Thank you for all of the wonderful reviews. Please continue letting me know what you think of this story. Here's the answer to that little "cliffhanger" that I left you with. Hope you enjoy it! And...this chapter comes with a MAJOR

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December 5th, 2014 – Hope Meadows Ranch

A smile covered her face, and her heart skipped when she saw Jack standing on the porch with a bouquet of flowers in one hand and his hat in the other. He was dressed in brand new clothes and boots, his hair freshly cut, but he was unshaven, just like Elizabeth loved it. A smile covered his lips, his dimples deep, as he locked eyes with his wife.

"Ma'am," he said as he tipped his head.

"Sir," she giggled.

"These are for you," Jack said as he handed her a dozen red roses.

"Why, thank you," she said as she smelled them. "These are beautiful. Just let me put them in some water." Elizabeth quickly vanished to the kitchen, and Jack stepped inside the doorway and waited, his hat still in his hand.

Jack's eyes moved up and down his wife's body when she returned. "You look gorgeous."

"Thank you. You look very nice, too."

Jack picked up her coat on the bench beside the door and held it up as she slipped her arms into the sleeves.

"Where are the kids?" she asked as he pulled her coat closed across her chest.

"Ma has them...all night," he grinned. "Shall we?" Jack asked, holding his arm out.

Jack closed the door as they stepped out onto the deck, and Elizabeth saw his truck sitting at the bottom of the steps. It had been freshly washed, the wheels and rims shined, and the chrome sparkled: it was the cleanest she had ever seen. Jack walked to the passenger door and opened it, holding his hand out to assist her up.

She slid to the center of the seat and watched Jack as he walked around the front of the truck; he never removed his eyes from hers.

As they drove down the tree-lined drive, Jack slowly grazed his fingertips across her palm, then moved his fingers between hers, interlocking their hands together.

"Where are we going?" she asked as he turned onto the highway.

"Anywhere you want."

"Anywhere?" she questioned.

"Yes, ma'am, anywhere."

"Hmmm... I'll have to think about this for a minute."

"Take your time," he replied, grinning.

"Okay, first...can we go to Giorgio's?"

"Of course," Jack answered.

Jack scanned his wife once more as they stood just inside the doorway, waiting for their names to be called. She was wearing a floor-length, navy wrap dress, and her twenty-three-week belly was enhanced by the draping of the dress. He put his arms around her, his chest pressed to her back and kissed the base of her neck.

"Beth, you look so amazing. I kind of just want to take you home," he whispered.

Elizabeth turned to face her husband and laid her hand on his chest, pushing him back slightly. "Mr. Thornton. I am not that kind of girl," she stated exaggeratedly. "Trying to take me home on a first date?"

Jack lowered his arms and held back a laugh at his wife's orneriness. "My apologies, ma'am," he said, taking a step back. "At your pace."

"Thank you," she replied as she turned around.

During dinner, they spent their time talking. Jack and Elizabeth have always communicated, but it seemed to have turned to children and ranch needs most of the time. This evening they spoke of life, new dreams, desires, and each other. They hadn't spent this type of quality time together since the twins were born, and both left the restaurant feeling renewed in the relationship.

Jack took his wife's hand and led her to his side of the truck. With the door open, he helped her into the seat, and she took her position in the middle.

"What now, ma'am?"

"Let's just drive around."

"Yes, ma'am."

They had spent nearly an hour and a half at the restaurant, and the sun was beginning to set. Hues of golds and oranges splashed across the sky and lit the pine trees as if a spotlight was shining on them. Elizabeth watched the landscape, thinking how different it was compared to where she'd grown up. She loved it here, and it had felt like home since the day she'd arrived.

The rocks and cliffs, acres and acres of trees, and the valleys that seemed to stretch on forever, were just a few things that had drawn her in. The wide-open skies had always looked like a painting straight out of a museum – images that only God's hand could create.

This was God's country, and Elizabeth had no desire to leave it. She'd missed the ocean from time to time, but it did not compare to how she would miss this landscape if she ever had to leave it.

"What are you thinking about?" Jack asked softly.

"It's just so beautiful here," she answered, her eyes still focused out the window.

"Yes...it is," Jack replied, his eyes on his wife.

She turned her head, caught him looking at her, and felt her heart begin to race from Jack's closeness.

"Let's go home," she said.

