November 11th, 2014 - Crossroads Cowboy Church
Jack leaned forward, resting his arms on his legs, his Bible laying open in his hands. Twenty-seven men sat in folding chairs in a large circle, two rows deep, watching and waiting for Jack. Several had been coming since the beginning, but many were new. Tom was about to say something when he saw his brother lift his eyes and scan the group.
"Not long ago, I was a broken man. I hated God. I blamed Him and myself for my father's death, and I didn't want anything to do with someone that had the power to save in His hands but chose not to." Jack took a deep breath before continuing, scanning the men once more, seeing that all eyes were still on him.
"It took a near-death experience to see what I was doing to myself and my family. I wanted to make a change and knew I needed to, but at the same time, I still needed that distraction. I knew no other way to cope with my grief and anger. So, I allowed it to take over my life, control me, and take me down the wrong path."
"God tried many ways to get through to me. With my mom, my brother, and even my niece. But it took a dislocated and torn shoulder to get my attention. It forced me away from the place that I hid from Him and everyone else. The place I would try to find solace. The place I ran to when I needed to feel something else. Danger, booze, and women."
"I was home now. Alone with my own thoughts and demons. Lost in a quiet space where I was finally forced to listen. At the time, I didn't know what I was hearing. But now, I know it was the voice of my Lord, yelling at me, telling me to get out of my own way."
"In Genesis is the story of Jacob: a man that ran to women and money, a man that ran from God and fought Him. God dislocated Jacob's hip to get his attention, then Jacob finally leaned on Him. There's a saying: 'When you have nothing left but God, you will find that God is more than enough.' Even after my accident, I still hadn't reached that moment. But it was the beginning of the journey toward that awakening. When I met Beth, my eyes were opened, as well as my heart."
"I was a very stubborn man. If you ask Beth, she'll inform you that I still am." A few chuckles filled the room as Jack shifted on his seat, leaning back and moving his Bible to his lap. "Jacob wrestled with God until God put him out of commission. Then Jacob reached out, asking the Lord to bless him. God did, then changed Jacob's name to Israel, meaning Prince of God. Jacob means deceiver, and the Lord said to him that he was a deceiver no more. So, if the Lord can change two deceivers to men of God, don't you think he can change you too? You just need to ask. Seek Him, follow Him, love Him, and He will bless you."
"God made me a broken man so that I would lean on Him and see His truth. So, I could finally admit that I was headed for destruction, that I was deceiving myself and those around me. I was a Jacob, and God made me an Israel. Don't wait until you've hit rock bottom, don't wait for God to break you. See that you are broken men now, and let the Lord begin to do great things to and with your life. It is our calling to be seated with Christ on His throne. We need to be helping men and women to be released from Satan's bondage. We may be broken, but it's a beautiful broken. God is most definitely more than enough."
Jack bowed his head, as did the rest of the men, and he began to pray. When he finished, Jack and Tom picked up their guitars, and the group sang a couple of songs together. As the men began to disperse and leave, several guys approached Jack, thanking him for sharing his story. Many of them, too, ran to other devices to cope with loss, anger, and disappointments in their lives. They wanted to know more, so Jack, Tom, and Lee stayed behind and sat with them, answering what questions they could. Jack took down a few names and numbers to give to Frank, who would call them with help on things the guys couldn't answer.
They visited with the men for a while longer as they stood by their trucks. Finally, after the visitors had driven away, Jack, Tom, and Lee looked at each other, smiles growing.
"That's what I'm talkin' about," Tom almost shouted.
…..
November 17th, 2014 – Hope Meadows Ranch
After finally getting the kids settled in bed and asleep, Elizabeth walked to the bedroom and closed the door behind her. She stepped into the closet and changed into her sleeping clothes when she heard the bedroom door lock. Moving to the doorway, Elizabeth peered out and saw Jack. With her hand clasped over her mouth, she let out a thunderous laugh and stepped out of the small room.
There stood Jack, wearing nothing but his chaps and cowboy hat.
"Jack," Elizabeth said, barely able to speak with the laughter.
He leaned against the wall with one hand, his right leg crossed over his left. Jack straightened and crossed the room to his wife, tugging at the leather that was already chafing the skin on the back of his leg.
"I heard you like a man in chaps," he said, stopping in front of her.
Elizabeth scanned his body, then stopped when her eyes met his. "Well, you do fill them out quite nicely."
"Do I now?" he grinned.
Elizabeth's eyes dropped again, and Jack lifted her chin with his finger. "My eyes are up here, ma'am."
Elizabeth giggled and shook her head. "You're a hot mess."
"Well, if you think that, I guess I should just go."
Jack turned and began to walk away, giving Elizabeth her first view of his backside. Her laughter filled the room as he looked over his shoulder at her.
