September 4th, 2014 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Elizabeth walked down the stairs after putting the kids down for their afternoon naps and found Jack sitting on the couch with his guitar. He had a book open in front of him and was strumming a few cords across the strings. She leaned against the wall and watched him.
He began to play again, humming along this time. Elizabeth repositioned her leg, catching Jack's eye, and he turned to look at her.
"Hey, Beautiful."
Elizabeth pushed herself off the wall and walked toward him, taking a seat beside him. "Hey, Cowboy. What are you working on? A new song?"
"Yeah, kind of," he answered, closing the book.
Elizabeth looked down and noticed it was his old journal. She picked it up and ran her hand across the image embossed into the worn leather cover.
"I read this so many times," she confessed, handing it back to Jack.
"Did you read all of it?"
"Of course, I did."
"Are you sure?" he asked, handing it back to her.
"Well, yes. I'm sure, Jack."
"Maybe you should check again."
Elizabeth opened the book and began thumbing through the pages. When she reached the back to what used to be Jack's final entry on their wedding day, she flipped to the next page. Jack had been writing a song and he'd added it to the journal. She began reading it, then looked up at Jack.
"This is amazing," she said, then returned her eyes to the inked page. "You wrote this?"
"Yes, but it's missing something."
Returning her gaze to her husband, she asked, "What do you think is missing?"
"You."
"Me?"
"Yes, you. This needs to be a duet and I want you to write your part."
Elizabeth smiled and looked back at his words. "Really?"
"Yes, really."
The couple sat closely together, working on the lyrics as Jack plucked the notes on the guitar. Each writing their parts and making suggestions on the others. By the time the kids woke, their song was almost complete; only a few lines needed perfected and Elizabeth would write the piano's part.
The children came running down the stairs and joined their parents on the couch, and as Blake sat on Jack's lap, he began picking at the strings of the guitar.
"Want to learn how to play?" Jack asked the little boy.
"Oh, yes, please, Daddy."
Jack held the guitar and handed the pick to Blake, showing him how to hold it properly. Jack placed his own fingers on the strings, then took Blake's hand that was holding the pick and grazed it across the strings.
"This is C major," Jack said to the smiling boy.
…..
Frank and Charlotte's Ranch
Jack was lowering the kids down from the truck, while Elizabeth carried a box of food to the backyard of her in-law's house for the couple's fourth wedding anniversary. Several families were coming over for the celebration with a potluck and music night.
Once the kids were on the ground running, Jack reached into the truck and removed his guitar case and grabbed his black felt cowboy hat. Placing it on his head, he closed the door and walked around the house to the backyard where Tom, Sam and their kids had already arrived.
Tom assisted Beth with the food as the kids ran out into the grass, joining the others. Wyatt was with them and anxiously greeted Bandit before the two ran off to play.
"How are you doing, Beth?" Tom asked, taking the box from her hands.
"I'm doing fine. Thank you, Tom," she smiled at him.
"We've been praying for you every day," he added.
"Thank you. We could definitely use God on our side right now," she said.
"He's always on your side," Tom smiled and patted Elizabeth's shoulder. He set the box on the table with the other food, then joined Sam in the chairs that overlooked the backyard.
Everything was laid out as people arrived, white lights had been strung above the back deck, all the children were playing kickball in the backyard, as some of the guys set up their instruments to be prepared for the evening's music.
Frank stood behind his wife with his arms around her, as the couple watched everyone moving about their tasks. Her hands were lying on his arms as he kissed her cheek, and she was humming an old hymn.
Jack watched his mother and Frank, seeing the smiles on both of their faces. He grinned, thankful that his mother had found love once again. No one would ever replace their father, and Frank had never tried to do so. Just as Charlotte had never tried to replace Frank's late wife. But the pair brought new life to one another, filling a long-time void that had left them longing for something to fill it.
Jack walked over to the couple who were now standing side by side, and draped his arms across both of their shoulders, moving in between them.
"Now, how are you kids doing today," he asked, grinning.
Charlotte laid her hand on her son's, patting it, and tipped her head against his. "It's a perfect day, Jack."
"It sure is, Ma," Jack replied, watching his wife kneeling in front of Peyton, fixing their daughter's ponytail.
"How's Elizabeth doing?"
"She's doing alright. We're trying to just live life like normal."
"That's good, Jack. That's really all you can do right now."
"Yes, but that's easier said than done sometimes. Happy anniversary, you two," Jack said, then kissed both of their cheeks.
The three watched everyone for a few minutes longer, until Tom stepped in front of them. "Everything is set. Are you guys ready to eat?"
…..
As the sun set and everyone began to settle down, Jack took a seat next to Tom, his guitar in hand. Tom was already tuning his, along with Lance on his guitar, Sean on the fiddle, and Sheldon on the banjo. When the men were ready, Tom leaned in and suggested a song, and they began to play.
Couples danced and sang as the evening drew on. Elizabeth sat next to Jack, watching him play, always amazed with his skill on the guitar. Jack elbowed Tom and the two nodded to one another. The men set their guitars aside, and each stood and took their wife's hand, leading them out to the open area of the yard where everyone had been dancing.
