his hand into Elizabeth's. "She can do just that. That's for sure."
Peyton was on Elizabeth's lap and had begun to doze off when Colton ran up and jumped onto Jack's, bumping his sister in the process.
"Stop it!" Peyton shouted. "I was sweeping."
"Sorry," Colton replied, patting his sister's arm.
"It's otay," she said, laying her head back against Elizabeth's chest, eyes closed.
The steer wrestling event had just ended and barrels were announced to begin next. The children returned to their seats and the parents focused on the arena. Savannah rode third and could be seen just outside the gate next to Tom. He was talking to her, obviously trying to calm her nerves that had creeped in once more.
The second runner was in the arena now, and the family focused on Savannah, who was waiting off to the side. Her eyes were locked on the rider, turning the third barrel, knocking it over. Savannah dropped her head, drawing in deep breaths, then looked back to her father.
He signed to her to get ready, then dropped his hand, signaling her to go.
Sam stood, watching her daughter living her dream, as she rounded the first barrel, then the second, then the third. As they came around the last barrel, just as Cash was about to straighten and run toward the gate, he stumbled slightly. Sam could feel her heart in her throat as she watched her daughter slip sideways in the saddle, but the young lady quickly recovered, pulling herself back into her seat, and kicking Cash to move faster.
They finished without any penalties, but the small slip cost them two-tenths of a second. They were still currently in first, as both riders ahead of her knocked over barrels, but she was sure it would quickly be beaten within the next few riders.
The family watched from their seats, while Savannah and Tom watched from the staging area with the other riders. Each person that went, either, knocked over a barrel or two, or had just been unable to beat Savannah's time of 17.66.
With each competitor, Savannah sat a little taller in her seat, as the possibility of her winning moved a little closer to reality. Tom was next to her, his hand on her leg, as they watched the timer after each rider. 17.69, 17.72, 17.73, were a few of the times that had placed so far.
With only four riders remaining, Savannah swallowed hard, attempting to dislodge the lump in her throat. Back in the stands, the entire family had moved to the edge of their seats, willing each rider to move slightly slower.
The final rider approached the gate, Savannah's time still unbeaten. It was a large palomino mare known throughout the rodeo community as one of the fastest ones around. She was ridden by a fourteen-year-old that had been running barrels competitively since she was nine.
Savannah was clutching onto Tom's hand now as they watched the young lady enter the arena. She knew the time she had to beat. Her previous day's time had been 17.65, just behind Savannah, and was determined to beat it.
With a perfect turn around the first two barrels, the palomino dug in, closing the gap to the third barrel very quickly. Then the rider made the biggest mistake any barrel racer could make, she took her eyes off the barrel and looked at the gate too soon. The horse turned too quickly, just nicking the barrel, knocking it over.
The Thorntons and Coulters jumped to their feet and began screaming for Savannah. The young girl slid off her horse into Tom's arms, and he swung her around in a circle.
"Let's give it up for our young riders today, folks!" the announcer stated, queuing the audience to applaud all the girls. "And now let's raise the hypothetical roof of this arena...for our new Junior Barrels Champion...Savannah Thornton!"
The crowd exploded as Savannah led Cash and entered the arena to receive her check and buckle. She stood for a photo, holding the corner of the large $3200 card. She climbed onto her horse and ran the outer edge, waving at the crowd, as the announcer continued.
"Savannah is the niece of three-time World Champion Bull Rider, Jack Thornton, and granddaughter to three-time World Champion Bull Rider, Thomas Thornton. So, she has winning in her blood. This young lady and her horse Ima Lotta Cash is going to be a very difficult team to beat, so watch out for them, ladies."
After Savannah finished her round and left the arena, she and Tom made their way to the trailer to tie up Cash, then found the family waiting...eagerly...on the bleachers. After many hugs and kisses, everyone settled back into their seats to watch the rest of the rodeo. Bulls were next and Blake squeezed in between Jack and Lee, to watch the event with his rodeo heroes.
…..
July 14th, 2014 – University Hospital
Jack and Elizabeth stood at the front counter, checking in for Jack's procedure. They were led to a room with a bed where Jack would get changed into a gown and wait for the nurse. The couple waited, sharing conversation of nothing in particular, until a black-haired woman entered the room.
"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Thornton. My name is Gail and I'll be getting you prepped this morning. Have you eaten anything today?"
"No, ma'am. Nothing since 9 pm last night," Jack answered.
"Perfect," she responded, reading the chart and making a notation. "I'm going to insert an IV into your arm. They will use that to administer the anesthesia."
