This one comes with a bit of a steam alert. Elizabeth's hormones are running wild, and well...she's married to Jack! The next chapter will be up soon, hopefully in the next day or two. Sorry to leave you hanging once more. :) Thanks for the reviews. Keep 'em coming!
September 24th, 2014 – Primrose OB/GYN
"Oh, my goodness," Elizabeth said, her hand covering her smile.
Jack squeezed her other hand tightly, a smile covering his face as well. "Really?" he asked under his breath.
"Possibly. At your next visit in a month, we'll check again and see if we get the same result," Dr. Shepherd said as he laid the probe on the metal stand. He printed out another ultrasound photo and handed it to Jack. "Now, how are you feeling? Any nausea? Any pain?"
"No, none of that," Elizabeth answered.
"Are you doing your normal daily activities? Or have you stepped back from anything?"
"No, I'm doing my normal things. I don't lift anything too heavy. I have Jack for that," she grinned.
"That's good. Well, I say for now, keep doing what you're doing. Make sure you're taking in plenty of fluids. And have you been taking your prenatal vitamins?"
"Yes, every day."
As the doctor and Elizabeth were talking and going over everything, Jack was sitting in the chair next to the table, staring at the ultrasound. He was still struggling to believe this was all real, and held the proof in his hands, trying to convince his head of what his eyes were seeing.
"Jack?" Elizabeth asked as she swung her legs off the table. "Jack."
He looked up at Elizabeth then looked around the empty room. "Where's Dr. Shepherd?"
"He left. He told you goodbye. Where were you?"
Jack looked back at the picture he was holding, seeing very clearly a baby in his wife's womb. "Is this real?"
Elizabeth hopped off the table and pulled her shirt down. Chuckling, she answered, "Yes, Jack. This is really happening. What's going on with you?"
Jack stood and handed the photo to Elizabeth. "I'm still having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that we are actually having another child."
"Well, you've got six more months to work that out, then you better be prepared," she teased.
"I most definitely will be by then," he said as he held up her sweater for her to slip her arms into.
"Did you hear what he said about what sex we might be having?" She was smiling ear to ear at the expression on her husband's face.
"Yes, I did hear him." Jack moved his arms around his wife and pulled her to him. "Are you ready for that?"
"Either way. The boys would love another brother, yet Peyton would be beyond excited to have a sister. You know she's asked for one?"
"What? Really?"
"Yes, she saw that Colton got a brother and she wanted to know where her sister was." The couple laughed at the innocence of their daughter. "When should we tell them?"
"I've been wondering the same thing. I think we should wait a little bit longer, just to be safe."
"I agree. But we're going to have to tell them soon, or they'll wonder why I have a bowling ball under my shirt."
Jack laughed, then added, "Maybe after our next appointment in a month?"
"Yes. Then it will be more certain of the gender, and we'll have more information to tell them and save on a few questions."
Jack opened the door and waited for Elizabeth to step through. "Questions?"
She stopped and looked back at her husband, "Yes, you do know they are going to ask how the baby got in there."
Jack froze and stared at his wife. "They will?"
"Of course, Jack," she laughed.
"Great," he stated and followed Elizabeth out of the building.
…..
September 28th, 2014 – Crossroads Cowboy Church
Jack and Elizabeth stepped out of the church to find the family all waiting by their vehicles. Peyton was on Jack's hip and wiggled down, wanting to run and see Savannah.
"What are we doing today?" Elizabeth asked when they reached everyone. She was standing next to Rosemary and peeking into the blanket at Stetson.
"Today, Dear," Charlotte started, "is your day."
"My day?" Elizabeth asked, confused.
"Yes, we are celebrating your birthday today."
"We don't need to do that."
"Nonsense," Charlotte said. "We will...and we are."
"You know there's no point in fighting her," Jack leaned in and whispered loudly.
"That's right," Charlotte added with a wink. "Now, let's go."
Everyone started to their vehicles, leaving Elizabeth standing next to hers. "Go where?" she asked, throwing up her arms.
Jack opened her door and held his hand out, "Just get in if you want to find out."
"You and your family just wear me out."
Jack helped her up, then lifted her hand to his lips, kissing her knuckles. "And you love it," he grinned.
Blake had the door open, trying to help Colton up, when Jack gripped the little boy and almost tossed him into the truck, sending Colton into a fit of laughter. Jack picked up Peyton and placed her in her car seat, securing her seatbelt.
"Everyone buckled in?" he asked, checking each child.
"Buckled, Daddy," Colton answered.
The caravan of trucks turned onto the highway that led them into town. Elizabeth looked out the window, trying to guess where they might be going, as business after business passed by. They pulled into the parking lot of her favorite Italian restaurant, and a smile graced her face.
"We're eating at Giorgio's?"
"Yep," Jack replied, reaching across the seat and taking her hand.
She enjoyed her favorite dish while everyone tried new ones, each raving over the rich flavors. When they were finished, Charlotte stood and jingled her car keys.
"And now, for part two," she said, grinning at Elizabeth.
"Part two? What's part two?" Elizabeth asked.
"The men are taking the kids to a movie while the ladies go have a little fun."
Elizabeth looked at Jack who was smiling at her and nodding.
"You guys are taking all of the kids?"
"Yep," he nodded. "All the kids."
"Let's go ladies," Charlotte stated, stepping away from the table.