Lance, Sean and Sheldon began playing a slow song, as Jack pulled Elizabeth into him, pressing his hand into the small of her back, holding her as close as he could. Tom did the same, pulling Samantha in against him, tightening his arm around her. The couples, joined by a few others, swayed slowly to the music, barely moving their feet.
Frank and Charlotte were sitting near the fire, as Charlotte watched her children. Her heart was full, seeing how much like their father the boys had turned out to be. She felt an arm move across her shoulder and she turned to look at Frank. He was smiling and watching Jack and Tom, then looked at Charlotte.
"You and Thomas raised them well," he said, squeezing her shoulder.
Charlotte returned her gaze to her boys, seeing them holding their wives closely, so fully in love. "They did turn out pretty great, didn't they?" she asked, grinning ear to ear. "Jack had me worried for a while," she said, looking back to Frank. "But look at him now. And some credit goes to you, too."
"No, not me...God."
Charlotte nodded and moved into Frank's side, watching all the couples as they danced.
"Happy anniversary, Char," Frank said, lifting her chin.
"Happy anniversary, Frank," she replied, then kissed him.
…..
September 8th, 2014 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack walked through the house, laptop in hand, searching for Elizabeth. Finding her in Peyton's room, reading her a book, Jack leaned in the doorway and watched his wife and daughter.
"What's this, Mommy?" Peyton asked, pointing at a word.
"Apple," Elizabeth answered.
"Apple," Peyton echoed. "Dis one?"
"Butterfly."
"I have butterflies," she said excitedly, pointing toward the canopy over her bed. "Daddy!" she shouted as soon as she spotted him in the doorway.
"How's my girls?" he asked as he stepped into the room, setting the laptop on her dresser.
"Good!" Peyton replied. "Mommy teaching me words."
"That's good. Mommy is a good teacher." Jack sat on the edge of the bed and leaned over to see the pages of the open book. "What's that, Mommy?" he asked, grinning and pointing to the next word.
"Cookie," she answered, giving him a look.
"Silly, Daddy. You knew dat," Peyton giggled as she climbed onto Jack's lap. "You're silly," she added, patting his cheeks.
"I'm silly? You're silly," Jack said and began tickling her.
Peyton's screeches filled the house and the boys came running to find out what was causing all the laughter. Seeing their daddy, they jumped onto the bed behind Jack, pulled him back, freeing their sister, and dogpiled on top of him.
"Not my sister!" Blake shouted as he tried to tickle his father.
The boys were both sitting on top of a laughing Jack as Peyton moved in beside him. All three had their fingers on his tummy, in his armpits, and under his chin, doing their best to make him laugh.
Elizabeth sat back against the headboard, joining in on the laughter, as she watched Jack try to get free of his attackers. Finally able to slide off the bed and get away, Jack stood breathless, staring at his wife.
"Thanks for the help," he teased, as the kids jumped up and down around him, trying to take him down again.
"You looked like you had it under control," Elizabeth replied, trying to hide her laughter.
Jack raised his arms, his fingers wiggling, and growled at the children. "I'm going to get you now," he said as all three kids ran from the room screaming.
Jack collapsed onto the bed, in an attempt to catch his breath.
"You know they'll be right back in, don't you?" Elizabeth asked, swinging her legs over the edge of the bed, sitting next to Jack.
Jack sat up and wiped his forehead with his forearm. "Yes. But I think I have a minute or two. I'm sure they're hiding in the boys' room." Jack leaned over and kissed Elizabeth.
"Are you working?" she asked, pointing toward his laptop.
"Sort of," he grinned. "I want to show you something."
"Oh? What?"
"I don't want to...give it away."
"Well, you know I'm very impatient," she said as she stood and crossed the room, picking up the computer.
"Hey," he jumped to his feet, "not yet. Not until we can sit down and watch it together."
Elizabeth eyed her husband, her brow furrowed. "Are you watching dirty videos?"
"What?! No! Beth, good grief."
Elizabeth began laughing and handed the laptop to her husband. "I was joking."
"Good," he replied, kissing her again.
Pounding footsteps could be heard as the kids ran back into the bedroom and circled around Jack and Elizabeth. "Tickle Mommy, too," Colton shouted.
"Hey, hey," Jack said loudly. "Let's let Mommy be." His voice was stern, signaling to the children that he wasn't playing.
"Okay," Colton said as he backed away.
"Hey, why don't you three go downstairs and pick out a movie. Blake can get it started. Then Mommy and I will pop some popcorn and bring it down to you."
"Yay!" all three shouted as they ran out of the room.
"Now, come with me," Jack said, taking Elizabeth's hand.
He led her down to the kitchen where he set the laptop on the island, pulled a stool out for Elizabeth to take a seat, then retrieved two packages of popcorn from the pantry.
"I have been researching something and I finally found an event nearby," he started, as he placed the first bag into the microwave.
"Okay? What are you talking about?" she asked.
Jack opened the laptop, clicked on a few things, then turned it so Elizabeth could watch the video that he'd just started. "Please, keep an open mind while watching this."
She looked at her husband, then back at the screen. It appeared to be a rodeo and several men stood around a chute, two ready to open the gate. She looked closer and could see that a child was sitting on a bull.