"Something funny?" he asked, turning around to face her.
"Oh, my gosh, Jack. I can't even with you."
Jack, who was now laughing, returned to his wife, moved his hands along her face, stopped in her hair, and pulled his wife against him, kissing her hard and deep.
"You can't even with me. So...does that mean you want me to leave?" Jack asked, giving her a crooked smile.
"No, Cowboy, I do not," she replied, grabbing the strap across the front of his chaps. She pulled him to her, then moved her hands around to the back, gripping onto his bare butt. "What? No boots?" she teased, looking at his bare feet.
"Quicker removal of the attire without them," he said, wiggling his eyebrows up and down. "Speaking of attire, you have entirely too much on," he added, gripping the hem of his wife's shirt.
Once he'd removed all of Elizabeth's clothes and discarded them onto the floor, Jack reached into the closet and hid something behind his back.
"Now, ma'am, I would really love to see you in these," he said, holding up a pair of women's chaps.
Elizabeth gasped and clutched her stomach.
"What is it?" Jack asked, fear gripping him as his grip on the chaps loosened, and they fell to the floor.
"I just felt the baby move," Elizabeth stated, her eyes moving up and locking with his.
"What? Really?" Jack asked, laying his hand on her stomach. "I don't feel anything," he added after a couple of minutes.
"You won't be able to for a while," she reminded him. Then, seeing the disappointment in Jack's eyes, she reached down and picked up the lady's chaps, "But I can still model these for you."
Still disappointed that he couldn't feel the baby moving, Jack shrugged his shoulders. "I guess if that's my only alternative." An ornery grin covered his lips as he gave her a wink.
…..
November 24th, 2014 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Elizabeth set her phone on the couch next to her, then laid her hand on her stomach. She was nearly twenty-two weeks now and had been informed by her doctor to begin taking it easy. She could still do light housework, but no lifting, nothing strenuous, and relax as often as possible.
She had begun to tire quickly now, so the order to relax more was most welcomed. Jack had just called her; her parents' flight had landed, and they were waiting for their luggage at baggage claim. Julie and her family were due in soon, and Jack would be bringing her family home to spend Thanksgiving with them. Elizabeth was excited to see everyone. It had been over five months since she'd seen her parents last, and she couldn't wait to feel their arms around her.
She watched Blake, Colton, and Peyton playing in the corner of the room. Each had a set of horses lined up in front of them, and they were preparing to race them around the edge of the area rug. Elizabeth laughed as the kids attempted to hold four or five horses in their little hands while crawling on their knees.
…..
"How's Beth really doing?" William asked once Jack had loaded their luggage in the Yukon, and they were seated inside.
"She's doing great. She gets a little tired now, but the doctor said not to worry, that it was normal."
"Nothing concerning right now?" Grace asked from the seat behind her husband.
"No, ma'am," Jack replied, looking over his shoulder at his mother-in-law. "Dr. Shepherd finally told her at our appointment last week to start taking it easy. Up until then, it was life as normal."
"She won't be lifting a finger this entire week," Julie stated from the seat beside her mother.
Bill and the kids were in the back seat, with Bill pointing out different sights on the drive home. Skylar, now eight years old, was captivated by the rock cliffs that jutted out of the hills along the highway. At the same time, four-year-old Jacob quietly watched a movie on a tablet, occasionally looking up to see what his daddy was showing them.
As Jack followed the driveway around the trees and the house came into view, he could see Elizabeth already standing on the front porch, impatiently waiting for them. A smile formed on his lips, and William could see the love for his daughter in his son-in-law's eyes. The three kids were lined up next to Elizabeth, waiting for permission from their mommy to run out and greet their grandpa and grandma. As soon as the Yukon was parked, Elizabeth sent the kids out to give their greetings.
Elizabeth crossed the gravel to meet her family, and Julie ran to her sister, wrapping her in a tight embrace. The pair cried together, telling each other how much they missed their visits. Grace was next, closely followed by William. Bill and the kids waited until everyone else was finished, then moved in to hug Elizabeth.
The family settled in the living room, catching up on all things about life in New Hampshire and Vermont. Jack was in the kitchen with Julie, pouring glasses of tea for everyone and getting a plate of cookies for the kids to take downstairs.
Elizabeth hadn't left her seat since they arrived and sat down. If she needed anything, a family member jumped to their feet to retrieve it for her. That was, at least, until there was a knock at the door that afternoon.
"Can you get that, please, Beth?" Jack called out from the kitchen.
"Sure," she replied, getting up from the couch and crossing to the front door.
Jack and everyone moved in behind Elizabeth, going unnoticed to her, and watched as she opened the door.