The men paid the bill, then followed the women out of the restaurant, the kids in tow. They began loading them into the vehicles, while the women climbed into Charlottes SUV. Jack stood at Elizabeth's door, her window down, and kissed her.
"Have fun," he said, his dimples prominent. "The kids will have a blast and so will you," he winked. "Goodbye, ladies," he called out to the rest of them.
A few minutes later, Charlotte pulled into a strip mall and parked in front of a business that Elizabeth had never seen before: Twisted Art Studio.
"What's this place?" she asked.
"Well," Charlotte said, reaching back for something that Sam was handing to her. She held up a bottle of wine and continued, "this is a group painting session...BYOB."
"But Charlotte...," Elizabeth started.
"Beth," she said, pointing at the label. "Non-alcoholic."
Elizabeth smiled and opened her door, "Then what are we waiting for?"
…..
The men unloaded the children, and with the help of Savannah and Luke, they corralled them into the theater to watch a Disney movie call Big Hero 6: a story about Hiro, a boy who's brother created an inflatable robot named Baymax, who quickly became Hiro's best friend.
It took everything the men had to keep the kids contained to one area as they were all extremely eager to watch a movie on the big screen. This would be the first for Colton, Peyton, Noel and Autumn. Savannah held Autumn's hand to keep her nearby, while Jack and Tom purchased the tickets for everyone. Tom also requested a CaptiView device for Savannah that would display the movie's closed captioning for her to read the dialog.
Once the tickets were purchased, they stood in line for popcorn and snacks.
…..
The women lined along both sides of a table, each with a canvas and set of paints in front of them. Elizabeth was in her element and her face was filled with excitement. A few other tables filled the room, each with several women already laughing and drinking.
With a sample of that day's design hanging up front, the instructor began the directions. She informed them that they could either paint it as it was shown, or choose their own color pallet. Elizabeth already had her brush in hand and an image in mind.
…..
The men lined the eight children in a row and took the seats behind them. Lee kept Stetson in a carrier beside him, a bottle ready for when the baby woke. Autumn sat next to Savannah for the young girl to help her little cousin when needed. Each child had a small bag of popcorn, cup of soda, and box of candy in a tray on their laps, their recliners tipped back, excitement rushing through their bodies, as the lights dimmed and the trailers for future movies began.
…..
Flowing conversations, many giggles, and a few outbursts of laughter filled their afternoon as over twenty women and a few men painted and drank their wine together. The image that day was of palm trees, silhouetted against a sunset-colored sky. Elizabeth added a hammock to hers, strung between two of the trees.
The instructor walked around the room, helping those that needed it, praising and encouraging others. When she stopped behind Elizabeth, she leaned forward to look at it more closely.
"That's beautiful," she commented in awe. "This is definitely not your first time painting."
"No, ma'am. It isn't," Elizabeth smiled, pleased with her final product.
"Just wonderful," the woman stated, before moving to the next one.
As each person completed their painting, they moved to a wall of hair dryers, picked one up, and sped up the drying process of their artwork. Once each person was finished, the instructor asked for the group to gather together with their paintings, and she took a few photos, informing the group that she would email them to everyone.
…..
The lights slowly turned back on as the movie came to an end, and the five youngest in their group began clapping. Lee moved Stetson, who had woken half way through the movie, back into his carrier. Jack stood and leaned over the backs of the seats of his three kids, and as they saw their daddy and his upside-down face, they began to laugh and reach up to him.
"What did you think about that?" Jack asked them.
"That was awesome!" Colton shouted.
"Baymax was neat!" Peyton added.
"Did you like it, Blake?"
Smiling ear to ear, the little boy nodded. "That was really funny. And sad. Then funny again."
The children gathered up all their garbage and the men herded them out of the theater, helped them toss their trash in the correct bins, then made their way to their trucks. The enthusiastic kids danced around one another as they crossed the parking lot, obviously hyped up on sugar at the moment.
"Good luck you guys," Frank teased as they neared their vehicles.
"I'm hoping they'll crash and be out by the time we get home," Jack said, then laughed as Blake jumped into the air and came down with his arm around Colton's neck. The two proceeded as if they were wrestling each other, dramatic falls to the ground, exaggerated moans and groans, followed by Blake landing flat on his back and pretending to be knocked out.
"Boys," was all Jack said, grinning and shaking his head, then picked his son up off the ground and dusted off his backside.
…..
Elizabeth waved goodbye to Charlotte and Sam as they pulled away after dropping her off. They had dropped Rosemary off first, and were headed to Sam's house next. She walked up the steps to the front porch with her painting in hand, and just as she was about to turn the doorknob to go inside, she heard someone from across the veranda clear their throat.
Elizabeth turned to find Jack sitting in one of the Adirondack chairs. He was wearing his worn Wranglers, one of his long-sleeved black Wrangler shirts, and was barefoot. Jack was turned in the chair, looking over his shoulder at his wife, grinning at her. His dimples were deep, his eyes shining, and he held his hand out for her. Elizabeth felt her heart speed up a bit at the sight of her husband, and she had to draw in a deep breath to bring her heartrate back down. After she set the painting down, she crossed the wooden decking, her lips slowly forming into a grin, her eyes scanning Jack as she approached him.
"Did you have fun today?" Jack asked as she placed her hand in his. He pulled her down onto his lap and laid a hand on her belly.