Jack saw the look in his wife's eyes, one that looked as if she was about to rip his clothes off right there. Chuckling a little, he said, "Why, Mrs. Thornton. I thought you said that you weren't that kind of girl."

With a crooked grin and a glint in her eye, she gripped the inside of Jack's thigh and repeated, "Let's go home."

Jack needed no more coaxing, made a sudden U-turn in the middle of the quiet highway and began driving faster until they reached the driveway.

….

Elizabeth held Jack's hand as she led him into their bedroom, and he could feel that her palm was damp with perspiration. Her nerves and excitement were mixing together like two storm cells, and she couldn't wait to get her husband alone in their bed. As soon as they were in the room, she quickly turned Jack and pushed him against the wall.

Caught off guard, Jack stared down at his wife, who was now pulling at his shirt. His chest was heaving, his heart racing and the burning desire inside was raging. His animalistic desire wanted to physically rip all of her clothes off and throw her in bed, but he knew that was not possible with the pregnancy. It took everything to hold himself back from what his hormones were screaming to do.

Jack cupped her cheeks, tipping her face toward him, and took her lips with his. Their tongues danced, and they kissed as if it was the first time, yet their lips were familiar with each other, fitting perfectly as if they had been created for only this, only one another.

Although they had been intimate many times, they had both held back due to the pregnancy, and Elizabeth didn't want to hold back any longer. She wanted her husband, all of him, as it had been before the news. Her hormones were raging, her body ached, and every time she even looked at her husband, she wanted his arms around her, skin on skin. Elizabeth's hands fumbled with his belt, taking twice as long as it should have to reach his button and zipper. Once his pants were finally open, she eased them over his hips and let them fall to the floor, then let her hand brush across the fabric of his underwear that masked her husband's erection.

Sensing the same anxious need as his wife, Jack spun Elizabeth around, and her back was to his chest before she realized what had happened. He pressed his palm firmly against her warm skin above the open V-neck of her dress, then moved his hand under the fabric and across the top of her breast. Jack could feel her chest rising and falling, and as his hand rested over her heart, he could feel it pounding as if it would burst right out of her skin. His mouth was on her neck, kissing and sucking at her soft flesh, and Elizabeth tipped her head to the side as a moan slipped from her lips.

With one hand cupping her breast, his other brushed across her stomach, resting across her swollen belly. Elizabeth leaned her head back against his chest, her eyes closed, and focused on Jack's arms that encircled her and his hands that explored her. She could feel Jack hard against her back and wanted to feel him inside her. She untied the belt that held the dress closed and let the fabric fall open, revealing her pregnant body.

As Jack turned her around, Elizabeth pushed the dress off her shoulders, and the navy cotton fabric dropped from her arms, landing in a heap around her feet. Jack's breath was always taken away at his wife's beauty, as it was now, and he took a moment to appreciate and admire her body. His hands moved around her belly and along her sides as Jack slid them back to unhook her bra. He slipped his fingers under the straps that fell across her shoulders and slowly pulled them off. Jack's fingers lightly grazed the skin of Elizabeth's arms as he slid them down, pulling the undergarment with them. Elizabeth was sure she could feel electricity pulsating from his fingertips directly into her body as his lightest touch almost sent her into a fevered delirium.

Elizabeth unfastened each button along the front of Jack's shirt with shaking hands, then eased it over his shoulders. With the cuffs still buttoned, Jack had to undo them before he could finish removing his shirt, then tossed it aside. He had lost a small amount of muscle when he'd gone through his shoulder recovery, but it had quickly returned, and then some, once he was released and returned to his usual manual labor on the ranch. Elizabeth scanned his body, noticing this change, and laid her hands against his abs. Jack tensed up even more as she touched him, still unable to curb his reactions to this simplest gesture from his wife. She moved her hands across his chest, her eyes following their path, as Jack stared down at her, watching her as his wife's fingertips moved along his tensed pec muscles. Elizabeth lifted her eyes, meeting Jack's burning gaze, then lifted her hands to his cheeks. She pulled him down until their lips met, kissing him with a burning desire that had been extinguished slightly when they found out she was pregnant but was currently a roaring inferno.

Jack pushed his boots off, stepping out of them and his jeans then picked up Elizabeth and carried her to the bed. He lowered her to the mattress and then climbed up with her. Holding himself up with one hand on the bed, he caressed her body with the other, pausing at every sensitive area that would give Jack the reaction he was seeking.