"Okay," Jack said, pulling the sheet back that was covering his arm.
After only a few minutes, the nurse was finished and left the room.
"Wow, she's efficient. I barely felt a thing," Jack said, looking down at his arm.
"Are you nervous?" Elizabeth asked, pulling her chair closer to the bed.
"Nah. This is nothing," he grinned. The slightest of nerves was evident behind his eyes and Elizabeth could see it.
Laying her hand on his arm, she smiled, "Easy peasy...right?"
"Yep. Easy peasy."
The doctor entered the room and stopped by the side of the bed. "Hello there, Jack. I'm Dr. Bixby, I'm head of orthopedics. I'll be doing the manipulation on your shoulder today. You'll be asleep for the entire procedure, so you won't feel a thing. You will experience some discomfort when you wake, because I'll be forcing your shoulder to extend places it doesn't want to go right now." He laid his hand on Jack's shoulder and smiled as he spoke. "Do you have any questions for me?" Dr. Bixby looked between Jack and Elizabeth, waiting for either to ask a question.
"No, Sir," Jack answered.
"How long will everything take today?" Elizabeth asked.
"Once I start the procedure, it will take around forty-five to sixty minutes to complete the manipulation. Then it will be another thirty to sixty minutes for Jack to come out of the anesthesia. I'll send someone out to update you and let you know when he's waking up so you can come to see him."
"Thank you, Doctor."
Elizabeth and Jack said their goodbyes and she stayed back, watching them walk him away toward the set of doors that she wasn't allowed through. Her heart sank as the doors closed behind him, her nerves were shot, and she wanted nothing but to have Jack at her side. She knew it was a simple procedure, there wasn't even a knife involved, but that fact didn't help her at that moment.
She made her way down the hall that led to the waiting area, feeling very alone. Charlotte and Frank had their kids, Sam was working so Tom was with his children, and Rosie wasn't feeling well. She stepped into the room, expecting it to be empty, but found Sam, Tom, Rosemary, and Charlotte waiting for her.
"What are you guys doing here?" she asked, tears filling her eyes.
"What? You didn't think we'd let you wait alone, did you?" Charlotte stated.
She moved to the group, hugging each one, thanking them for being there.
"I thought you weren't feeling well," she said to Rosemary.
"It was just indigestion. I felt much better after resting for an hour."
"I'm so glad you all are here."
"Of course, sweetheart," Charlotte stated, pulling Elizabeth in for another hug.
"Thanks, Mom."
"So, how was he?" Sam asked as she sat down.
Everyone else followed and took their seats around Elizabeth.
"He seemed alright. This is just a simple procedure. I don't know why I'm so nervous."
"Because you have the right to be," Charlotte said, patting Elizabeth's knee.
"How long did they say it would take?" Tom asked.
"The actual procedure should be around forty-five to sixty minutes. Then another thirty to sixty for him to come out of the anesthesia."
"So, two hours then we should be hearing something," Charlotte added.
Elizabeth nodded, wiping her sweaty palms across the top of her jeans.
"I need to get back to work. But I'll keep checking on Jack and let you know what's going on."
Elizabeth stood and hugged Samantha, "Thank you, Sam."
…..
Sam stepped into the operating room thirty minutes after they started. She could see Jack with an IV feeding into his arm, his eyes were closed, and a breathing tube was in his mouth. The doctor was lifting Jack's arm above his head and she could hear the sound of the scar tissue tearing. Of all her years of working as a nurse, that was one sound she could never get used to. She cringed, then backed out of the room.
After giving Elizabeth and the family a quick update, she returned to her patients. She was carefully monitoring one that had just come in early that morning after a car accident. Following a five-hour surgery to remove the woman's spleen and repair a shattered femur, it was still touch and go for the patient.
Another thirty minutes had passed and after checking the computer and seeing that Jack was still in the OR, Sam proceeded to the room to check on him. The doctor was just taping down Jack's shoulder and the anesthesiologist was turning down the pump to begin waking Jack up.
She found the family still waiting in the room, and gave Elizabeth the latest update. Sam returned to her rounds, knowing the doctor would be updating the family himself on how everything had gone.
Two hours later, Sam felt her phone vibrate in her pocket and she pulled it out to find a text from Elizabeth.
What's going on? I haven't heard a thing about Jack.
What? The doctor hasn't come to get you?
No. Nothing.
I'm on my way.