"I had a blast. That was so much fun. How was the movie with all those kids? I see you survived," she said smiling.
"It was a piece of cake," Jack said. "The kids loved it." His head rested on her shoulder as he looked down at her stomach, his hand rubbing it back and forth. "You're so beautiful," he whispered in her ear. "So beautiful."
"Where are the kids?" she asked, turning her head to face him.
"They are sound asleep," he grinned, moving his hand along her neck and into her hair. "They crashed from their sugar high about twenty minutes ago.
Elizabeth stood, looked around the ranch, peered into the window of the house, then returned her gaze to her husband. She reached for the bottom of her long skirt, lifting it and reaching beneath it, slipped her fingers under the sides of her panties, and pulled them down and off.
"Beth," Jack said in a loud, shocked voice, "what are you doing?"
She tossed her panties onto the table next to the chair and reached for Jack's belt.
"Beth," Jack started again, but was silenced by Elizabeth's lips on his as she straddled his legs, pulling his zipper down.
She jerked his jeans open and over his hips as he lifted them, pulling the jeans down just slightly. Shifting forward, Elizabeth lifted her skirt and moved over her husband, slowly lowering herself onto him.
"Beth, what if someone shows up?" Jack asked, before taking her mouth with his once more, unable and unwilling to stop.
"Who would...show up? We were...just with everyone," she replied, kissing and sucking on Jack's neck while trying to answer him.
Knowing she was right and they were safe, Jack slipped his hands under her skirt and gripped her hips, taking control of the speed of her movements.
The flowing red fabric of her full skirt fell down around them, hiding them from view. Elizabeth's movements were slow and deliberate, while Jack's hands gripped into her soft flesh. The warm sun beamed down on them, adding to their heated passion, as sweat beads ran down their skin.
The horses were frolicking through the pasture, enjoying the beautiful weather and endless supply of grass. Some of the newly weaned foals could be heard whinnying for their mothers who were two pastures over, as a couple of young mares called back. Wyatt had been out chasing varmints when he'd tired of running, and he was now sprawled out in the sun on the front porch at the top of the steps.
The weather that day was perfect; a slight breeze, clear sky, warm sun. The windows of the house were open, and six little feet could have easily been heard from the porch if the kids had woken. Silence remained through the home as Jack and Elizabeth held each other. They knew their time of being able to be intimate would be drawing to an end soon. So, they tried to enjoy each other when they could until then.
Elizabeth sat across Jack's lap as he drew her in close to him. If it was up to Jack, he'd never let her go and they would remain just like this forever. No worries, no fears, only closeness and love of husband and wife in each other's arms.
Wyatt's head popped up and he looked back at the house. Elizabeth saw this out of the corner of her eye, and she looked through the window and saw all three kids at the top of the stairs, about to run down.
"They're up," she said as she pressed her cheek against his. She was still looking through the window as the children made their way down the stairs, while Jack watched the horses running across the pasture.
"They'll find us," he said softly in her ear, tightening his hold on his wife. "But you might want to grab your panties," he laughed.
…..
September 30th, 2014 – Tom & Sam's Ranch
Jack and Tom stood near the gate of the arena, while Luke rode Jake around, getting used to the larger horse. Once he was warmed up, Jack entered and began to work with his nephew on how to ride a roping horse.
Within an hour, Luke was running Jake from one end to the other, his lariat circling over his head. He tossed it into the air, practicing riding with one hand, then pulled Jake to a stop. The horse, trained to halt immediately, did so, almost sending Luke over his neck.
"Whoa," Jack shouted as he ran toward Luke. "You alright?"
The young boy had pulled himself back upright, getting recentered in the saddle, and was breathing hard by the time Jack had reached him.
Jack laid his hand on Luke's leg and was looking up at him, waiting for a response, when Tom joined them in the center of the arena.
"You alright, Luke?" he asked his son.
Luke smiled and looked down at the men, "That was close."
Jack and Tom began laughing, and Jack patted the boy's leg. "That it was. Ready to try again?"
Luke, still grinning, nodded his head.
After a few pointers and instructions, the men sent Luke out once more, and watched as the young boy perfected his riding and roping in only a few more tries.
"You've got quite a boy there," Jack said to his brother with his hand on Tom's shoulder.
"Yep, I know I do," Tom replied, laying his hand on Jack's shoulder, too.
…..
October 1st, 2014 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Elizabeth opened her eyes to a brightly lit room. The sun was fully up and illuminating the house, and Elizabeth sat up quickly, looking at the clock to check the time. 8:58 am. Not understanding how she'd slept in so late; she began to swing her legs off the bed when she noticed a gorgeous bouquet of roses sitting on her bedside table. She sat up and removed the card that was tucked into them and saw Jack's handwriting on it.
My Dearest Elizabeth,
I hope you enjoyed your much deserved, extra rest this morning, as well as this small token of my love. There are thirty-two roses, one for each year that the earth has been blessed with your presence. You are the most amazing mother to our children, the greatest wife any man could ever ask for, and the best person that anyone is lucky enough to call friend.
Your beauty lights my world, your charisma fills every room you step into, and your faith filters out and into every person you come in contact with.
I love you with my whole being. You are my life, my hope, and my everything.
Happy birthday, Beautiful.
Love, Your Cowboy
Elizabeth set the card aside, wiped away the single tear that had taken residence on her cheek, and reached out to touch one of the velvety petals of a rose. The cylinder vase was short and lined with a long green leaf. The roses formed a dome and included bear grass loops, adding just the right amount of flair to the already beautiful arrangement.