"Jack, there is no way..."
"Beth," he said as he pressed the spacebar to pause it. "Please, just watch this before you say anything."
"But, Jack..."
"Beth. Watch the video." Jack pressed the spacebar once more.
She watched the video as a man was leaning over the edge, helping the child get ready. The young boy, about Blake's age, slid forward onto the bull into his hand, just like Elizabeth had seen Jack do so many times. He nodded his head, then the man nodded, too. They pulled the gate open, and what Elizabeth expected to see, didn't happen at all. The bull walked out, never bucking, as the little boy held on tight, his free arm in the air. When the buzzer sounded, a bull fighter grabbed the child, lowered him to the dirt covered floor and high fived him.
Elizabeth covered her mouth and Jack could hear her trying to stifle a laugh.
"See?" he asked. "Nothing to worry about, right?"
"Is this for real?" she asked, lowering her hand and revealing her grinning lips.
"Yes, and there's an event near Tulsa this weekend. I'd like to sign Blake up to ride." Jack removed the first bag from the microwave and started the second one. "What do you think?"
Elizabeth was nodding, still smiling. "I think Blake will be so excited that we won't be able to live with him all week."
"That's the plan," Jack grinned. "So, can we tell him now?"
"Let's wait until the movie is over so the twins can enjoy it without Blake talking through the entire thing."
Jack pointed at his wife and winked, "Good call."
…..
Blake stood wide eyed, staring at his parents.
"Did you hear us?" Jack asked, kneeling in front of his son.
Blake slowly nodded his head.
Jack looked up to Elizabeth, who was covering her mouth to hide her smile. As he looked back at Blake, the little boy jumped into him, wrapping his arms tightly around his daddy's neck. Jack returned the hug and chuckled.
"I guess that's a, yes?" Jack asked.
"Yes!" Blake shouted. "A thousand times, yes!"
"Do you want to call Uncle Lee and Uncle Tom to tell them?" Elizabeth asked, holding out her phone.
Blake nodded and took the phone with trembling hands, trying to find their numbers.
"Here, let me help you," Jack said, taking the phone from Blake's hands. He pulled up Tom's number, pressed call, and handed it back to Blake.
"Can't we go tell dem so we can see Savannah, Autin, and Luke?" Peyton asked.
"They are in school. Remember?" Elizabeth asked as she picked up her daughter.
"Oh, yeah," Peyton replied, sticking out her bottom lip.
Jack and Elizabeth watched their son as he stumbled on his words, trying to share his exciting news with Tom, then again with Lee. Jack made the call to his mother himself, knowing that her first response would be similar to Elizabeth's early assumption.
Once everyone was notified, and details and plans were made, Jack hopped back onto the computer to register Blake as a contestant.
…..
September 13th, 2014 – Miniature Bull Riding – Broken Arrow Round-Up Club, Oklahoma
Elizabeth was sitting in the bleachers, Peyton on one side, Colton on the other, watching Jack and Blake standing near the chutes as they were drawing bulls for the riders. Blake was beside himself, unable to stand still, as he shifted back and forth from one foot to the other.
Charlotte and Frank walked up the bleachers, sitting down behind Elizabeth, and handed the twins each a bag of popcorn and a bottle of water.
"Tank you, Gamma and Gampa," Peyton said before shoving a handful of popcorn into her mouth.
Lee helped the very pregnant Rosemary up to the second row of seats, just in front of Elizabeth, then lifted his daughters up beside them. Tom and Sam were already sitting next to Elizabeth, their kids lined up in front of them, and Savannah helped Lee with the girls, pulling Autumn onto her lap.
"Blake can't stand still," Sam stated, laughing at the little boy that was dancing around Jack.
The family looked on, as man after man approached Jack, shaking his hand, obviously recognizing him from his PBR days. Blake watched as each one talked to Jack, taking in every word.
Soon it was time to begin and the youngest riders would go first. Elizabeth straightened in her seat, stretching her neck to try to spot her husband and son. Finally seeing them, she pointed them out to the rest of the family.
Jack was kneeling in front of Blake, gripping onto the sides of the little boy's protective vest, talking to him. Blake was listening intently, constantly nodding, focused on his father's words. When Jack finished, he lightly punched Blake on the front of the vest, then ruffled his hair. Jack rolled up Blake's sleeve on his riding arm, then slipped his glove onto the little boy's hand and taped it around his wrist.
Elizabeth's breath was taken away when Jack moved out of the way and she got her first full look at Blake. The four-year-old was wearing his new riding chaps, safety vest, and cowboy hat. He was holding onto the safety helmet in his gloved hand, and Jack's hand in the other.
"Oh, my goodness," Charlotte exclaimed. "He looks just like Jack at that age."
Jack and Blake stepped up onto the platform and made their way down to the chute that held Blake's bull, Cotton's Candy. Jack lowered his son down onto the back of the little red mini bull, and helped him get his rigging in place and tightened. Jack was leaning over the gate, hanging halfway into the chute, strapping Blake's hand into the handle.