Viola was standing outside, her arms outstretched, as Elizabeth stood wide-eyed and dumbfounded, wondering if she was hallucinating. Then, when her older sister wrapped her in a hug, the waterworks began, and Elizabeth was in tears.
Grace and Julie stepped in and shared tight hugs, kisses, and tears. It had been three years since Lionel and Viola made it home last, and the women held each other as the tears flowed. They finally separated, and Viola looked down at Elizabeth's belly and laid her hands on it.
"Four kids," Viola said. "Wow, you will have your hands full," she teased.
"We already do," Elizabeth laughed. "What's one more," she added, shrugging.
"Well, if anyone can do it, you can," Viola said to her younger sister.
William moved in now, pulling his oldest daughter into a hug. "So good to see you, Vi," he said softly, attempting to hold back his emotions.
"You, too, Daddy."
"Lionel, kids, come in," Grace said, motioning for Amelia and Max to come to her. She hugged her thirteen-year-old granddaughter and ten-year-old grandson. "You two have gotten so big," she said, holding them at arm's length.
"Hey, Lionel," Jack said, shaking his brother-in-law's hand and pulling him into a man-hug. "How was the flight?"
"Long," Lionel answered. "Very long."
Jack chuckled, remembering their flight for the honeymoon. "Yes, that is a very long flight." Jack turned and caught Elizabeth looking at him, and he gave her a quick wink.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes at her husband, then returned her attention to her older sister. The kids were taken downstairs and introduced to Blake, Peyton, and Colton, and they were immediately pulled into the game they were currently playing. They joined the kids in their circle on the floor around the Candyland board, and they all began to play.
The women converged in the kitchen, where Elizabeth sat at the island, not allowed to do anything by orders of her mother and sisters. She watched as Grace, Julie and Viola prepared the meal for the family. Her elbows rested on the cool granite, her chin was propped in her hands, and a smile covered her face as she watched the women working and laughing. A childhood memory came to mind as the three women stood shoulder to shoulder along the island, each with the task of forming the meatballs.
…..
March 3rd, 1993 – Thatcher House, New Hampshire
Thirteen-year-old Viola tried to demonstrate to ten-year-old Elizabeth and eight-year-old Julie the proper way to form a meatball when Julie slammed her hand down on the counter, smashing hers flat.
"Julie!" Viola shouted, angry with the short attention span of her youngest sister.
"Girls, what's going on now?" Grace asked, moving to see what her daughters were arguing over now.
"She won't form the meatballs correctly," Viola said, pointing out the flattened meat in front of Julie.
"They don't have to be perfect," Julie stated, crossing her arms. "Vi makes us waste time having them in perfectly shaped balls. What's it matter? We're just going to chew them up and poo..."
"Julie! Don't you dare finish that sentence," Grace scolded her youngest.
"Can't we just form them how we want them?" Elizabeth asked, setting her perfectly shaped meatball onto the wax paper. She had three rows of identical spheres lined up in front of her.
"Yes, Beth," Grace answered. "Viola, just let your sisters help make them. They don't have to be perfectly perfect. We have a party this evening to prepare for, and these need to be finished in the next twenty minutes.
"Fine," Viola said as she dug into the bowl and grabbed another handful of sausage and beef mixture.
As the three girls continued, Julie began belting out a song. Viola rolled her eyes, but Elizabeth joined her sister, and the two sang I Want It That Way by The Backstreet Boys. As they began the chorus for the second time through, Viola began to quietly sing along with them. Elizabeth and Julie stopped what they were doing and looked over at their sister, waiting for her to continue. Then, after a giant eye roll, Viola began to sing loudly, and the three sisters sang and laughed until they were all in tears.
…..
November 24th, 2014 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Elizabeth began to hum the song, and instantly Julie and Viola stopped and stared at her. The three grinned at one another, then, in unison, they began to sing.
Jack and the men were in the living room talking about the ranch when they heard singing. After giving each other strange looks, they all crossed the room to find Elizabeth, Julie, and Viola singing at the top of their lungs while Grace swayed back and forth to the rhythm.
"What is going on in here?" William asked, moving in behind Elizabeth.
Elizabeth tipped her head back and looked up at her father. "Just reminiscing, Daddy."
William bent down, kissed his daughter's cheek, and gave her a loving smile. "Well, it sounds like you're reminiscing over some fun times."
"We sure are, Daddy," Viola added. Then, glancing at Julie, she said, "Although they weren't always good times to start with, we somehow ended them on a good note."
"I see what you did there," Julie laughed, pointing at her oldest sister.
The men remained in the kitchen, helping with supper now and then and managing the kids each time they'd come running in to see if the food was ready yet. Elizabeth was sitting at the island, watching all the activity when Jack moved in behind her. He laid his hands on her shoulders and bent down to kiss her cheek, whispering, "I love you," in her ear. She laid her hand on top of one of his, squeezing his fingers, while they watched her family, finally all together under one roof.