Sam hurried down the hall toward the OR and found it empty. Confusion and anger were beginning to take her over as she walked the hall to the recovery rooms, searching for Jack. She stepped behind a computer and pulled up his chart, scanning it to find his room. Seeing the number, she began running down the hall toward the room.
"What's going on?" she almost shouted as she entered.
Standing around Jack's bed, two doctors and three nurses were frantically working on him.
"He's not waking up from the anesthesia."
"What?" Sam ran to his bed and read the multitude of monitors that were now hooked up to him. "His wife needs updated. Why hasn't anyone talked to her?"
"We haven't had time. We've been trying to get him to wake up and at one point his heart rate dropped drastically. He's stable now, but still..."
The breathing tube was taped to Jack's mouth and Sam scanned her brother-in-law. She had no idea how she was going to explain this to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth!
"I need to update his wife. What do you want me to tell her?"
"Go get her," the doctor stated. Maybe her voice will help bring him out of it.
Sam turned and ran from the room.
…..
Elizabeth was pacing in the room when Sam ran in. Seeing Sam's face sent Elizabeth to her knees, her face in her hands. The others jumped to their feet.
"What's going on?" Tom asked loudly as he watched his wife kneel in front of Elizabeth.
"Beth," she said, gripping her arms and pushing her back. "Beth, you need to come with me."
"What's happening?" Charlotte asked, her voice raising now.
"Jack isn't waking from the anesthesia. It's called delayed emergence. It happens frequently but doesn't usually take this long. And it's causing issues with his heart." Sam looked back at Elizabeth. "Come with me. Talk to him. Maybe that will help him."
Elizabeth nodded and allowed herself to be lifted to her feet. She followed Sam down the hall as the family remained back, watching the pair vanish behind the doors.
When Elizabeth entered the room, she gasped when she saw her husband. IVs in his arms, breathing tube in his mouth, heart monitors leads attached to his chests, and two nurses stood beside him. One was administering something into his IV.
"Come here, sweetie," Sam said, taking her sister-in-law's hand. She led her to the side of the bed. "Talk to him."
Elizabeth leaned over the railing and laid her hand on his chest. "Baby? Can you hear me? Jack, please. Wake up. The kids and I need you so please wake up."
Jack didn't move but his heartbeat sped up slightly.
"Keep talking to him," Sam stated, watching the monitor.
"Cowboy, now this isn't going to get you out of your work at home. You need to just wake up now so we can get busy." Her attempt to be funny fell flat and left a poor taste in her mouth. "Jack, please, Jack. Wake up." Elizabeth shook him slightly, pushing on his good shoulder. She looked to his left side and saw that his arm was taped to his body, keeping it immobilized. Her eyes moved back to Jack's face and she leaned down and kissed his cheek. Leaning more, with her mouth next to his ear, she whispered as quietly as she could. "You need to wake up or no more ice cubes for you."
Elizabeth straightened and saw Jack move his right hand. She took it in hers and squeezed it. "Jack. Squeeze my hand, Baby."
Jack did, and the nurse ran out of the room to get the doctor. Returning within seconds, the doctor approached Jack's bed.
"Jack. Jack, can you hear me?" The doctor was rubbing a closed fist against Jack's chest.
Jack moved his head slightly, his eyes still closed.
"Jack, come on. Open your eyes for me," the doctor continued.
"Jack, please," Elizabeth added.
Jack's eyes fluttered, then closed again. He began to move, and started to fight the breathing tube.
"Jack, calm down. You have a breathing tube in. I need you to open your eyes and look at me. Let me know if you can hear me so I can get this thing out of your throat."
Jack opened his eyes and blinked against the harsh light. He reached his hand for the tube but Elizabeth grabbed it and held it down the best she could. Jack was too strong and broke his hand away, gripping the plastic tube that was in his mouth.
The doctor moved swiftly and pulled Jack's hand away before he could do any damage.
Jack opened his eyes and kept them open. He began to scan the room and stopped when his eyes locked with Elizabeth's. She could see the fear-filled expression and she took his hand in hers once more.
"It's okay, Cowboy. Just let them take the tube out. Okay?"
Jack nodded and looked back at the doctor, nodding again.
They moved through their routine to remove the tube, and within a couple of minutes, Jack was breathing on his own and looking at Elizabeth.
"What happened?" he tried to ask; his voice hoarse.
Dr. Bixby responded. "You had what's called 'delayed emergence.' Sometimes a patient takes a little longer to come out of anesthesia than normal. This happened to you, but the meds we were giving you to try to wake you up caused your heart to slow. So, we had to stop all drugs and wait. How are you feeling?"