"Here you have it, folks," the announcer began. "The son of three-time world champion bull rider, Jack Thornton, is riding his first bull today. You're all witnesses to the beginning of this young man's career. Blake Thornton, that's a name to keep on your radars as the years pass. If he rides anything like his daddy, we'll be hearing a lot about him in the near future."
The announcer's commentary went unnoticed to Blake, his mind was on the bull. After checking the young boy's helmet, Jack had one hand on his son's chest and the other on his back, asking him if he was ready. Blake nodded his head, and Jack nodded to the gateman.
The gate was opened and the little red bull stepped out and began jogging across the arena. Blake held on tight with his hand and his legs, paying mind to keep his other arm in the air. The screams of the Thorntons and Coulters could be heard across the entire arena as they cheered him on. The two bull fighters ran alongside him and once the buzzer blew, one of them grabbed Blake and pulled him off, lowering him to the ground and fist bumped him. The other man grabbed the release of the rigging, removed it from the bull, and handed it to Blake, along with a high five.
The little boy ran to Jack, dragging his rope through the dirt, grinning ear to ear. He jumped into Jack's open arms and the man tossed the little boy into the air and caught him in a hug. The two joined the family in the stands to watch the rest of the kids ride, and Blake received high fives and hugs from each family member.
As the older kids began to ride, there were on steers that would buck, most of which fell off. Blake watched with his eyes wide, cheering on the boys he'd only just met that day.
Jack leaned to Elizabeth and whispered in her ear, "You know, this is the last year that Blake can do Walk-Trot."
Elizabeth's gaze snapped to her husband, a shocked expression covering her face. "What do you mean?"
Jack pointed to the young boys on the bucking steers, "That's his age group next year."
Hearing this, Tom and Sam both turned to see Elizabeth's response.
She was shaking her head, still staring at Jack. "You never said anything about that."
"Beth, you knew this was coming sooner or later," he said quietly.
"Later is preferred," she said, straightening and staring out into the arena. "We'll talk about this at home."
Jack looked at Tom, who was staring at him now, the look of "good luck" spread across his face.
…..
"You knew he wanted to ride bulls since the day we met him," Jack said as he pulled his shirt off.
"He's not even five yet and you're already putting him on the back of one next year?"
"Didn't you watch them today? The bulls are little and the bull fighters are right there with them."
"Yes, I was watching today." Elizabeth pushed her pants off and tossed them into the hamper. "And I saw at least two little boys leave the arena in tears."
"Do you think that Blake will never get hurt? He can get hurt on the playground outside."
"Jack," she said as she spun to face him. "You know dang well that isn't the same thing. Putting him in harm's way on purpose, that's what you're wanting to do."
"Elizabeth, now you know that's not what I'm doing. I want to help him live out his dream. He may hate it after the first real buck and the first time he hits the dirt."
"And he might love it and keep riding like you did." Elizabeth stopped herself, regretting her words as soon as they came out.
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing. I'm sorry."
"No. Say what you meant."
"You watched your father get killed by a bull, but you still rode. Even after you got hurt and the doctor told you not to ride, you rode. Nothing would stop you."
Jack was shaking his head, staring at Elizabeth in disbelief. "But I stopped," he said softly. "I stopped when it really mattered."
Elizabeth sat down hard onto the bed. "I know, Jack. I said I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything by that."
Jack moved to stand in front of her and kneeling down, he laid his hands on her knees. "I stopped for you."
Elizabeth laid her hands on Jack's face and gave him a small smile. "I know you did. And I love you for that. It just scares me to think of my child doing that."
"He'll be safe. As safe as I can teach him to be."
Elizabeth nodded again, "I know."
Jack stood and sat down next to her on the bed. "If you don't want him riding, then I'll tell him no. At least until he's an adult and makes his own choices."
Elizabeth turned on the mattress to face her husband. "No, don't do that. We both know that he'll go behind our backs and try it anyway. At least with you, he'll be safer. He can ride, as long as you are always by his side."
"I wouldn't be anywhere else, Beth."
…..
September 20th, 2014 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack woke up and looked at the clock. 6:38 am. He swung his legs over the edge of the mattress and stretched his arms above his head. After wiping his eyes and giving himself a moment to fully wake, he leaned across the bed to Elizabeth and gently shook her arm.
"Beth." He shook her again. "Beth, it's time to get up."
He sat back up, allowing his eyes to adjust to the dim light from the rising sun that was spilling into the room. Elizabeth hadn't moved, and Jack leaned across the bed again.
"Hey, Beth," he said slightly louder, shaking her a little more.
She still didn't respond, so he grabbed the covers and pulled them back. The sight sent him scrambling off the bed, falling onto the floor.
"Oh, my God," he exclaimed, jumping to his feet and running around to Elizabeth's side. "Beth?" he said again, shaking her shoulders. "Elizabeth!" he shouted.
Jack stepped back, his hands in his hair, looking down at his wife, tears beginning to blur his vision. His heart was pounding so hard in his chest that he was sure it would burst right through. He looked over Elizabeth, scanning her lifeless body. Her skin was pale, her chest unmoving, and the mattress was covered in blood beneath her.
…..
Jack shot up in bed in a cold sweat, his throat dry, his heart pounding.
"What's wrong, Jack?" Elizabeth asked, sitting up and laying her hand on his arm.