Elizabeth leaned forward and breathed in a deep breath of the strong, floral aroma, then ran her fingers across the soft petals once more.
She got off the bed and walked to the bathroom, where the bath had been filled with hot water and rose petals were floating across the surface, mixed with bubbles. Several candles in glass jars had been lit and were half melted down, sitting along the tile that surrounded the tub.
A small note lay on the tile beside one of the candles and Elizabeth picked it up to read it.
Good morning, Beautiful.
I hope you had a wonderful rest. Here is a bath to start your special day out right, and I hope the water is still warm. Sorry if it isn't.
Take your time, soak until you're wrinkled, then come downstairs where I'll be waiting.
Love, Your Cowboy
Elizabeth giggled at the note, then reached her hand into the water to test it, finding it a little on the cool side. She turned the water on as hot as it would go, then turned the jets on to circulate the water, warming it up quicker.
Within only a few minutes, Elizabeth was soaking in the warm water, rose petals and bubbles floating around her, her eyes closed, and a smile on her lips.
…..
Jack walked up the steps for the fifth time that morning, to check on Elizabeth. This time, when he quietly opened the bedroom door, he saw the empty bed and smiled. The bathroom door was cracked slightly , so Jack peeked inside and saw Elizabeth soaking in the tub, and could see the smile on her face.
He quietly left before getting noticed, and headed back downstairs to finish his preparations.
…..
Elizabeth pulled her leggings on, and paired them with a long purple blouse. Her hair was brushed out, sections falling into slight curls, her make-up was light, and her heart was full. She walked out of the bedroom, expecting to hear her children talking or laughing, but the only sound was the faint music playing through the home's sound system. She walked down the steps and into the kitchen, where Jack was standing with a single long-stemmed rose in his hand. He was wearing a newer pair of Wranglers, a long-sleeved, buttoned up blue shirt, and a grin.
"Hello, Beautiful," he said as he crossed the room, holding out the rose for her to take.
"Hey, Cowboy," she replied, taking the flower and stretching onto her toes to kiss him.
"Did you have a good morning?" he asked, still grinning.
"The greatest."
"Join me?" he asked, his arm out for her to slip hers into. He led her to the island where a plate of warm strawberry crepes was waiting.
"Jack, those look delicious. Did you make these?"
He pulled her stool out, and as she sat down, he slid it underneath her. Taking his seat, he looked at his wife. "Of course. No one else is here," he teased.
"Sorry," she said as she picked up the fork. "These look amazing."
Jack pulled the second plate in front of him and took a bite of his. "Wow, these are pretty good," he said, never having made or eaten crepes before.
He had made everything from scratch; the crepes and filling. The strawberries were sliced thin and powder sugar was sifted across the top of the plate.
"Where are the kids?" she asked between bites.
"Ma has them, but will be bringing them by for lunch."
"Oh, good," Elizabeth responded, taking another bite. "What's next?" she asked, grinning.
"Next? What makes you think there's more?"
"Because I know you."
Jack let out a big breath and smiled at his wife. "You know me too well," he said, then took his last bite.
"Well?"
"Well, what?" Jack teased.
"Jack Ashton. You're insufferable."
Once he finished laughing, Jack stood and took both plates and set them into the sink. As he returned to his seat, he saw Elizabeth still staring at him, still waiting for an answer.
"Okay, fine. We are going out as a family after lunch. I thought you'd enjoy a day of fun with the kids."
"Now that sounds like a perfect birthday," she said, reaching across and taking Jack's hand in hers. "Where are we going?"
"Have you seen that new park on the edge of town?"
"That huge wooden one that looks like a castle?"
"Yes."
"Oh, the kids will love it," Elizabeth excitedly replied. "Then what?"
Laughing, Jack knew she wouldn't let him off until he told her all of his plans. "Then ice cream, the toy store, art store, then dinner out wherever you want to go."
Elizabeth stood and moved closer to Jack, standing directly in front of him. She laid her hands across his shoulders and kissed him. "It sounds like the perfect day."
"I thought you'd like it," he said, grinning in a way that inset his dimples even deeper.
She looked up at the clock, then back at Jack, "So, the kids won't be home for another two hours."
"Nope," Jack said, still grinning.
"Any plans while we wait?"
"Yep."
Elizabeth stood waiting, but when Jack didn't continue, she gave him a sideways glance and asked, "And?"
Jack stood and slid his hands along the sides of her face and into her hair. He covered her mouth with his and kissed her for a solid minute. When they stopped to take a breath, Jack picked her up, and while keeping his eyes locked with hers, he carried her up the steps and into their bedroom.
…..
Elizabeth sat on the bench and watched as Jack chased the kids around the playground. This was perfection to her: watching her family. The weather had cooled but was still warm enough for all of them to enjoy some time in the fresh air. Several families had the same idea and many were climbing on and running across the wooden playset.
Jack reached through the boards, touching each of his kids' legs as they ran by, letting out squeals of high-pitched laughter each time he got them. Blake found five tires connected together that you could sit on like a horse and climbed onto it.
"Daddy, make it buck like a bull!" he shouted.