As soon as the meal was ready, the seven children were situated and their food plated before the adults took their own seats around the large dining table. Prayer was said, the food was passed, and everyone dug in as conversations continued to flow. Lionel's and Viola's jobs, Julie's volunteer work, and Bill's restaurant were only a few topics that filled the evening's hours.
After the kids were all in bed, Jack walked William and Grace to the door and handed them the keys to the Yukon.
"Ma and Frank are waiting. I'm sure she's already got the wine out and poured and a fire in the fireplace."
"Sounds perfect," Grace replied. "Good night, Dears. We'll see you in the morning."
"Good night, Mom," Elizabeth said, giving her parents a hug goodbye.
"I'm going to bed, too," Jack said as he wrapped his arms around Elizabeth. "It's been a long day."
"Okay. I'll be up in a bit. I want to visit with Julie and Viola for a little while."
"Take your time," Jack said before kissing her. "You've got some time to make up. Good night, ladies," he said as he walked up the stairs.
"Good night, Jack," Viola and Julie said in unison.
Bill and Lionel checked on the kids camped out in the basement, then turned in themselves. Both retired to their own room just off the family room in the basement.
The women made themselves comfortable on the oversized living room couch. Elizabeth with her glass of water, Julie and Viola with glasses of wine.
"This house is absolutely gorgeous," Viola said, scanning the living room. "Julie had tried to describe it to me, but this just has to be seen in person."
"Thanks, Vi. We love it."
And this location. This ranch. That barn. I'm a bit jealous," Viola teased.
"Your house is amazing, Vi. What would you have to be jealous of?" Elizabeth asked
"It's nice, but this place…it's…how do I put it? It's like its own private paradise."
"Oh, Vi."
"She's right," Julie added. "It's quiet out here. Peaceful. Just beautiful. People usually go on vacation to places like this. And you get to live here every day."
Elizabeth glanced around the house, seeing the rustic beauty of the home she'd grown accustomed to. "Yes, I am extremely fortunate."
…..
Elizabeth went to bed after spending another hour with her sisters. They spent time laughing, crying, remembering old times, and Elizabeth was exhausted. She quietly changed into an oversized shirt and pulled the covers back on her side of the bed. Her eyes had adjusted to the dark, and Elizabeth could faintly see that Jack was in the middle of the bed with his arm lying across her side. She chuckled, carefully lifted his arm, and slid underneath it.
Jack rolled onto his side and moved toward Elizabeth. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her body tight along his. Elizabeth closed her eyes as his breath grazed across her neck, sending a chill down to her toes. Thinking for a brief moment that he'd woken, Elizabeth soon realized that he was still asleep. She shifted in his arm, getting comfortable, and was quickly asleep in the comfort of his embrace.
…..
November 26th, 2014 – Hope Meadows Ranch
William, Lionel, and Bill returned from a quick trip to town to grab a few items for the women. William set the bag of potatoes on the island and looked around.
"Where's Jack?" he asked.
"He's out in the barn waiting for the chiropractor to arrive," Elizabeth answered.
"Chiropractor? You have one that makes house calls?"
"It's for one of his horses, Daddy," Elizabeth giggled.
"Horses? A chiropractor for a horse?"
"Yes, it's actually quite fascinating."
"I'd like to see that," Lionel said.
"Me, too," Bill added.
"You're welcome to go join Jack. The chiropractor should be here any minute."
The three men hurried out the door, slipping their coats back on, and found Jack talking to a man next to a white truck.
"Hey, guys," Jack called out when he saw the men approaching.
"Hi, Jack. Beth said you had a chiropractor coming to work on a horse?"
"Yes, sir. This is Dr. Marc Paulson. This is my father-in-law, William, and brothers-in-law, Lionel and Bill."
Marc shook each of their hands as Jack introduced them. "Good to meet you, gentlemen."
"If you don't mind, we'd love to watch," William said.
"Of course. Let's get going," Marc said as he started toward the barn.
With Buck already waiting in the aisle, Marc got to work right away. After a quick assessment, he began the adjustments. He started at the tail and worked his way forward to the horse's head.
The men watched in amazement, having never seen anything like this before. Each one took turns asking questions while Jack stood near Buck and grinned, loving the interest and curiosity being shown by his in-laws.
Marc pulled his large foam block over next to the horse and stepped onto it. He followed Buck's spine with his fingers, pressing down and adjusting him where needed.
"That is just incredible," Lionel said as he watched Dr. Paulson work. "There's not much difference between that and adjusting a human."
"Not really," Marc replied. "Just the size of the patient," he added with a grin.
Dr. Paulson finished with Buck, loaded his foam block, said his farewells, and climbed into his truck. The men followed Jack as he returned to Buck inside the barn and watched as he untied the horse and started toward the door.