He dropped back into his pillow with his arm lying across his forehead. "Nothing, Beth. I just had a bad dream. Go back to sleep."
Jack rolled to his side and looked at the clock. It was 2:53 am and he was now wide awake. He could feel his wife's hand on his back, touching his shirt that was drenched with sweat.
"Jack, you are soaked. What was the dream? Bull riding again?"
Jack just shook his head, but with the dark of the night, Elizabeth couldn't see him.
"Please, Jack. Talk to me."
He rolled to his other side, facing his wife, and held her hand in his. "It was nothing. Really. Please, just go back to sleep."
"This was not nothing. You're trembling."
Jack was trembling. He hadn't even noticed, as he was trying to get the image out of his head. "Really, Beth. You don't want to hear this. Please, just let me have this one."
She pulled her hand back and tugged the blankets up to her chin. "Was it about me?" she asked flatly.
Jack rolled to his other side, switched the lamp on, then turned back to Elizabeth. The fear still resided in his eyes, and the image was burned into his mind. "Yes, it was about you."
His head was on his pillow, her head on hers, as they looked into each other's eyes. Jack moved his hand to her arm, rubbing it up and down.
"Was I dead?"
Jack nodded.
"Oh."
"Yeah. I told you that you didn't want to hear it."
"Jack, if something is bothering you, I want to hear about it, no matter what. Okay?"
"Okay."
"Tell me about the dream."
Jack just shook his head.
"Please, Jack. Maybe it will help you feel better if you talk about it."
He rolled onto his back, his arm tucked behind his head, his eyes on the ceiling. "I had just woken up and tried to wake you. But you didn't respond. I pulled the covers back and the bed was covered in blood. You weren't breathing, Beth."
She moved to Jack's side and rested her hand on his chest. His heart was still racing and she could feel it beating hard below the surface of his skin. "I'm right here."
Jack's eyes lowered until they met hers as a single tear rolled down his cheek. "I know," he said, trying to give her a small smile. "I know you're here," he said, laying his hand on hers.
Not knowing what to say and still trying to process what Jack had just told her, Elizabeth laid her head on his chest and draped her arm across him. Jack placed his hand on her arm, his other wrapped behind her, and the two lay in silence until they were both asleep.
Jack's slumber had taken much longer to find him, as every time he closed his eyes all he could see was blood. Trying to think of other things, forcing new images into his mind, he had eventually fallen into a much-desired dreamless sleep.
…..
Jack woke up just after dawn, and the nightmare came flooding back. He looked over at Elizabeth and stared at her chest. The slow rise and fall of each breath sent a deep relief over him that he'd never felt before. He eased out of the bed and walked into the bathroom, closing the door behind him. Standing at the sink, he splashed cold water onto his face and let the drops fall from his skin as he leaned over the bowl, resting his hands on the edge.
The door opened and Jack glanced over to find Elizabeth walking in. He straightened and picked up the towel, wiping his face, as she moved in behind him and wrapped her arms around his torso. She kissed his back between his shoulder blades as Jack laid his hands on hers.
"Are you alright?" Elizabeth asked as he turned in her arms.
"Yes," he answered flatly.
"I don't think so," she replied, laying her hand on his cheek.
"I'll be fine," he assured her. Hoping to change the topic, he kissed her then asked. "What are you doing today?"
"Jack."
"Beth, I'll be fine. I can't control my dreams," he said softly.
"I know. But that must have been very scary."
Jack nodded then turned back to the sink. "I really don't want to talk about it anymore."
"Okay," she said, kissing his back and stepping aside. "The children and I are going over to see Sam and the kids this afternoon. Want to go? I think Tom will be there."
"Sure," he answered without looking at her.
"Okay," she said again. She laid her hand on his back and walked away, letting her hand fall as she left.
Elizabeth was standing in her closet, staring at her pants, wondering which ones would fit. She had donated all of her maternity clothes after the twins and still hadn't gone shopping for new ones. She looked down at her belly and laid her hands on the bump that seemed to be growing a little each day.
"Hey there, little one," she said softly. "We love you and can't wait to meet you."
Hearing a noise, she quickly turned to find Jack leaning in the doorway, one foot over the other, arms crossed, and smiling. He uncrossed his feet and walked toward her, moving behind his wife, he laid his hands on her stomach.
"Talking to the baby already?" he asked, his mouth next to her ear as he looked over her shoulder.
"Never too early," she stated, laying her hands on his.
Jack moved in front of her and knelt to his knees. He lifted her oversized shirt that she liked to sleep in, revealing the small bump, and pressed his lips to her skin, kissing her just below the belly button. Her scar was faint and low, only visible to them, and he left a trail of kisses across the raised skin.
"Hello, Baby," Jack started, looking through his eyelashes at his wife, then back to her belly. "We've been waiting for you," he whispered.
Elizabeth laid her hands over her heart, taken aback by his comment, as tears formed in her eyes.
"You will be so loved, you are so special," he continued. "And you will be the luckiest baby in the world to have my Beth as your mommy. You already have two brothers and a sister, and lots of cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents. We're all anxious to meet you." Jack kissed her stomach again before standing and dropping her shirt down.