Jack grabbed the cables that suspended it and began pulling them back and forth. The little boy held on tight with one hand, while holding his other in the air. He moved his body in exaggerated movements to make it appear as if the "bull" was moving more than it actually was. Elizabeth laughed from her seat as she watched their oldest, positive he saw a real bull beneath him in his mind.
Peyton ran to Elizabeth, climbing onto the park bench beside her. She watched her mommy rubbing her stomach, her brow pinched.
"Your tummy hurt, Mommy?" she innocently asked.
"No, why?" Elizabeth asked, not realizing what she was doing.
"Cause you rub your tummy. Like I do when mine hurts."
Elizabeth looked down and noticed what she was absentmindedly doing. "Oh, no. Mommy's tummy doesn't hurt."
"Otay," the little girl responded, sitting straight in her seat. She started watching all of the kids playing, darting from one thing to another. Her eyes scanned the entire playset.
"Are you looking for someone?" Elizabeth asked, having been eyeing her daughter.
"Nope. Just watchin'."
Elizabeth chuckled and wrapped her arm behind her daughter, and the pair continued to watch everyone having a great time in the beautiful weather.
Colton was now on the tires, trying his hand at "bull" riding. Mimicking Blake, he lifted one hand up and held on with the other. A few seconds into his "ride," he started to slip off and Jack quickly reached out and caught him before he hit the wood chip covered ground.
"Whoa," Jack exclaimed as he up righted his son. "That bull got ya."
Letting out a deep belly laugh, Colton doubled over and nodded. "Yeah, he got me."
After over an hour on the playground, the Thornton's loaded back into Jack's truck and headed to the ice cream shop. With more than each one could eat, and more toppings than should have been allowed, the kids sat at the table on the patio, shoveling huge bites of their ice cream concoctions into their mouths. Jack and Elizabeth sat on the opposite side of the table, watching their children making a mess of their desserts and enjoying the freedom that had been bestowed upon them.
Once the kids were finished and cleaned up, Jack and Elizabeth walked hand in hand, their children running, skipping and hopping ahead of them, along the front of the shopping center. Ducking into a toy store, the kids touched and excitedly exclaimed over every toy they saw. Jack and Elizabeth allowed each of them to pick out a new toy, and the kids had a nearly impossible time choosing just one.
As they stood at the checkout, Colton struggled to hold up his large box. Jack held it for his son, so Colt could look at the photo and see everything that was included. A barn, tractors, fences, horses, cows, sheep and more were shown in the photo, and the little boy pointed everything out as he discovered each item he hadn't noticed before.
Blake stared wide-eyed at his box that included two sets of chutes, bulls, riders and gatemen. One set was red and the other in blue, so he could have teams competing against one another.
Peyton's box was on the floor and she knelt in front of it, her elbows on her knees and her chin resting on her fists. She was smiling as she stared at the photo on the front of the box. It was a large eighteen-inch doll with three horses and a stable. One of the horses was a buckskin like Maverick and she had already decided that would be its name.
When they were finally paid and out of the store, Jack carried the three large bags as Elizabeth walked ahead with the children running around her, begging to go home so they could play with their new toys.
"Kids, today is Mommy's birthday. She gets to go buy some toys now."
"Oh, yeah. Happy birthday, Mommy," all three said loudly.
As they stepped into the art store, the kids looked around confused, having expected to see toys. "Where are the toys?" Colton asked.
"This is an art store, which is kind of like toys for Mommy who loves to paint."
"Ohhhh," Colton said as he reached up to grab a bottle of paint.
Jack stopped him, then knelt in front of all three of his children. "You can't touch things here like in the toy store. Okay?"
Peyton, Colton and Blake nodded.
"Okay, let's let Mommy look around as long as she wants. It's her day, remember?"
"Yes, Mommy's day," Peyton said in her sweetest voice.
Jack slowly walked through the store, keeping a close eye on the kids while carrying their bags of toys. Elizabeth had a small basket hanging on her arm, already half filled with new brushes, a few tubes of acrylic paints, and some watercolor pencils.
Jack couldn't take his eyes off of his wife. Her baby bump was very noticeable, and Jack thought it made her even more gorgeous. Her eyes were lit up as she scanned all of the art supplies, picking up an item here and there; putting most back, but a few in her basket.
Elizabeth glanced at Jack occasionally, catching him staring at her each time. He just grinned and never looked away, except the few times he had to remind the kids not to touch anything.
As Elizabeth reached the back of the narrow store, then began to work her way toward the front, she brushed against Jack and he gently grazed his palm across her belly and thigh, sending a surge through her body.
As she stood in line to pay for her items, Jack moved in behind her, pressing his chest to her back, and softly kissed her exposed neck, as he reached around her and rested his hand on her stomach.
"You are so beautiful," he whispered very quietly into her ear. "I can't take my eyes off of you."
Elizabeth tipped her head against his, as chills rushed through her body. It was her turn and she stepped forward and set her basket on the counter. Looking back at Jack, she caught him eyeing her up and down, and he grinned when his eyes locked with hers.
The cashier watched the couple, and seeing the glances between Jack and Elizabeth, she quickly dropped her gaze as she felt as if she was peeping into a private, intimate moment. The cashier raised her eyes once more, seeing that Elizabeth was pregnant, then noticing the three children close in age, she understood and grinned as she could see that this gorgeous man and beautiful woman obviously could not stay away from each other.
…..