With his in-laws following, Jack led Buck out to the small pasture and turned the old horse loose. Between the supplements, the liniment, and the chiropractor appointments, Buck was feeling more like his old self. As soon as Jack unsnapped the lead, the gelding ran across the pasture, bucking and kicking.
"He seems quite spry for his old age," William added. "How old did you say he was?"
All four men rested their arms on top of the fence and watched Buck enjoying the fresh air and pain-free freedom.
"He's twenty-four," Jack answered.
"How many years do horses generally live?" Bill asked.
"It depends on the breed and of course the health and lifestyle of the horse, but generally speaking, quarter horses live around twenty to thirty years."
"Buck seems to have lived and full and happy life," Lionel added, watching the horse lay down and roll in the grass.
"He has," Jack replied, a smile forming on his lips.
"How long have you had him?" Bill asked.
"Most of his life. My dad gave him to me for my tenth birthday. Buck was just a colt, and we trained him together."
William stood, nodding, as he realized the significance of this horse. "Lots of memories tied to that one," he said.
"Yes, sir. Lots of great memories."
For several minutes, the men remained quiet, watching the old gelding settle into his grazing routine. Then, as they watched Buck, Jack suddenly heard a strange noise and looked around for the source.
"What is it, Jack?" William asked as Jack stepped away and looked toward the house.
"I'm not sure. Do you hear that?" Jack looked across the yard, Wyatt at his side, his ears forward toward the noise.
"I hear something," Lionel answered.
"It sounds like...," Jack began to say, then saw the cause.
His entire herd of mares ran out from behind the house and up the small hill. They were headed toward the driveway when Jack took off at a dead run, Wyatt at his side. The men stood and watched, not knowing what to do. Jack reached the drive first, and with his arms outstretched, he jumped back and forth, waving his arms, forcing the mares to turn toward the barn and arena. Wyatt was at the heels of the lead horse, steering her toward the pasture.
"Open that gate," Jack shouted, pointing toward the pasture next to Buck.
Bill ran to the gate, pulled it open, and stood at the end, holding it. Mimicking Jack, he spread his arms to keep the horses from running past him.
William and Lionel moved toward the barn, blocking the mares from running down the opposite side. Following the herd, Jack jogged behind them, smacking his hand against the denim of his Wranglers and hollering to keep them moving forward. Wyatt was now at the rear of the herd, barking and running back and forth, keeping them going in the right direction.
Once in the pasture, Jack grabbed the gate, swung it closed, and latched it.
"What just happened?" William asked as he walked up to Jack and Bill.
"I'm not sure. They must have taken down a section of fence," Jack answered. "I'm going to check on the herd. I'll be right back."
Jack swiftly scaled the gate and jumped down into the grass. He walked out into the pasture, eyeing each mare, and checked their legs, chests, and faces for any injuries. Approaching one, Jack reached down to her leg, feeling it from top to bottom. Continuing on, he found one more horse and felt her legs. After walking through the entire herd, he returned to the guys, waiting on the other side of the gate.
"Are they all okay?" Bill asked.
"A few have skinned-up legs, but it's superficial. So, they'll be fine," Jack answered as he climbed over the gate. "I'll need to go out and check the fence to find out where they got through. They can't stay on this pasture for very long. It's not large enough for a herd this size."
"I'd love to join you if you don't mind," William stated.
"That would be just fine. But the only way out there is by horse," Jack said.
"Got an easy rider?" William asked.
"Yes, Sir. I sure do." Looking at the other two men, Jack added. "I have a few easy riders if you all want to go."
"I'd love to," Bill replied.
"Me, too. This is all so fascinating," Lionel added.
"Well, alright then. I just need to give Lee a call, then I'll get them saddled and ready to go."
Jack called Lee, then sent Elizabeth a text, letting her know what was happening.
…..
"What?" Elizabeth said out loud, straightening in her seat.
"What's the matter, Sweetie?" Grace asked.
"Dad, Lionel, and Bill are all going out with Jack to repair a fence."
"Okay, what's wrong with that?" Viola asked.
"On horseback."
"What?" Grace asked loudly. "William is getting on a horse?"
"Sounds that way," Elizabeth replied. "The mares that ran by must have torn down some fence, so Jack is going out to fix it. I'm sure Lee is probably already on his way here."
The women moved to the bank of windows that faced the barn, where they waited for the men to emerge on horseback.
…..
Jack tossed a saddle on Annie and secured it. After adjusting the stirrups to the correct length for Bill, he moved to Ranger and did the same for Lionel. Lee had arrived and had already pulled Duke from his stall, saddling him for himself. With Harley and Tucker now saddled, Jack retrieved his working chaps from the tack room and began putting them on. Lee was already wearing his and visited with the men as they waited.