Their hearts were pounding, their insides were on fire, and their desire for each other was unmatchable. Jack moved down, hooking his fingers into the lace of her panties at her hips, and pulled them off as he moved down the bed. He pulled his boxer briefs off and tossed their undergarments onto the floor.

Jack was on his knees as his eyes scanned his wife's body from her toes to her head. When his eyes met hers, she was staring at him and grinning, having just done the same thing to him. Jack lowered onto his hands and pressed his lips to her ankle. He kissed her, leaving a path of moisture on each site his lips touched. Working his way up, Jack followed the curves of her body: her knee, her inner thigh, over her belly. He slowed as he reached her swollen breast, stopping once he reached the nipple. Elizabeth arched her back as Jack softly sucked, sending a wave of pleasure through her entire body. A heat seared through him as he felt Elizabeth's hand grasping at him. Jack knew she wanted him now, and he wanted her. He could wait no more.

Jack laid on his side alongside Elizabeth and rolled her away, drawing his wife against him, her back to his chest. He reached down between her legs and swiftly moved his fingers inside her, feeling her wetness, readying her to receive him. Elizabeth moaned loudly now as Jack teased and touched her aching flesh. And in one quick movement, he was entirely inside her, gripping her hips and driving deep.

Moans slipped past Jack's lips as he felt Elizabeth tighten around him. She was already climaxing, calling out in pleasure, and sending a wild, heated frenzy through Jack's entire body. He moved quicker, harder, deeper as they found their rhythm together. They moved as one, feeling the all-consuming sensation building inside. Jack cupped his hand at the base of Elizabeth's stomach, holding her as he thrust even deeper inside her. This immediately took Elizabeth over the edge, and she called out once more as the wave washed over her. Every nerve ending inside her was on edge as her climax continued. Thinking it would never end, she felt every muscle in Jack tighten, along with his arms around her, as he moaned into her ear, joining her in the enchantment of their climax.

Jack remained unmoving, holding his wife tightly against him as the remnants of their orgasms slowly faded. Their breaths were short and quick, their chests rose and fell as they tried to catch their breaths, and their world was perfect as they lay in each other's arms.

Jack's fingers traced circles on Elizabeth's belly as she lay on her back. Her arm was propped behind her head as she watched her husband. Jack's head was resting on her ribcage as he softly touched her stomach. His palm was against her now, feeling the firm bulge beneath it, then suddenly he felt something move.

Jack instantly sat up, and a huge smile formed on his lips. "I felt her," he said, barely audible to the couple. Jack laid his hand on her stomach again, moving it around until he found the particular spot. A slight kick from inside pushed out against his palm, and Jack remained still, basking in the wonderment of this little life they had created. A few laughs crossed his lips as his daughter pushed against him repeatedly. "She's amazing," he said as he pressed his cheek to the area. He could feel a slight flutter against his face, almost as soft as butterfly wings.

…..

December 16th, 2014 – Hope Meadows Ranch

As Jack crossed the house toward the kitchen, he could hear Elizabeth quietly singing along with the song playing over the home stereo. He stopped when she was just in view and leaned against the wall, watching her prepare the children's food for their lunch.

He was gazing at her, swaying and bobbing slightly to the beat, singing the beautiful melody, when Blake, Colton, and Peyton rushed toward him from where they'd been playing in the living room. Jack held his palms toward them, halting them in their spots. He pressed his index finger to his lips, signaling them to be quiet, then motioned for the kids to move beside him.

They did as they were told and walked to their daddy. Peyton wrapped her arm around Jack's leg, leaning her head against his hip, as she watched her mommy in the kitchen. Blake was on Jack's other side, holding his daddy's hand, while Colton stood in front of Jack, leaning back against his father's legs. The foursome remained quiet, watching Elizabeth piece together the sandwiches, singing a little louder with the lyrics of Beautiful Day by Jamie Grace, unaware of her audience.

"When trouble seems to rain on my dreams
It's not a big, not a big deal, Let it wash all the bugs off my windshield
'Cause You're showing me in You I'm free
And You're still the refuge that I've just got to get to
So I won't let a day go, won't let a day go by
So put the drop-top down, turn it up, I'm ready to fly

And oh there's something 'bout the way Your sun shines on my face
It's a love so true, I could never get enough of You
This feeling can't be wrong, I'm about to get my worship on
Take me away, it's a beautiful day yeah
It's a beautiful day yeah

I've got no need to worry, I've got no room for doubt
No matter what's coming at me, You'll always be the beautiful I sing about
There ain't no limitations to Your amazing grace, Your amazing grace."