Jack carried a sleeping Peyton as they walked out of the restaurant. With the boys on either side, Elizabeth held their hands as they crossed the parking lot to the truck. Jack loaded each of them, securing their seatbelts, then tore each box open and handed the boys each one piece out of their new toy sets. Pulling one of the horses out, he set it next to Peyton in case she woke up before they arrived home.
When Jack walked around the truck and opened his door, a smile covered his face when he saw his wife sitting in the middle of the front bench seat. Jack stepped up into the truck, fastened his seat belt, started the engine, and kissed her. Once he was back on the highway and headed home, Jack moved his arm behind her as she leaned into him.
….
Jack looked down at his wife when he pulled into their driveway. She was sound asleep nestled into the crook of his arm, and had been for most of the hour-long drive home. Jack looked back at the kids, who had grown quiet half way through the drive, and who were also asleep.
Jack stopped the truck in front of the house, and began his task of getting everyone in bed. Peyton first, followed by Colton, then Blake. Once the kids were changed and tucked in, Jack returned to the truck where Elizabeth was still out. Jack climbed up to the seat beside her, and brushed his knuckles along her cheek.
"Beth," he said softly. "Baby," he added, running a hand along her arm.
Elizabeth turned her head and slowly opened her eyes. When she saw the house in the background behind Jack, she quickly woke and looked around.
"Where are the kids?"
"In bed," he smiled, brushing his thumb across her cheek again.
"What?" she asked, scanning the back seat again.
"All of you fell asleep on the way home, so I carried the kids up, changed them, and put them to bed. You're next," he grinned.
"Oh, I am?" she asked, just before a big yawn.
"Let's get you to bed. You're exhausted," Jack said in all seriousness. He stepped down from the truck and held his hand out for Elizabeth.
Jack pulled the covers over her and sat on the edge of the bed. Elizabeth had changed into her oversized shirt and brushed her teeth, and laid with her head on her pillow, her eyes already growing heavy.
"Go to sleep, Beautiful," Jack said as he smoothed the side of her hair.
"But I wanted to...thank you...for today," she grinned.
"Later," he smiled back. "You're tired."
"Thank you for a perfect day, Cowboy."
"You're welcome," he said in a quiet voice. He kissed her forehead, then pulled the covers over her shoulder. "Happy birthday, Baby."
Elizabeth closed her eyes and was quickly back to sleep, as Jack watched her for a few minutes. He pushed the comforter back and laid his hand on her belly. Getting down on his knees, he leaned onto the bed with his face mere inches from her stomach.
"Hello, Baby," he started, just above a whisper. "I just wanted to let you know that you are a gift from God. We've wanted you for a very long time, but never thought we'd meet you. God has blessed us with this amazing gift, that is you. He knew we needed you, and I thank Him for trusting us to be your parents." Jack moved forward, kissing her stomach softly. "You are already so loved."
Jack remained on his knees, his hand covering most of her bump. With his eyes closed, he began to pray, thanking God for Elizabeth's continued safety, and the for the life that grew inside her.
Elizabeth's eyes were open slightly, having heard everything that Jack had said, she watched him with blurred vision through her tears. When he closed his eyes and began to silently pray, Elizabeth closed hers and focused on Jack's hand that was slowly moving across her belly, soon falling asleep once more. …..
October 4th, 2014 – Hope Meadows Ranch
"Hope, come on," Jack shouted, chasing the filly who had just stolen his hat again. Once he caught her and retrieved his hat, he wiped it off and returned it to his head. "Girl, you're gonna get yourself locked up in a pen if you don't behave."
The filly stared at him, then bobbed her head up and down as if she was laughing at him.
"Come here," he said, scratching her forehead. "You're lucky you're so cute."
Jack returned to work on a broken stall door while Hope made her way through the barn, nuzzling each of the horses. Jack stopped and watched her, then got an idea.
"Hope, I think it's time you learn that you're a horse."
Jack picked up four lead ropes and opened Harley's stall, snapping one to his halter. Moving down the aisle, he pulled out Annie, Wrangler and Max, leading the four horses out to the small pasture next to the barn. With Hope following, Jack led them all out into the grass, unsnapped each rope, and watched the horses run across the open area. Hope stood next to Jack, her eyes wide as she watched the larger horses running and playing.
"Go join them," Jack said, pointing toward the horses.
Hope took a few steps, then stopped, staring. The four horses were running in their direction now, kicking and bucking, and Hope turned and ran toward the closed gate. They slid to a stop next to Jack, and Harley pushed his nose into Jack's hand. He petted each one, keeping an eye on Hope to see what she would do. The filly slowly approached the group, stretching her neck out and chomping her mouth opened and closed. Annie stretched her neck, smelling the filly, then jumped to the side and took off running. Harley, Max and Wrangler followed her, but this time, Hope joined them. Jack moved to the fence and leaned against the post, his arms crossed, watching the horses interact with the young filly.
She was unable to keep up with them if they ran full speed, but she held her own. Hope began to mimic their antics in the pasture, bucking, kicking, stopping now and again for a bite of grass. Jack waited until the little herd settled down and began to graze before he returned to his work inside the barn, peeking out once in a while to check on her.
…..
With the broken stall door repaired and Hope settling right in with the horses, Jack moved to the other aisle of the barn to check on Maverick. He pulled the horse from his large stall and snapped a cross-lead to the side of his halter. Reaching for the second lead on the opposite side of the aisle, Jack grabbed it and attached it to the other side of the horse's halter.