"I thank God every day for allowing me to give you another child," Elizabeth said as she moved her arms around Jack's neck.
"I thank Him for the same thing," he said, smiling. "And I pray every day for Him to keep you both safe."
"Me, too," she replied, quietly.
"I'm sorry about being short with you in the bathroom," Jack said, tucking her hair behind her ears.
"It's really okay, Jack. I understand."
"I know you do. But...I'm still sorry. It's just that...the dream felt so real. I've had to convince myself all morning that it was only a nightmare and that you're okay."
Elizabeth reached up, cupping his face in her hands. "I'm okay. I'm here. The baby is fine."
Jack moved his arms around her, holding her tightly, and pressed his cheek to hers. He drew in a deep breath, taking in the scent of her hair with his eyes closed. "I love you, Elizabeth," he said softly into her ear.
Elizabeth let his warm breath float across her ear and neck and closed her eyes. Her hormones were already wreaking havoc on her, sending amplified chills through her body, mixed with uncontrollable emotions that brought on the tears.
Jack felt her body shake and straightened, looking down into his wife's eyes. Cupping her face, he wiped her tears away with his thumbs. "What's wrong?"
Shaking her head and laughing, she felt more tears begin to fall. "Hormones, Jack. I can't help it."
Jack joined his wife in her laughter and wrapped his arms around her once more, gently rocking her as she tried to get control of herself.
"Oh, good grief," she said, wiping her face. "Let the inopportune timing of tears begin."
Jack took her hands and lowered them to her side. Lifting his own back to her face, he bent down and kissed along each cheek, taking her tears away with his lips. "They're beautiful tears from a beautiful woman. I'll take them all. I'll carry them all. I'll wipe them all away." He kissed her fresh tears. "They are simply a reflection of your heart...which is pure and perfect."
This, of course, generated a new flood of emotions, and Jack held her against his chest, allowing his shirt to soak up her newly fallen drops.
…..
September 21st, 2014 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Elizabeth's phone began to ring and she searched through the pile of clean clothes on the bed, desperately trying to find it. Feeling the hard plastic, she grabbed it and looked at the screen. Lee's name was filling the glass and she quickly answered it.
"Lee? Is it time?"
"Yes, we're on our way."
Elizabeth ran into her closet, grabbed a sweater and her shoes and headed down the stairs.
"Jack!" she shouted as she neared the front door, grabbing her keys. "Jack!"
"What?!" he yelled, flying up the steps from the basement. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Rosie's in labor. Do you have the kids?" she asked as she slipped her shoes on.
"Yes. Go. Go. I'll call Ma then meet you there."
Elizabeth was out the door before Jack could even finish his sentence. He pulled his phone from his pocket and began making calls.
…..
University Hospital
"My wife is in labor," Lee exclaimed as he helped Rosemary up to the front desk. "The contractions are already five minutes apart." With Noel by their side and Autumn in his arms, he searched the lobby. "We have a friend on her way to watch the kids.
"Here, we'll take them until she gets here," a nurse offered, holding her hands out to take Autumn.
Lee handed her over, then took Noel's hand and moved her toward the nurse. "This is Noel, that's Autumn."
"I've got them. Don't worry."
The staff shifted in high gear as they got Rosie situated into a wheelchair, and rushed the couple down the hall to the delivery room. Within a few minutes, Rosemary was changed into a gown and moved onto the bed, Lee was at her side, and the doctor was in the room checking her.
"You're 80% effaced and 9 centimeters dilated. This baby will be arriving shortly," the doctor informed the couple.
"Already?" Lee asked in shock.
"This baby is ready to come out, Mr. Coulter. There's no stopping it now," she grinned.
Lee clutched Rosemary's hand and brushed her hair back with the other. "Are you ready for this, Baby?"
Between hard breaths, she looked into her husband's eyes, "Ready as I'll ever be."
"Did you say her water broke at home?" the doctor asked.
"Yes, about an hour ago," Lee replied.
Fifteen minutes passed as Rosemary's contractions became stronger, longer, and closer together. Lee held her hand and encouraged his wife with each one, talking softly to her, assuring her that she was doing a great job. The short time between the contractions, he silently stood with his forehead pressed to hers, letting her rest and prepare for the next one.
Thirty-five minutes after arriving at the hospital, the doctor informed Rosemary that it was time to push. With Lee holding one of her legs and hands, and a nurse on her opposite side, she began to push.
It felt as if only seconds had passed when the cry of the newborn filled the room, resonating through the ears and hearts of the parents. Lee and Rosemary were both in tears as they watched the team clean the baby.
"Congratulations, you two. You have a very healthy baby boy."
"Oh, my God," Lee exclaimed under his breath, covering his mouth with his hand.
Rosemary looked up at her husband, smiling, and watched him as he began to cry harder. The doctor handed Lee the sterile scissors and he cut the umbilical cord. Once wrapped in the blanket, they laid the large baby boy onto Rosemary's chest and immediately assisted her with getting him latched on and nursing.
The couple watched their son while the team finished cleaning and stitching Rosemary, going unnoticed to the elated parents.