Something caught Elizabeth's eye and she turned to find her family watching her, with smiles covering their faces. "How long have you guys been there?" she asked, feeling her cheeks warm.

"Long time!" Peyton shouted as she ran to her mommy.

When Jack moved in behind his daughter with his sons on either side of him, Peyton's arms were up for Elizabeth to lift her onto the island. Without a word, Jack picked up his daughter and set her on the counter next to the plates Elizabeth had prepared.

"You sounded pretty, Mommy," Colton said as he reached for a carrot.

"Thank you, Colt," Elizabeth replied as she handed her son what he was after.

Jack leaned in, pressing his lips to her neck below her ear. "Yes, Mommy, you sounded very pretty," he whispered.

Elizabeth tipped her head toward him as a shiver ran through her body from his breath on her ear. Jack often did that, loving the little reaction it would always cause.

"Is lunch ready?" Peyton asked as she lifted the top slice of bread from one of the sandwiches.

"Yes, Pey. Lunch is ready," Elizabeth replied. She picked up the plate and moved it in front of Peyton's favorite spot to sit at the island. She then shifted the other two in front of the seats that Colton and Blake were climbing onto.

Jack lifted his daughter, carried her to her seat, and then lowered her onto it.

"Thank you, Daddy," she said, her lips puckered, waiting for a kiss from him.

Jack bent down and kissed his daughter, then pushed her hair back. "You're welcome, Pey Pey." He leaned closer to her ear and added, "Be sure to thank Mommy."

"Oh yeah," she responded loudly. "Thank you, Mommy."

"Thank you," Blake added, followed by a "thank you" from Colton.

"You're welcome," Elizabeth said to her children.

Elizabeth turned around, picked up a plate with a much larger sandwich loaded with meats and cheeses, and handed it to Jack.

"Thank you, Mommy," he said before kissing her.

Giggles could be heard from the kids as they watched their parents, their mouths filled with large bites of their food.

"What are you three laughing at?" Jack asked his children.

"You called Mommy, Mommy. She's not your mommy, silly," Colton answered.

"And you kissed her," Blake added.

An exaggerated "Ewwww" resonated through the house, followed by more laughter from the kids.

Jack sat his plate on the counter, wrapped his arms around his wife, carefully dipped her, and planted a massive kiss on her lips.

When he returned Elizabeth to her feet, the couple looked at the children, who now had their hands covering their eyes and their food-filled mouths open in laughter.

"What's the matter, kids?"

"That's gross!" Blake shouted, peeking out between two fingers. "Are you finished?"

"What?" Grabbing his giggling wife once more, Jack looked deep into her eyes and replied, "Never."

…..

December 20th, 2014 – Coulter Ranch

Elizabeth pulled into her best friend's driveway and honked the horn. Rosemary rushed out of her house, climbed into the Yukon, and hugged Elizabeth tightly.

"Happy 32nd birthday, Mrs. Coulter."

"Thank you so much, Liz. You have no idea how much I need this right now."

Elizabeth just sat still, staring at her friend.

"What?" Rosemary asked. "Oh, right, you know exactly how much I need this."

"Thank you," Elizabeth replied, laughing. "Are you ready to go?"

"Kick it, girl," she responded, pointing forward with her index finger.

…..

Sweet Escape Massage Therapy, Missouri

Elizabeth put the SUV in park and the two women, still talking a mile a minute, made their way into the building. They quieted as soon as they entered and heard the music piped throughout the office. A soothing and relaxing instrumental song played, and Elizabeth and Rosemary were instantly transported to a different place. The lights were low, the music soft, the air smelled sweet, and the beautiful woman behind the counter welcomed them as they approached her.

They were taken back to a room where they would experience a hot stone massage together.

"This place is gorgeous," Rosie said quietly in Elizabeth's ear as they walked down the hallway, following the woman that had greeted them.

Elizabeth nodded and slipped her arm through her friend's. The room they were escorted to had a table in one half with a soft white robe laying across it. On the other side of the room was another table, but pillows and foam forms were placed on it to support Elizabeth's stomach.

Rosemary and Elizabeth were face down on the tables, hot stones spread down the center of their backs. The same relaxing music was floating through the room, along with the floral scents of the candles. The lights were low, and the women remained quiet as they relished the personalized treatment.