Jack stepped back, evaluating his latest large purchase. Standing in the middle of the concrete alley, the horse stood proudly, looking at Jack. Maverick was gorgeous, muscled, perfect conformation, calm, respectful, well mannered - everything Jack had been looking for.
He stepped forward to Maverick and laid his hand on the animal's forehead. "Hey, Mav. How are you doing today?"
Jack slid his hands across the horse's eyes and Maverick dropped his head, pressing his forehead against the man's chest. Jack moved his hands under the animal's jaw and scratched him. Ducking under the rope, Jack worked down Maverick's neck, always keeping a hand on the animal, always watching him for a reaction. Though Maverick never had one. He had always stood still for Jack, never pulling or fighting, never throwing his head, always the gentleman.
"How did I luck out with you?" Jack asked, scratching Maverick's back.
The horse stretched his neck out, tipping his head to the side, when Jack's fingers hit the perfect spot.
"Oh, you like it right there, do you?" Jack asked with a chuckle.
After brushing Maverick from head to tail, combing out the horse's main, and cleaning out his hooves, Jack snapped a longer lead on the horse and led him out to his personal pasture. Jack removed the rope and watched Maverick as he ran through the grass, bucking and kicking, "feeling his oats" as it's known in the horse community.
There was a five-foot space between the two pastures, not allowing the horses to reach each other and possibly fight, but Maverick stopped along the fence line and stared at the others that were still out grazing. Harley ran to the side closest to Maverick and the two horses stretched their necks out as far as they could, attempting to get a sniff of each other's scent.
Jack stayed back and watched them, making sure neither did anything stupid, like trying to go through the fence. But both horses, after a few seconds of "meeting" each other, moved on their way and began to graze on the fresh grass.
Jack grinned at his boys, then walked back into the barn. He stopped at Buck's stall now, checking on the aging horse. The twenty-four-year-old gelding was really beginning to show his age, and it was breaking Jack's heart. He stepped into the horse's stall and wrapped an arm under the animal's head, petting his cheek on the opposite side.
"Hey, old man," Jack said softly. "How's it going today?" Jack walked around the buckskin, feeling each leg for any sign of heat, checking his back hips once more. "I'll call Dr. Marc again. Okay, buddy."
Jack removed his phone from his pocket and called the chiropractor. An appointment for the following day was set up, then Jack went to the feed room to mix up a meal for Buck that included some bute – a pain reliever for horses. Jack crushed up the large tablet and sprinkled across some sweet feed, and carried the small bucket to the stall.
He usually pours the contents into their feed bin that hung on the stall wall, but this time, Jack held the bucket while Buck ate. He ran his hand down the horse's forehead and across his jaw, over and over, while he watched his first horse devour his feed, pain reliever and all.
"That's a good boy," Jack said as the horse licked the last few pieces from the plastic bucket. "That will help you feel better in a little bit."
The horse pushed his nose into Jack's arm, as Jack continued to pet him. He spent a few more minutes with the animal, before returning to his other chores that day. Lee would be over soon and they had plans to work on two young geldings that someone had dropped off to be broke to ride.
As he closed and latched the stall door, he looked over Buck one more time. He had many more white hairs now than ever before, peppering his face around both eyes and muzzle. His head hung low and his eyes half closed, as the horse stood in the middle of his pen. Jack contemplated taking him outside, but was afraid the horse might injure himself, so he decided to wait until after the chiropractor had made his visit.
Jack grabbed four more lead ropes, and attached them to Duke, Ranger, Jake and Tucker, and led them out to the third small pasture that was near the barn. Once released, the horses stretched their legs, bucking, kicking, running, much the same as all of the others, until they'd tired of the antics and settled down to eat. Jack returned to the barn just as Lee pulled up, and the pair got to work on the two young geldings.
…..
"I'm running over to Tom's to work with Luke," Jack called out from the mud room by the backdoor.
"Okay. I'll have supper ready when you get back," Elizabeth said, stopping in the doorway.
Jack was zipping up the side of his chaps, then picked up his gloves. When he turned around, Elizabeth was eyeing him up and down.
"You got a thing for a guy in chaps or something?" he asked as he moved his arms around her waist, a huge grin on his face
"Only my husband in chaps."
"Well, that's good. You had me worried," he teased.
"Really?" she asked sarcastically.
Jack shook his head. "No, not really." He leaned down, covering her lips with his, kissing her harder and deeper than he'd planned. But he couldn't help himself with her. She drove him wild in every sense of the word.
"Daddy...ewww!" Colton shouted when he found them in the mud room.
"Hey, Colt," Jack said, taking a step back. "Just the man I wanted to see. Grab your boots and come with me."
Seeing his daddy in his chaps, Colton began to get excited. "We ride?"
"Yep, we ride," Jack said, grinning at Elizabeth. "Want to go see Uncle Tom, Luke and Austin?"
"Yeah!" Colton exclaimed, jumping up and down.
"What's Blake doing?" Jack asked his wife, while his son was pulling on his boot. "Hey, Colt. Wrong foot."
"Oh," he said as he switched it to the other foot.
"He is upstairs reading to Peyton."
"Well, isn't that the cutest thing," Jack said, drawing Elizabeth back into his body. "Let him know that I'll take him out for a ride when I get back."