"Tired."
The doctor chuckled and nodded. "I'm sure you are. And you will be for a little while as you continue to come out of the anesthesia. Are you feeling any pain in your shoulder?"
Jack looked at his arm that was taped against his body and tried to move his shoulder. "If I move it, I do."
"Well, sir, I highly recommend that you don't move it right now." The doctor smiled and patted Jack's arm.
Elizabeth let out a little giggle as she watched her husband roll his eyes and grin.
"I'll go let everyone know that he's alright," Sam said, laying her hand on Elizabeth's shoulder.
"Thank you, Sam."
Everyone left the room once Jack was stable and fully awake, leaving the couple alone. Jack looked at Elizabeth and saw her beginning to cry.
"What's wrong, Beth? I'm alright."
"Now you are. I was so scared, Jack. This is the second time I've had to stand here and try to wake you up. And then watch you fight your breathing tube." She paused for a brief moment then added, "It's not a good look on you."
Jack's gaze had dropped, but when he heard her say that, his eyes shot back to hers and he caught her trying not to grin.
"Well, I see that you've recovered quickly and your humor is intact," he said to her.
Elizabeth looked down at him and saw him pinching his brow, as if he was trying to figure something out. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"Did you say something to me about...ice cubes?"
She felt her cheeks warm as she smirked. "I had to do what I needed in order to wake you up. Desperate times call for desperate measures."
"But...ice cubes?" Jack was smiling now, loving the reaction from his wife.
"It worked, didn't it? I am feeling a little hot," she said, tugging at her shirt.
"Beth, please," he said, letting out something that was half laugh, half cough. His voice was still rough from the tube, and the laughter sent him into a coughing fit. He grabbed his shoulder, trying to stabilize it, and stop the pain.
"I'm sorry," she said, running her hand up and down his arm.
After another few hours passed, two more visits from the doctor, and Elizabeth not leaving his side, Jack was sitting up in a chair, still attached to the monitors. He had received a cortisone shot directly into his shoulder, and instructions for exercises to do at home.
"How are you feeling?" Elizabeth asked.
"A little groggy, but much better. Can I get some water, please?" Elizabeth grabbed the glass from the nearby table and handed it to Jack. "Thank you," he said, then downed the contents.
"Please don't do anything ever again that will land you in here," Elizabeth said, taking the cup and returning it to the table. "I can't take this."
"Right back at ya, Babe," Jack said, taking her hand in his. He kissed her knuckles, then laid her hand on his lap. "We've both had our fair share of scares. No more."
"No more," she smiled. "So, you are going to do everything the doctor tells you to do, and nothing that he tells you not to do. Get your shoulder healed correctly this time."
"Yes, ma'am," Jack said, tipping his head in her direction.
Another hour passed and Jack was finally released. Sam pushed him down the hallway in the wheelchair.
"You know...they didn't work on my legs," Jack said.
"You know...hospital rules," Sam snarked back.
Elizabeth was waiting out front with the SUV and the rest of the family when Sam and Jack arrived. Charlotte was the first to smother her son, followed by Tom, then Rosie.
"Ma, guys, I'm fine. Would you stop fussing?"
"Jack Thornton, I will fuss as much as I see fit," Charlotte exclaimed. "And this calls for much fuss." She moved in again, hugging him as tight as she could without hurting his shoulder. "Don't sass your mother."
"Yes, Ma."
With Jack loaded and everyone walking to their cars to go home, Elizabeth put the vehicle in drive and pulled away from the hospital.
"I'm sorry," Jack said, watching his wife drive.
"About what?"
"Scaring you...again. If I had just listened to the doctor five years ago, my shoulder would have been fine, and you wouldn't have had to go through that."
"There's no point in rehashing what was done wrong, Jack. Today was scary, it's over, you're fine."
"I'm still sorry."
Elizabeth briefly turned to look at Jack, a small smile on her lips. "I know you are." She reached a hand over and took Jack's, not letting go until she pulled into their driveway.
…..
"Kids, be careful. Don't hurt Daddy's shoulder. Remember?" Elizabeth exclaimed when all three kids burst into the bedroom.
"Otay, Mommy," Colton said as he very carefully climbed onto the bed in unnecessarily slow, exaggerated movements.
"Hey kids," Jack said, a huge smile filling his face. "I missed you."
"Your shoulder owie?" Peyton asked, sitting up on the bed on Jack's left, staring at the bandage that still held Jack's arm to his body.