Rosemary opted for the whole-body massage, and the woman was now working the warm stones across Rosie's tight shoulders. Elizabeth was on her back as the masseuse gently worked around her stomach. A towel was draped across her chest and waist, and her eyes were closed as she felt her body relax.

After their massages, they were moved to a different room, receiving a full pedicure. They spent time discussing their children and daily lives as their feet soaked in the warm water.

With freshly painted toes, exfoliated feet, and rejuvenated bodies, Elizabeth and Rosemary were moved to another room where they received manicures. Elizabeth opted for the white French tip nails, and Rosemary picked a red to match her toes.

The best friends chatted and giggled more than they had together in a long time. They loved their lives as wives and mothers and never have been happier, but their day together was just what each of them needed. They left the salon feeling more alive and refreshed than they could have imagined, called their husbands, and informed them that they were going out for lunch and would be home after.

Rosemary picked one of her favorite places, Mimi's Café, and gave Elizabeth the directions to get there.

"This is adorable," Elizabeth exclaimed as she pulled into the parking lot. "How have I not heard of this place?"

"Faith told me about it once when Lee and I were going out, and I fell in love with it. Their food is great. You and I have just been so busy that it never crossed my mind to tell you about it. Sorry."

"No, don't be sorry. We're here now, and let's go eat. I am starving!"

The women were seated immediately, and Elizabeth quickly scanned the menu. "Everything sounds so good."

"It is. They make their own dressing in-house, too."

"What are you getting?" Elizabeth asked, struggling to pick just one thing.

"I think I'm going to try the Berry Spinach Shrimp and Quinoa Salad this time."

"What's on that?"

Rosemary read the menu, "Two skewers of grilled shrimp, fresh strawberries, blueberries, feta and quinoa blend on baby spinach tossed in fat-free raspberry vinaigrette."

"That does sound amazing. But little miss here is wanting more than a salad," Elizabeth laughed as she rested her hand on her belly. "This Five-Way Grilled Cheese sandwich sounds great. It has cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and Swiss melted between parmesan sourdough."

"I've had that before. It is terrific."

Their food was delivered: Rosemary with her salad and Elizabeth with her grilled cheese and tomato basil soup. They had already dug into the basket of bread served with every meal and quickly started on their main course.

"So, Rosie, are you and Lee planning on any more children?"

"No. We are finished," Rosemary answered firmly. "I love my kids, but three is enough for me."

"Are you...umm...or is Lee...," Elizabeth stumbled over her words, embarrassed to ask the question.

"Am I what?" Rosemary asked, not quite sure what Elizabeth was trying to ask. "Oh, do you mean tubes tied or vasectomy?"

Feeling her cheeks warm, Elizabeth nodded.

"Lee is getting a vasectomy in a month, actually."

Elizabeth almost choked on her sandwich and took a quick drink of water. "He is? Really?"

"Yes. We've already met with the doctor and set up an appointment. Jack knows. Did he not tell you?"

"He won't tell me other people's business. He feels that if you wanted me to know, you'd tell me yourself."

"That's noble of him, but it's not a secret. Wait, what are you guys going to do?"

"Well, now I know why Jack brought it up the other day, but we are discussing him getting a vasectomy."

"And you're okay with it this time around?"

"Yes. We've talked about it a lot, and this is the only option for us. Jack will have four kids now...we will have four kids, and I feel at peace with the pregnancy. I honestly feel God will allow us to experience natural childbirth this go around."

"Liz, you have no idea how happy that makes me. And I assume that Jack is good with the choice?"

"Oh, definitely. Although we feel this pregnancy will go as planned, we are not willing to chance it again. And Jack wanted to have it done last time, but I wouldn't let him."

"Yes, I remember that. But seriously, you're good with the decision this time?"

"Yes. Completely. I think my choice last time was cloaked with fear over what had just happened to me. All I could think about was leaving Jack alone, just him and the kids. And I knew he wanted a big family, and I had been unable to give that to him. I didn't want him to feel I took even more away from him by having him get a vasectomy."

"Liz, he would never think that. You know that."

"I know, Rosie. But I wasn't thinking straight then."

"I suppose I wouldn't be thinking straight in your situation either," Rosie added, then took a bite of her salad.

"I'm thinking straight now," Elizabeth grinned. After a couple more bites of her sandwich, Elizabeth continued, "So, Lee's appointment is when?"