Elizabeth nodded then kissed him, matching his passion from earlier. With her hormones running wild, Elizabeth wanted her husband every time she saw him, this time wasn't an exception.
Knowing this, Jack whispered into her ear, "And you can take me for a ride later." He wiggled his eyebrows as he watched the expression on his wife's face.
"Jack Thornton," she said quietly, softly smacking his arm. Then she looked into his eyes and grinned. "I just might take you up on that."
"Good." Jack kissed her hard, then stepped back and looked down at Colton who was now watching them. "Ready to go?"
The little boy held up both hands, thumbs up, and replied, "Ready."
"Go outside and wait on the porch with Wyatt. I'll be right there."
"Okay, Daddy."
Once Colton was out the door, Jack turned back to Elizabeth. "I need to talk to you about something."
…..
"You are riding Harley today," Jack said as Colton started toward the ponies' stall.
"Harley," he asked, wide-eyed.
"Yep," I'm riding Jake and you can ride Harley.
"Yeah!" Colton shouted, running toward Harley.
Once the horses were saddled, Jack lifted his son onto Harley, then mounted Jake. With Harley's lead in his hand, Jack turned the horses in the direction of his brother's house and the two began their trek.
Fifty minutes later, they were crossing Tom's backyard toward the arena, where Jack could already see Tom and Luke waiting.
"Got your helper with you today," Tom said as he lifted Colton down from Harley.
"Yep, big stuff here might have some pointers to give Luke," Jack laughed.
"Can I play with Austin?"
"Of course," Tom answered. "He's in the house. Go ahead."
"Well, that was short lived," Jack chuckled, while the men watched the little boy run to the house.
…..
After another hour working with Luke and Jake and seeing the team come together, Jack called his nephew over. Tom watched from the railing as Jack led the horse toward him, Luke at his side. When they reached the fence, Jack began to loosen his saddle.
"What are you doing?" Tom asked. "Aren't you heading home now?"
"Yep, but on my horse."
Tom stood staring at his brother, his eyes slowly widening when the realization of what was happening began to set in.
"No, Jack. No."
Jack just grinned at his brother as he pulled the saddle off the horse and set it on top of the fence rail.
"Jack, seriously. Don't do this."
Jack approached his brother and laid his hands on Tom's arms. "Please, let me. I want to."
"But what about you?"
"I have another one already," he grinned
Tom just shook his head, always dumbfounded by his brother's generosity.
Knowing he had Tom on board now, Jack turned toward Luke. "Hey, you and Jake here seem to be doing pretty great together."
"Yeah, he's an awesome horse. I hope we can find one like him."
Jack held out the rein and waited for Luke to take it. "You have found one."
Luke just stared at Jack, not understanding what was going on. He looked between his uncle and his dad, then at the horse, then back to Jack. "What?"
Jack picked up Luke's hand and laid the rein in his palm. "He's yours."
With his eyes darting back and forth between his uncle and his dad, Luke began to shake his head. "What?"
Jack chuckled, then knelt down in front of the boy. "I have Maverick now and plan on using him for roping. I was going to sell ole Jake here, but you two seem to make a pretty good team. So, if you'd like him, you can have him. It will save me the work of having to try to sell him."
"What?" Luke asked again, complete shock covering his face.
Jack just smiled and nodded. "Do you want him?"
Without a word, Luke nodded.
"Okay, then. It's settled."
Still not sure he was hearing things right, Luke remained quiet. He looked at the leather strap that laid across his palm, his brow pinched, his thoughts running wild. Then he looked back up at his uncle. "Are you serious?"
"Yes, Luke. Jake is yours. Maybe next summer we can get you started in a few local rodeos."
Luke jumped onto Jack; his arms tight around his uncle's neck. Jack moved his arms around the young boy and held him. Luke remained this way for almost a minute, holding his uncle tight. When he finally stepped back, the men could see a few tears on the boy's cheek.
"I prayed last night for a horse like Jake," Luke said, wiping his face.
"God must have heard you," Jack said as he stood. "I've been thinking about this for a little while now, and this morning I just knew, today was the day."
Luke walked around the large horse, petting him and talking to him, then ran to Jack once more, jumping into his arms.
"Thank you, Uncle Jack. Thank you so much."
"You're very welcome, Luke. You take good care of him for me, okay?"
"Of, course. The best care," the nine-year-old said, his voice cracking now.
Jack lowered his nephew to the ground, then felt his brother's arm fall across his shoulder. Tom pulled Jack around and into a hug, tight enough to choke a small person.
"You're too much, Brother."
Jack stepped back and with his hands laying on Tom's shoulder, he responded, "No. I'm finally enough."
"Jack, you've always been enough," Tom assured his brother.
"I sure didn't feel like it," Jack replied, dropping his arms to his sides. "Beth and the kids have shown me that I am. And God has shown me."
"You always have been, Jack. You just couldn't see it," Tom said, laying his arm across Jack's shoulders. "Mom and I waited for years for you to realize it."
"Well, I guess I'm making up for it now," Jack said, smiling at his little brother.
"It's not necessary."
"It is," Jack said, now watching Luke lead Jake around the arena. "For me it is."
…..
Elizabeth was standing on the back deck, scanning the pasture, watching for Jack and Colton. Finally seeing them come into view and seeing them both riding Harley, a smile covered her face as she knew Jack had gone through with his plan. She stepped back into the house to finish supper and wait for Jack to come inside and share the story with her.