Jack handed the reins of each horse to the man that would be riding it, and they led the animals outside, where Jack gave the men a quick tutorial.
Once William, Bill, and Lionel were seated on their horses, Jack and Lee mounted theirs. They began toward the pasture the mares had been and kept close to the fence.
"That's quite the dog you've got there," Lionel said, watching Wyatt jog along beside them.
"Yes, he is," Jack replied. "The best one I've ever had."
Wyatt looked up at the men as if he knew they were talking about him and almost appeared as if he was smiling.
Jack looked over toward the house and grinned, seeing the women in the window, watching them. "Looks like we've got an audience," Jack said.
The men looked in their direction, then waved at their wives, chuckling.
Jack and Lee led the group, following the fence line around the pasture's edge. They continued into the trees, where Bill, William, and Lionel remained on the nearby path while Jack and Lee's horses pushed their way through the brush along the fence.
As they came out the back side of the tree line into a small open field, it immediately became apparent what had happened: the grass was trampled and dug up from the horses' hooves digging in from suddenly running away from something.
"Something seriously spooked them," Lee said, looking down at the large divots in the ground.
"Sure looks that way," Jack agreed.
The horses had trampled the fence and ripped it from the post. Jack and Lee dismounted, removed their tools from the saddle bags, and began working on the repair.
William, Bill, and Lionel got off their horses and watched Jack and Lee as they manhandled the wire webbing. Jack grabbed the end of the section, pulling it out as hard as he could, stretching it and attempting to straighten it. Jack held it with his feet dug into the ground while Lee worked across the webbing, straightening each section from where the horses' hooves folded or bent the wire.
Once it was straightened, Jack moved his end toward the post while Lee grabbed a roll of wire from his saddle bag. It took both men to pull and stretch the webbing as taut as they could, then Lee threaded the wire from the spool around the post and through each of the openings of the webbed fencing. Once they had it reattached, they repaired the two rows of wire across the top, above the webbing.
"Wow, there's a lot more work with maintaining a ranch than I ever thought of," Lionel said as Jack and Lee returned to their horses.
Even with the brisk November air, Jack and Lee removed their cowboy hats and wiped the sweat from their foreheads.
"Yes, it varies from day to day," Jack started. "But these animals keep us quite busy," he grinned. "Ma's cows are way worse, though. They are constantly going through the fence, so her ranch hands have to walk the fence line most days."
"Interesting. I had no idea," Bill added.
Yep. Vet bills and feed bills are never cheap. Supplies for fence and barn repairs, too. But it all works out with the rewards of a great crop of foals each year and the horses that we train for others."
Jack and Lee had been loading their tools back into the saddle bags while they talked and now stood beside their horses next to Jack's in-laws.
"Always busy," William said, moving to the side of his horse. "Are we heading back now?"
"We can. Or Lee and I can show you some more of the ranch while we're out here."
"I'd love to," Lionel said with a huge smile.
"Same here," Bill added.
"Not too cold for y'all?" Lee asked.
"Now, that is something we're used to," William chuckled. "Lead the way, gentlemen."
The men mounted their horses, then Jack and Lee led them through another section of trees that would lead them toward their mother's land, where some of her cattle were kept.
…..
Elizabeth was walking across the house, returning to the kitchen where she had been with her sisters and mother most of the morning when she saw the men walking up the steps to the front door. She waited for them to enter, and like a magnet, Jack was drawn to his wife and wrapped his arms around her.
"Hello, Beautiful," he said after kissing her.
"Hi, Cowboy," she replied. Neither noticed that they had an audience.
"So, Daddy, you're a horseman now?" Elizabeth asked, grinning, as she moved to Jack's side.
"I think I just might be," William replied with a chuckle. "That was a great time getting out in nature and seeing Jack and Lee at work."
"Yes, there is so much more to a ranch than I ever dreamed of," Lionel said.
"I'm glad you guys had a good time," Jack added.
"Is everything alright with the mares?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes. I think coyotes must have spooked them, and the mares took down an entire section of the fence. Lee and I got it repaired and moved them back into their pasture."
"Any of them hurt?" she asked.
"A few had some superficial scratches. Nothing that won't heal on their own."
"Well, that's good news," Grace stated as she joined them. "William, I never thought I'd see the day when you got on a horse."
"I guess there's a time for everything," he said, moving his arm around his wife.
"So, how was it?" Julie asked as she and Viola joined them now.
"It was great," Bill replied. "That was a lot of fun. And watching Jack and Lee repair the fence...I honestly had no idea the amount of work it takes to maintain a horse ranch."