…..

Elizabeth was walking across the front porch from the garage when the door opened, and Jack stepped out.

"How was your day? Did you and Rosie have fun?"

Elizabeth eased past him and stepped into the house. "It was amazing. That massage was...I don't even know how to explain how good it was."

Jack removed Elizabeth's coat and hung it on the hook near the door. "I'm glad you two had fun. You deserve it," he said, then kissed her cheek.

"How did it go with the kids today?"

"Perfect. They are making birthday cards for Noel."

"Oh, how cute," she said, looking around the kitchen. "Where are they?"

"In Peyton's room around her table."

"In her room? With stuff to make cards?"

"Yeah, why?"

"What kind of stuff?"

Unsure where this was going, Jack's brow narrowed, and he looked at his wife through squinted eyes. "Their art supply box. They have markers and crayons. I was just up there with them, and they are fine. Why?"

"What else is in that box?"

"Ummm...colored pencils, safety scissors, colored pens, glit...," Jack's voice trailed off, and his eyes grew freakishly wide, suddenly aware of his mistake. "I left them alone in her room with glitter. I'll be right back."

Jack ran up the steps, two at a time, and vanished around the corner to the kids' rooms. Several minutes later, he emerged with three children, covered head to toe in glitter. He was sparkling up to his elbows and chest in blues, purples, pinks, and golds.

Elizabeth was standing at the bottom of the steps, her mouth covered with her hand, hiding her amusement at her husband's folly.

"Hi, Mommy," each of the kids said sullenly as they passed by her, their heads hung low.

As Jack passed by his wife, he just shook his head. "Don't say it."

She saw the corner of his mouth turn up slightly as he brushed by her, purposely leaving a dusting of glitter across her arm. She hid her laughter, smacked Jack's butt, and then followed her family into the kitchen to help them clean up.

…...

That evening, after most of the evidence of the glitter explosion was removed and the kids were all tucked in bed, Elizabeth moved into Jack's arms under the warmth of their down comforter.

"Rosie told me that Lee is getting a vasectomy in a couple of weeks," Elizabeth said as she rolled over to face him.

"Yeah, Lee told me that, too."

"Is that why you wanted to talk about it the other day?"

"I suppose so. But I have been thinking about it since we found out you were pregnant." Jack pressed his forehead against Elizabeth's and drew in a deep breath. "The lotion they used on you at the salon smells great."

"Yes, kiwi mango, I think," Elizabeth replied. "When were you thinking you might want to have the procedure?"

"What?" Jack asked, lost in the scent of his wife.

"The vasectomy."

"Oh, I don't know. Sooner than later, I think."

"Do you want to see if we can get an appointment with the urologist next week for a consultation?"

"Sure. I can call him Monday."

"Okay," she replied, burying her face into the curve of his throat. "Are you comfortable doing this?"

Jack lifted her chin with his finger and stared into her eyes. "I've never been more sure. I am getting this done...for your safety."

"Okay," she replied softly.

"Beth...you don't want me to?"

"Yes. It's our safest option, I think. But I might need to get mine done again too, just to be doubly sure," Elizabeth said with a small smile. "You seem to find a way to make a baby amid the most impossible conditions," she teased.

Jack rolled Elizabeth onto her back and moved over her. He held her hands above her head and pressed his lips to her neck, careful not to lean against her stomach. "Mrs. Thornton," Jack whispered into one ear, then moved to the other side. "I would say...," he kissed her neck, then hovered over her face. "That your body...," kissing her collarbone, he released her hands, then slid his hand down the side of her face. "Found a way," his lips were now just below her jaw. "To make a baby," he finished as he covered her mouth with his heart-shaped lips.

Elizabeth lifted her hips as far as her stomach would allow and moaned softly into Jack's mouth. Jack moved onto his back, rolling Elizabeth with him, and gripped onto her hips. He moved her slightly, rubbing her across his rigid member. With their clothing still keeping them apart, Elizabeth moved off Jack, pulling his pants and underwear down as she stepped off the bed. As she undressed, Jack pulled his shirt over his head and sat waiting as Elizabeth crawled back over the length of his body. With his hands under her arms, Jack leaned back into the pillow, pulling Elizabeth with him.

…..

December 22nd, 2014 – Hope Meadows Ranch

"I'm going to step outside for a bit," Elizabeth said as she slipped her coat on.