"Yes, Pey. Daddy's shoulder is owie," he replied, running his hand down her hair after shifting the bag of ice that was resting on top of his shoulder.
"What did you do?" Blake asked, staring at the bandage.
"I got hung up on a bull five years ago and I didn't do my exercises like the doctor told me to do. So, it started hurting again and they had to fix it."
"You got hung up?" Blake asked, wide-eyed, staring at Jack's face now.
"I sure did."
"Were you scared?"
"Yes, Blake, I was."
"Wow." Blake sat back onto his butt and continued to stare at his daddy. "I didn't think anything scared you."
Jack took his son's hand in his. "Blake, a lot scares me. And there is nothing wrong with being scared."
Blake nodded.
"If you're not scared when you get on a bull, then you have no business being a bull rider. You just have to learn how to control your fear and not let it control you."
"Okay, Daddy," Blake responded, trying to comprehend his father's words.
"You'll understand when you're older," Jack smiled. Looking at Peyton's new dress, Jack ran his fingers across the pink lace. "Did Grandma buy you another new dress?"
"Yes!" she shouted, bouncing up and down.
Jack cringed and Elizabeth reached across the bed, pushing down on Peyton's shoulder. "Careful around Daddy."
Peyton stopped and stared at Jack with wide eyes. "Sowry, Daddy."
"It's okay, Peyton."
Elizabeth sat on the edge of the bed, watching Jack with the kids. The adoration for his children shown in his eyes like a beacon. He had conversations with them as if they were ten years old, wiser than their years, and fully understood everything he was telling them. The kids didn't mind, they would smile and nod as if they knew exactly what he was saying, and asked questions when they were truly intrigued.
Her heart was full for her family, her perfect little family. She imagined that Blake and Colton were exact replicas of how Jack was at their age. Full of eager curiosity and wanting to learn everything he could from his father. And now Jack was sharing that knowledge with another generation.
Jack looked at Elizabeth, catching her watching and smiling at them. He continued talking with Colton but kept his eyes locked with hers, giving her that dimpled smile that melted her heart.
…..
July 15th, 2014 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack woke early in the morning from the pain in his shoulder. He quietly rolled out of bed and went downstairs to retrieve a bag of ice and his ibuprofen prescription. After pouring a glass of water, he laid the bag of ice across his shoulder, picked up the glass, and walked to the living room.
He was watching a rodeo on TV when Elizabeth appeared, leaning against the wall near the stairs.
"You're up early," she said, watching him in the glow of the television.
"Yeah. My shoulder was really bothering me."
Elizabeth crossed the room and sat down next to Jack, moving slowly so she wouldn't jar him. "How is it now?"
"Better after some ice and pain meds."
She laid her head on his good shoulder and began watching the show. Bareback riders were currently on and the couple sat in silence, watching each man try his hardest to stay on. As the bulls were being moved through the chutes, lining up in front of the men that were crazy enough to ride them, Elizabeth straightened and stared at the screen.
Grinning, Jack watched her and waited.
"When is this from?" she asked, unable to move her gaze from the cowboys.
"Ten years ago. It just happened to be airing on TV at 4 am this morning."
Elizabeth leaned back into the cushion as she watched Jack preparing for his next ride. Lee was at his side as always, helping with the rigging. Jack ran his hand along the rope, warming it up to his liking. Once he was ready, he shoved his hand into the handle and began wrapping the rope around it, laying it across his palm before beating on his hand, getting that nice, tight grip that was necessary to stay on.
"Wow, you two look so young," she said, staring at his beautiful face.
"Young and dumb," Jack replied.
Lee was holding onto Jack's vest, ready to pull him from danger, when the bull bucked inside the chute. Jack remained seated, readjusted his hand, and double checked everything once more. Everything happened in seconds, not minutes, as he prepared to ride the angry beast.
Elizabeth glanced at Jack, then back to the TV. He was watching it now, seeing the person he used to be, wondering how he ever survived those reckless years. He was transported back to that ride as he watched himself prepare.
…..
September 8th, 2004 – PBR Rodeo Classic – Tulsa, Oklahoma
He slid forward until his hand was deep into his crotch, getting his seat centered over the huge, sweating animal. He pulled his cowboy hat down hard until it hurt his head, but he didn't notice the pain, only focus. Jack nodded his head, the tiniest of movements, but the gateman was always ready and unlatched the handle.