Baby Boy Coulter was weighed, measured, and thoroughly examined and cleaned before being returned to Rosemary. She held her son, looking down into the face of the sleeping baby. She very softly touched his chin and watched him as he instinctively began to suck, his little lips pursing with each motion.
Lee kissed his wife's forehead, watching the two of them, his heart full. He took his son's hand and the little baby wrapped his fingers around one of Lee's.
Rosemary looked up, seeing Lee's eyes glistening once more, "You have a son."
Lee bent down and kissed her, brushing her hair back with his free hand. "We have a son," he smiled.
"Do you want to go out and let everyone know? I'm sure they are all here by now," she grinned.
"Sure," he kissed her again. "I'll be right back. I love you."
"I love you, too."
Lee kissed his son's forehead, took a few more photos, then left to find their waiting family.
Charlotte, Sam, Tom, Jack and Elizabeth were in the waiting room, patiently awaiting news of their friends and watching the girls, when Tom spotted Lee walking in.
"Well?" Elizabeth asked, jumping to her feet.
"It's a boy!" Lee stated loudly, tears forming in his eyes again.
Everyone swarmed the man, hugging, kissing and back slapping him. The room filled with congratulatory expressions.
"Daddy!" Noel shouted, jumping into his arms.
"So, what's his name? What did he weigh? Is Rosie okay?" Elizabeth impatiently asked.
"Rosie is perfect," Lee said as he pulled up his favorite photo and proudly held it up for everyone to see. "Meet Stetson Ryder Leland Coulter."
"Now that's a cowboy name," Jack stated, slapping his buddy on the back.
"He's huge," Elizabeth exclaimed, her eyes wide.
"9 pounds, 2 ounces, 22 inches long."
"Whoa," a few remarked, feeling the pain themselves of what Rosie must have gone through.
"I have a brother?" Noel asked, looking at the photo on the phone.
"Yes, baby girl, you have a brother now."
"Yay!" she exclaimed, smiling ear to ear.
"Stetson Ryder. That's a great name, Lee," Charlotte said, giving the man another hug. "Congratulations."
"Thank you, Char," Lee replied.
"Please let Rosie know that we'll stop by later to see her and the baby," Charlotte stated. "I left Frank with the kids and should probably get home to help him out," she said grinning.
"Okay. I'll let her know."
The rest of the family told their mother goodbye and watched as Charlotte left the room. Turning back to Lee, they began congratulating him once more, while they looked at each photo on Lee's phone.
…..
Elizabeth peeked her head into the room where Lee and Rosemary were both watching their son sleeping, both in awe of the little boy.
"Knock, knock," she said before entering.
"Liz, come in," Rosemary said softly.
Elizabeth slowly crossed the room, her lips curled into a smile. "Oh, Rosie, he's beautiful."
"Want to hold him?"
"Absolutely."
Rosemary handed the baby to her friend, pulling the blanket away from his face as she released him. Cradling the baby in her arms, Elizabeth moved closer to the window to get a better look at him. Ten perfectly pudgy fingers stuck out from the blanket, and she brushed her fingers across his. Stetson's face was round and filled out, his cheeks were rosy, and lips were a perfect pale pink. The hair on his head was a very light brown, just as both girls' had been before turning yellow gold like their mother's.
Elizabeth ran her fingers along the soft, silky hair and Stetson scrunched his face slightly at the touch. Elizabeth quietly giggled at the baby boy's silly face, so she brushed the top of his head once more, resulting in the same expression.
Lee and Rosemary were holding hands and watching her. Rosie felt pure relief that they could share this special moment, and with Elizabeth being pregnant, the celebration felt so much more special. The sun shining in through the window silhouetted Elizabeth's body slightly, showing her baby bump just that much more. Three months along now, her belly was protruding enough that even an outsider could see that she was expecting.
Elizabeth returned to Rosemary's side and lowered Stetson into her arms. "He's just perfect, Rosie."
"I know," she replied, smiling ear to ear.
"You've got your little cowboy, Lee."
"Finally," he teased.
"You'll be here before you know it," Rosemary added. "And I'll be here visiting you and meeting your little precious one."
"I hope so," Elizabeth said without thinking.
"Liz," Rosemary quietly scolded her friend.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. Yes, the time will fly and I'll be having mine before we know it."
Elizabeth's smile was genuine, so Rosemary let it go and looked back down at her son. Silence fell upon the room; the only sound was the faint sucking of Stetson.
"Where are the girls?" Rosemary asked.
"With Jack. We're taking them home with us."
"Oh, thank you, Liz."
"No problem. Peyton will love having another sleepover."
After visiting for a few more minutes, Elizabeth left the elated couple to enjoy their son. Jack was waiting for her in the lobby with the girls and took her hand to lead her out of the building. They stepped into the warm air, the sun beaming down on their faces, and Elizabeth nuzzled into Jack's side as they walked.
"How was Stetson?"
"Perfect," Elizabeth answered.
"I bet Lee is just over the moon to have a son."
"I do believe he is. He was prepared for another girl, but I think secretly he was praying for a son."
Jack stopped at Elizabeth's Tahoe and loaded the girls into the car seats. He closed the door, then leaned his back against it, and pulled Elizabeth to stand in front of him. "What do you want?"