"Okay, dear," Charlotte replied. "We'll be right here." Charlotte and the kids were making cookies, and she was showing them how to roll the dough into balls.

Elizabeth stepped outside and tightened her coat around her neck. The temperature had dropped again, and snow was in the forecast for that week. She pulled her hat down around her ears and then put her gloves on. As Elizabeth walked toward the barn, a few weanling horses ran along the fence line. The brisk air made them feel frisky, and they were rearing and kicking each other. Five-month-old Hope stood at the rail, watching Elizabeth pass by. She whinnied to get her attention, and Elizabeth stopped to pet her.

"Hey there, Hope. How are you doing, girl? Having fun being with other horses?"

Hope pushed her nose into Elizabeth's hand and closed her eyes while she was petted.

"Such a good girl," Elizabeth added. "I'll pet you some more later, okay?"

Elizabeth started toward the barn again and laughed as Hope ran to join the others. She opened the small door and entered the building, breathing in the scent of hay that had filled the air. Not seeing Jack immediately, she removed her gloves as she walked through the barn to the other side and found him with Maverick. He had the horse's hoof between his legs, dragging a rasp across it, filing the bottom side until it was smooth. He lowered the horse's leg and moved to the back, unaware of his wife's presence.

Jack had removed his coat and tossed it over a stall door. The sleeves of his flannel shirt were rolled up, and he was wearing his worn leather farrier chaps. Elizabeth leaned against an empty stall and watched her husband as he trimmed the stallion's hooves and spoke to him like a friend.

"That's a good boy," he said as he patted the top of the animal's butt. He walked behind the horse, picked up his other back leg, and began working on that hoof. "You're doing great, Mav," Jack assured as the horse bent his neck and nuzzled Jack's back. Once Jack was finished, he gently lowered the horse's leg and moved to the front. "Just one more, boy," Jack said, petting the horse's neck. "Almost finished." Looking over the animal's neck, Jack caught sight of Elizabeth and straightened. "How long have you been there?" he asked as a huge smile covered his face.

Elizabeth walked toward them, returning the grin. "Long enough to see you bent over several times," she teased.

"Glad I could entertain you," Jack replied as he ducked under Maverick's neck to meet his wife. He wrapped his arms around her and planted a big kiss on her lips. "What are you doing out here," he asked, not letting her go.

"Just wanted some fresh air. Your mother is baking cookies with the kids, so I thought I would come out and keep you company. But it looks like you've already got company," she said as she motioned toward the horse.

"What? Ole' Mav here? He's not much of a conversationalist." Jack's dimples were deep, giving away his elation at seeing his wife.

"Is the farrier not available," Elizabeth asked as she moved around the horse.

"He's coming out next week to trim the barn horses. I just wanted to trim a little off Mav here before then."

"He seems really calm. I thought you said stallions are a bit wild." Elizabeth laid her hand on the animal's neck, and Maverick turned his head to look at her.

"They can be very unpredictable. Some are absolutely crazy, then others are like Maverick." Jack rubbed the sides of the horse's face. "We lucked out with him."

"I'd say so. How's Wrangler doing?"

"I think he misses you and would love for you to stop by," Jack grinned. He slid his hand into his wife's and started to the other side of the barn, leading her to her horse.

Wrangler stuck his head out from the stall when he heard footsteps and whinnied as soon as he spotted his owner.

"Hey, beautiful boy," Elizabeth said as she touched her forehead to Wrangler's. "I've missed you. I promise I'll take you out, just the two of us this spring."

"Hey," Jack said, having heard his wife. "I think I'm a little jealous."

Elizabeth turned around to find Jack standing beside her. She wrapped her arms around him, leaning forward to hug him. "You have all of my other days and nights," she answered as she laid her head against his chest.

"Wow...good answer," Jack said with a chuckle, threading his fingers into her hair.

"I try my best." Elizabeth grinned and kissed him, then turned back to face her horse. Wrangler was waiting for her, and she kissed his soft nose. "Such a good boy, Wrangler," she said as she wrapped her arms around his neck. With her nose against his neck, Elizabeth drew a deep breath of Wrangler's scent. "I absolutely love that smell."

"It's the best, isn't it?"

Turning around again, Elizabeth pulled Jack against her, taking a deep breath of his cologne mixed with the musky scent of his hard work. "Second best," she replied, kissing his neck.