The gate swung open and the large grey Brahma bull twisted out of the chute. The beast was heavy, nearly two thousand pounds, and seemed to shake the ground with each contact of his pounding hooves. The bull appeared to move in slow motion to Jack. He could see each wave flow through the animal's hide from the force of the bull's momentum coming to a stop, before leaping into the air once more. The bull was catching more air than any they had ever seen, twisting and turning his entire body. Jack dug in, spurring the animal, keeping his free arm up and away from a disqualifying touch.
He'd been preparing for these rides most of his life, his father by his side and his voice in Jack's ear. He could hear him now, telling him to recenter himself. And Jack did just that, in a fraction of a second, and that little of a movement, Jack was recentered and was conquering the bull. A smirk covered his lips as he neared the eight second buzzer. He knew he'd had him beat. As soon as the buzz reached his ears, Jack released his hand, flew off the bull, and landed on his feet. He turned to the bull, picked up a handful of dirt, and threw it at the aggravated beast. The stadium filled with roars at Jack's ride and action, and the man stared down the animal until it was drawn away by the bright colors of the bull fighters.
Jack had received one of his highest scores that day, and he turned to wave at the crowd, scanning the faces, pausing on a few and grinning. He removed his black cowboy hat and threw it into the air, pumped his fist and kicked a leg out. He picked up his hat, dusted the dirt off, and placed it back on his head. Facing Lee, he shot him a huge smile and pointed in his direction.
…..
July 15th, 2014 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Elizabeth stared at the screen intently, remembering all the times she'd seen him ride in person, she'd loved watching him. But this younger version of her husband was different. He rode differently. Even she could see that. The look on his face was almost as if he was taunting the bull to do more. The smile on his lips scared Elizabeth a little. She was glad she didn't know him all those years ago; things might have turned out very differently for them.
"I was a cocky idiot back then, wasn't I?" Jack said when a commercial began after his ride.
"I was just thinking the same thing." Elizabeth was grinning when she looked at him. "But I am very glad I didn't meet you then."
"We wouldn't have gotten together," Jack replied, matter-of-factly.
"I don't believe so."
"I'm glad we didn't meet back then, too. I can't imagine my life without you in it now. I don't think I'd be here today if it wasn't for you."
"Don't say that."
"I wouldn't have retired; I would have continued riding when I had no business to. This shoulder would not have stopped me from getting on, but it would have prohibited me from staying safe."
Elizabeth leaned against him and moved her arm under his. "We don't have to think about that. Because we met when God wanted us to meet. And everything worked out as He wanted it to."
Jack kissed the top of her head and laced his fingers into hers. "Yes, it has."
…..
University Hospital
Jack had to return to the hospital for a checkup, and would continue to do so each day that week. They checked his range of motion now, compared to before the procedure, and there was a drastic difference. Before, Jack could barely lift his arm halfway when moving it out and away from his body. Now he could lift it almost all the way up. It wasn't without pain, though, and Jack's face twisted as they rotated his arm.
Elizabeth stayed back and watched, feeling badly for her husband as she could see the pain in his face. They showed him some more exercises to do at home as well as go over what he'd been shown the day before, this time having Jack demonstrate them himself.
With his arm in a sling, they walked out of the hospital and headed home. Elizabeth was driving as Jack stared out the window, his silence had her worried.
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah," was all he'd answer.
"Talk to me, please, Jack."
Jack moved his gaze to his wife, a frown on his face. "It hurts a lot more than I expected."
"I'm sure the pain meds will help take the edge off," she replied, surprised by his comment.
"No, it's not that. I can deal with the pain."
"Then, what is it, Jack?"
"I will be out of commission longer than I'd hoped. I can't have you and Lee doing everything around the ranch. I can't stand feeling useless." He moved his gaze back out the window and watched the landscape zip by in a blur.
"Jack Thornton, you are not going to feel sorry for yourself. You are going through a season right now, and we help each other through them. It doesn't matter how long it takes you to heal. We'll do whatever we need to do for however long we need to do it." Elizabeth turned the corner, starting down the highway that led to their ranch. She slowed the vehicle and pulled to the side of the road, putting it in park. Turning in her seat, she faced Jack who was now looking at her. "Please, Jack. Let me help you. Let all of us help you. You've done so much for everyone else, let us do the same in return."
Jack smiled and took her hands in his. "Well, how can I argue with that?" He lifted her hands to his lips, kissing each of her knuckles. "Of course, I'll let you help me. You can dote on me, wait on me hand and foot, spoon feed me."
"Don't push your luck, Mr. Thornton," Elizabeth replied, pulling her hands from his. With a smile on her face, and Jack's, she turned the Tahoe back onto the road and headed home.