"I really don't care, just as long as he or she is healthy. What about you?"
"Same," he smiled, pulling her closer.
"But secretly?" she asked, grinning.
Jack looked up, shaking his head, "Honestly," his eyes fell back down to lock with hers, "honestly, I don't care. Either will be wonderful." Jack moved his hands up to either side of her face, holding her as he kissed his wife. "And you...secretly."
Elizabeth grinned, "A girl...to balance things out."
Jack laughed and wrapped his arms around her, their bodies pressed together and leaning on the vehicle. "That would be nice," he said before kissing her again.
"Or a boy," she smiled. "For you."
"I already have two, remember?"
"Oh, how could I forget," she laughed. "But you need your little ranch hands."
"I need a healthy wife and child. That's all I need. Boy or girl...I will be over the moon with either." Jack kissed her forehead, then asked, "Do you want to find out ahead of time?"
"With all the ultrasounds they'll be doing, I don't know how we could get around not finding out."
"True. So, we'll find out the first chance we get," he said grinning.
"You don't want to wait, do you?" she asked, giving him a crooked smile.
Jack shook his head, "Not really."
"Okay, then. We'll find out as soon as they can tell for sure."
"When will that be?" His expression was like a child's at Christmas, wondering what was inside the wrapped box, anxious to tear into it to find out.
Elizabeth laughed, then answered him. "Normally, it's at the twenty-week ultrasound. But since we'll be in there every month, I think it could be sooner. But I'm not sure. We can ask at our appointment on Wednesday but I'm only twelve weeks, so don't get your hopes up to find out then."
"Darn it," he said, still grinning. "I'll try to be patient."
…..
September 23rd, 2014 – Coulter Ranch
Jack lifted Autumn from her car seat and positioned her on his hip, while Elizabeth helped Noel out of the car. They knocked quietly on the front door, then slowly opened it, trying not to wake Stetson if he was asleep.
"Come in, guys," Lee stated when he saw them peeking in.
As soon as Jack pushed the door open and stepped back to allow Elizabeth through, Noel burst in and ran up to Lee.
"Daddy, daddy."
"Hey, baby girl," Lee said, lifting his daughter into the air and catching her into a hug. "I missed you."
"I missed you, Daddy. Where's Mommy?"
"She'll be right out," he said, lowering her to the floor. "Wait on the couch, we have a surprise."
"Goody, goody," the little girl said as she danced around before sitting.
"There's my little girl," Lee said, holding his hands out for Autumn.
"Da Da," Autumn said, leaning out of Jack's arms toward her father.
"Come in and have a seat," Lee motioned to his friends after taking Autumn.
The group moved into the living room and visited while waiting for Rosemary. A brief moment later, Rosemary came in carrying Stetson, and walked over to Noel.
She sat down beside her, and lowered the baby for Noel to see. "Noel, this is your baby brother, Stetson."
"I hold?" she asked, holding her arms out.
Rosemary moved Stetson onto her daughter's lap, supporting his head while Noel held his body. "Baby Brother, I love you," she said, then kissed his forehead.
"Oh, my goodness," Elizabeth stated, her hands over her heart.
Jack laid his arm behind her, draping across her shoulders, and pulled her against his side, kissing her cheek.
"That's so sweet," she added.
The friends spent the evening visiting and catching up as the girls got acquainted with the new little brother. Once it was their bedtime, Jack and Elizabeth said their farewells and headed home to their own children, whom Charlotte had been watching.
…..
September 24th, 2014 – Primrose OB/GYN
Elizabeth lay on the table with Jack sitting by her side, as they waited for the doctor to arrive. Jack held her hand in his, playing with her wedding ring, sliding it back and forth.
"Do you think we can find out today?" Jack asked.
"I really don't know. I doubt it," Elizabeth answered. "Wow, you are very anxious to find out?"
Jack grinned and nodded.
"Why?"
"I don't know. I guess because we didn't think we'd ever have another one, so I'm just excited to find out."
There was a knock at the door, then the doctor stepped in. "Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Thornton. How's everything going so far?"
"Good, I think," Elizabeth replied. "I'm feeling great."
"That's wonderful," Dr. Shepherd said. "Well, let's get started and see how this little baby is doing."
"When will we be able to find out the sex?" Jack quickly asked.
"Well, to be certain, sixteen to eighteen weeks. Sometimes we can tell as early as twelve weeks, but the baby must be positioned just right. Are you both wanting to know?"
"Yes, we would," Elizabeth answered.
"Okay, let's see if this little one is going to let us know today."
Jack held Elizabeth's hand, his excitement growing, as he watched the doctor squeeze the gel onto Elizabeth's belly. Dr. Shepherd pressed the probe against her skin, spreading the clear gel around, then began his search for the baby. After only a few seconds, he began measuring, clicking, and typing information into the computer. "Everything looks great, measuring right where he or she should be, strong heartbeat. Nothing looks out of the ordinary." After a few short moments of more measurements and data input, the doctor maneuvered the probe, twisting and tilting it more than he had been, as if he was searching for something. "There," he said, pointing at the screen. "Now, this isn't definite, but going off of what I see right now, I'd say you're having a..."