Elizabeth squeezed her arm around Jack slightly, letting him know she was proud of him, then the family moved into the kitchen, where Grace, Julie, and Viola had lunch prepared and waiting. After a quick bite to eat, Jack returned to the arena with the rest of the men to show them some of his training methods on a client's horse.
…..
November 27th, 2014 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Elizabeth had grown tired of feeling useless and woke early Thanksgiving morning so she could begin the turkey for dinner. Jack was with her and removed the turkey from the fridge and placed it in the pan. With it seasoned and the stuffing added, Elizabeth placed the turkey in the oven before anyone else emerged from their rooms.
Feeling accomplished, she took a seat at the island and watched as her mother and sisters continued with the remainder of the meal.
Shortly after noon, Charlotte and Frank arrived with several desserts in hand. As they organized them on the dessert table, Tom and Sam showed up with their three children and more food. Lee and Rosemary, along with Noel, Autumn, and two-month-old Stetson, entered the house and were quickly overtaken by Julie and Grace, both wanting to hold the baby.
With the house overflowing, the tables filled with more food than they could eat, and conversations running wild with everyone talking over everyone else, Jack announced it was time to eat. Frank said the prayer while the family bowed their heads and closed their eyes, then the kids picked up their plates and made their way around the food covered island.
The women took the seats around the dining table, the kids were at a folding table set up in the kitchen, and the men filled the living room.
Amelia and Max, never having been around Savannah before, nervously tried to talk with her. Austin and Luke helped them, signing for Savannah when she couldn't read their lips. By the time they finished eating, Savannah and Amelia had hit it off and quickly became friends. The pair ran downstairs to play while the rest of the children finished their meal.
…..
"Liz, where does this go?" Rosemary asked, holding up the large roasting pan.
"That lower cupboard on the right," Elizabeth answered, pointing at the location.
Julie and Viola were standing at the sink, washing dishes and laughing about something Rosemary had said, while Grace and Charlotte rearranged the refrigerator, making room for all the leftovers. Sam sat with Elizabeth, checking up on her and asking her questions regarding her routine and how she was feeling.
"How have you been this week?" Charlotte asked, having heard Sam.
"I'm fine. I feel excellent," Elizabeth answered, her eyes moving from face to face of the women now staring at her. "Honestly, I feel great."
"You'd let someone know if you weren't...right?" Grace asked with concern in her voice.
"Of course, Momma. I would never risk my daughter's life," Elizabeth answered with slight offense in her voice.
"Of course, you wouldn't," Grace added. "I'm sorry, Dear. I didn't mean to imply that you would ever do that."
"All of you, please trust me. I know my body, and I am paying close attention to everything. I am also doing everything that the doctor tells me to do...or not to do. I would never purposely risk my life, my baby's life, or put Jack through that again."
"Yes, of course," Charlotte stated, reaching across the island and patting Elizabeth's hand. "We know you wouldn't. We're just all very concerned."
"I know, and believe me, Jack and I are too."
"We know you are," Sam said, rubbing Elizabeth's arm. "You just let us know if you ever need anything."
"Well, my doctor did say that I would more than likely be bedridden after my thirty-week checkup. So, some company would be awesome during those last several weeks."
"You got it," Rosemary chimed in. "I'll be here with movies, popcorn, and bells on."
"I don't doubt it at all," Elizabeth replied, laughing along with everyone else.
…..
November 30th, 2014 – Crossroads Cowboy Church
Elizabeth's family had returned home the day prior, and she was already missing them horribly. She hoped that being around a group of people at church and lunch afterward would help keep her distracted.
After dropping the children off at their Sunday School classroom, Jack and Elizabeth proceeded to their usual seats next to Frank and Charlotte. Elizabeth hugged Frank, then Charlotte, and sat down in the empty chair next to her mother-in-law.
Jack walked up to Frank, gave him a hug, and then patted his shoulder. "How are you doing this morning, Pops?"
Elizabeth and Charlotte glanced at Jack out of the corner of their eyes, not wanting to make a big deal out of what he'd just said but wanting to see Frank's reaction.
Frank's eyes had widened slightly when he'd heard the sentiment, then he tried to answer like it was no big deal, yet stuttering slightly. "I'm...feeling great. How are you?"
"I'm wonderful. Hey there, Ma," Jack said, hugging his mother.
As he took the seat next to Elizabeth, she laid her hand on his knee and squeezed, smiling at him.
"What?" he asked softly.
"Nothing," she replied, still grinning.
Leaning into her, he asked again. "Seriously, what?"
Elizabeth put her mouth to his ear and whispered, "Pops?"
"Oh, that. Yeah. Frank's earned it." Jack shrugged his shoulders and smiled, his teeth showing, his dimples deep.
"Yes, he has," Elizabeth agreed, slipping her arm through Jack's.
…..