"If you're not careful, I'll have to take you into the tack room again," Jack responded and moved his hands into her hair once more, lifting it so he could kiss behind her ear.

"In case you have forgotten, we have my OB appointment in an hour."

Jack looked at his watch and then started toward Maverick. "Shoot. I need to get Mav put away, then I'll walk with you."

Elizabeth remained with Wrangler while waiting for her husband, giving her horse much-needed attention from his owner. Once Jack returned, the couple walked hand in hand, stopping to pet Hope briefly on their way to the house.

…..

Primrose OB/GYN

"There's your daughter," the doctor said as he moved the probe across Elizabeth's stomach. He stopped and tilted the handheld piece, getting the right angle and best view of their baby.

"She's beautiful," Jack said as he tightened his hand around Elizabeth's.

After a few more minutes of measurements, recording each section, and printing a couple of ultrasound photos, the doctor focused on the heartbeat. "Good strong heart," he said as it recorded for a few seconds.

Jack felt Elizabeth's hand squeeze his and moved his gaze to her. Her eyes glistened, and her smile filled her entire face as she watched the little black and white screen. Jack returned his attention to the screen just in time to catch one more glance before Dr. Shepherd returned the probe to the table.

"So, tell me, Elizabeth, how have you been feeling. Truthfully."

"I feel great. I haven't had any pains, no nausea, always hungry, always have to pee," she let out a small laugh.

"That's very good to hear. Are you still taking it easy?"

"Yes. And believe me, my family doesn't let me overdo anything these days, not that I would."

"Perfect. Well, I think you should start limiting your activities," the doctor said, looking back and forth between the couple. "Do you understand what I mean?"

"Yes, Sir," Jack answered.

"Rest when you can. No long-distance walking. Stay close to home and close to the phone. Always have someone with you other than the kids. And we'll be making even bigger changes at thirty weeks. I don't want to take any chances of having a repeat of last time."

"Trust me, Doc. Neither do we," Jack added, now rubbing her arm.

"Good. Walk around the house as you can. You'll be on mostly bedrest soon, so you need to get some steps in now while you still can. Keep moving, but not too much."

"Okay," Elizabeth replied.

"We're finished here today. I'll see you three in another month," Dr. Shepherd said, tapping Elizabeth on the leg. "You two, have a great rest of your day."

"Thank you, Dr. Shepherd," Elizabeth said.

"Thank you, sir," Jack said as he stood.

Elizabeth wiped her stomach and then pulled her shirt down. Jack helped her to her feet, then placed his hand in hers.

"Can I see that?" he asked, referring to the ultrasound photo.

Elizabeth handed it to him, and Jack stared, mesmerized once again, at his perfect daughter. "She looks like you...beautiful."

Elizabeth giggled slightly. "You can't tell by that."

"I can," Jack said, still looking at the paper in his hand. "I don't know why, but this feels different than with the twins. And I don't mean about the worries."

"I know. I think it's because we never thought we'd have another one."

Jack opened the door and followed her through it. "That's probably it. She just...I don't know...feels so special."

Jack held Elizabeth's coat up so she could slip her arms into the sleeves. She pulled it up around her throat as they stepped out into the cold air. "I feel the same way, Jack. She's definitely a blessing from God."

They rode in silence as Jack drove toward home. Elizabeth was in the center of the seat as always, and her head rested on Jack's shoulder. As he turned onto the highway, Jack heard a change in Elizabeth's breathing and knew she'd fallen asleep. He moved his right arm around her, holding her against him as she slept.

…..

With the kids down for the night, Jack returned to Elizabeth, who was stretched out across the couch in the living room, watching a show on Netflix.

"What are you watching?" Jack asked. He sat down and lifted her head to rest on his leg, placing his hand on her tummy.

"Ummm...I don't even know. It flipped to this, and I must have zoned out. You can watch whatever you want."

Jack picked up the remote and began to scroll through the movies, stopping now again to read the synopsis of one. "Is this one okay?"

Elizabeth glanced up and read the name of the movie he'd chosen. A Walk Among the Tombstones.

"I saw that trailer the other day. It looked pretty good."

Jack pressed play and leaned back into the couch. He picked up another remote and turned the lights of the living room down as the movie began. His hand remained on her stomach, his thumb softly brushing across it. Occasionally his daughter would push or kick out, causing Jack to grin each time. After a while, Jack leaned forward to see his wife's face: she was sound asleep. Smiling, he leaned back and continued watching the movie.