When the service ended, and Jack had his guitar tucked safely away in its case, he and Lee retrieved their children, then joined the rest of the family outside. Lunch was at Tom and Sam's that day, so everyone loaded into their vehicles and headed to their ranch.
The men were in the kitchen preparing lunch while the women sat in the living room visiting. Frank was cutting out biscuits from the dough he had just formed on the kitchen counter. Tom added fresh green beans to a pot of water on the stove, then returned to the tossed salad he had already started. Jack grabbed the bags of chicken from the refrigerator that had been marinating for the past twenty minutes and began to coat them in the breadcrumb mixture he had just prepared. Lee had just finished setting the table, then helped the guys with whatever they needed.
The women could see everything from their vantage point and watched the men as they maneuvered around the kitchen like the inner workings of a clock.
"We should have them cook for us more often," Charlotte said as she rocked Stetson back and forth.
"Yes, I must say, this is quite the treat," Sam added.
"Hey, Pops, can you hand me that slotted spoon over there," Jack said as he pointed out the utensil.
Frank obliged, while Tom and Lee looked at each other, then stared at Jack briefly. Jack caught his brothers' glances, grinned, and shrugged his shoulders. Tom nodded his head and smiled, showing his approval for the sentiment.
Frank slid the sheet of biscuits into the oven, then started on the dishes that had begun to stack up in the sink. Jack removed the chicken from the frying pan, placed it on the paper towel-covered plate, then added the next batch to the hot oil. Lee drained the potatoes and started mashing them while Tom began to carry items to the table.
"Need any help in there, boys?" Sam called out.
"Nope, everything is under control," Tom answered, smiling and winking at his wife.
A short while later, the women and children were called in, where the guys had a bounty of food waiting. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, made-from-scratch biscuits, and two different pies for dessert were waiting. The kids were organized and filled plates placed in front of them around the smaller table, then the adults took their seats at the dining table. After the prayer was said, everyone dug in and enjoyed the delicious food.
"This chicken is amazing, Jack," Sam said, then took another bite. "You're going to need to give me this recipe."
"Okay," he started. "I can tell you, but then I'll have to kill you," he teased in a low voice.
"Oh, trade secret, is it?" Sam asked with a chuckle.
"Nah, not really," he grinned and winked. "I'll write it down before we go."
…..
Jack, Tom, and Lee were finishing the dishes while Frank and the ladies visited in the living room. Jack washed a large pan, then handed it to Lee to dry.
"Hey, Jack," Tom started as he placed a stack of plates in the cupboard.
"Yeah?"
"I'm curious, what's with the sudden 'Pops'?"
Jack turned around and rested his elbows on the island as he dried his hands. "I've actually been thinking about it for a while. He has done so much for the whole family and me over the years. I just felt that he has earned the title."
Tom sat down on a bar stool and rested his arms on the cool tiles. "I agree. He would do anything for any of us."
"Are you alright with me calling him that?" Jack asked his brother.
Tom nodded, "Yes. I don't think I could call him Dad, though." As he fidgeted in his seat, a pang of guilt filled Tom's expression and voice.
"Don't feel bad, Tom," Jack said. "I can't either. I'm embarrassed to say that, though. He helped me find God again. He helped me through the whole Becky and Blake ordeal."
"Can I chime in here?" Lee asked, standing at the end of the island between the brothers.
"Of course, Brother," Jack answered.
"Don't feel guilty. Your dad was your dad, your hero, and your rock. It's not like he was a deadbeat dad. He had that title, and there is nothing wrong with reserving it for him. But I also agree that Frank has earned the same position in the family, and calling him Pops is just as good. It's the same but different enough that you don't feel as if you are replacing your dad."
Jack chuckled and shook his head.
"What?" Lee asked.
"Brother," Jack started, gripping Lee's shoulder. "Sometimes, the things that come out of your mouth are so profound, I wonder if someone isn't feeding you your lines."
Tom let out a loud laugh as a shocked expression covered Lee's face.
"Jacko, that hurt...deep in the soul," Lee said, pounding his fist over his heart.
Unable to keep a straight face, Lee joined in with Jack and Tom and laughed.
…..
December 5th, 2014 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Elizabeth looked at the clock once more, then picked up her phone. She reread the text Jack had sent earlier that day, confirming the time.
Hey, Beautiful. Would you like to go out on a date tonight?
Absolutely!
Great, be ready to go at 6.
Okay, see you then.
She set the phone down and read the time on the screen. 5:58
"Where is he?" she asked out loud.
Elizabeth thought her husband and children would have been home long ago to get cleaned up, so she picked up her phone once more, this time to call him. But just as she was searching for his name, there was a knock at the door.
She crossed the room, and as Elizabeth opened the front door and saw who was outside, she let out a gasp, almost dropping her phone.
