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January 2nd, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack was sitting on the couch, his guitar on his lap when Elizabeth came down from their bedroom. He quickly stood and moved to her side.
"Jack, seriously. I am capable of walking," she commented, her tone sounding irritated.
"I'm sorry, Beth. It's just that the doctor said..."
"The doctor said what? That I can't walk around? That I can't feed myself? That I can't get up and go to the bathroom without assistance? I didn't hear the doctor say any of that."
Jack threw up his arms and stepped back, "I'm sorry, Beth. I'm just trying to help."
"Well, stop. Please." She entered the kitchen, grabbed a glass from the cupboard, and filled it with water.
Jack stood at the opening of the room, keeping out of her way, waiting for her to make a move. But she just stood there, silently drinking her water.
"Come on, Beth. You aren't talking to me now?" he finally asked, unable to take the silence.
"What are the kids doing?"
"They're downstairs watching a movie."
"What movie?"
"Flicka."
Elizabeth grinned and nodded, "Peyton's favorite."
"Yep," he smiled, relieved from his wife's expression. "I really am sorry, Elizabeth."
"I know," she said, setting the glass in the sink. "I'm sorry. I just don't need to be coddled."
"Okay. I'll back off." Jack stepped toward his wife, his arms out, "May I?"
Elizabeth smiled and nodded, "Of course."
Jack wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, breathing her in. Every moment of every day left Jack wondering if this would be the last. Would it happen? Would she suddenly start bleeding again, but with a much different outcome this time? He tried not to think about it, but the thoughts wouldn't leave him in peace.
"I just love you so much, Beth," he whispered in her ear.
"I know you do," she replied, pulling back and looking into his eyes. "I love you, too. And I'm sorry I snapped at you. I'm tired of feeling useless. I tired of not being able to pick up my own children." Elizabeth kissed him softly. "I'm just stressed."
"We both are." Jack brushed his hands across her cheeks, cupping her face. "I'll try not to add to yours." He gently kissed her soft lips.
"Thank you," she responded, kissing him again. "I just want to be able to help with the kids and the house more."
"Please, think of this as a type of...vacation. Because once our little girl is here...," Jack said with a smile.
"I know. I won't be getting any sleep for a while." Elizabeth let out a huge sigh and hugged Jack. "Okay. A vacation. A...very...long...boring...vacation."
"We will just have to make it not so boring for you."
"And how do you plan on doing that?" she asked with a smile.
"Well...that I don't know yet." Jack reached up and tucked her hair behind her ear. "But we'll think of something."
Looking into her eyes, Jack gave her the smile that melted her heart. She reached up, laid her hand on his cheek, and brushed her thumb across the small indention of his dimple.
"I believe that you will. Now, I want to see my children, get a few hugs, then I'll get back in bed."
Jack slid his hand into hers and walked beside her as they walked downstairs, where the kids were silently engrossed in an intense moment of Flicka.
…..
January 9th, 2015 – Urology Department, University Hospital, Missouri
Elizabeth kissed Jack goodbye before he followed a nurse down the hall. She watched them until they passed through the doors, then turned and headed to the waiting room.
"What are you doing here?" she asked as soon as she saw Sam.
"I thought you could use some company, so I lined my break up with Jack's procedure."
Sam was standing, and Elizabeth wrapped her in a hug. "Thank you, Sam."
The pair sat in two chairs in the far corner, away from the hallway noise.
"So, what shall we talk about?" Sam asked.
"Didn't Tom go through this?"
"Yes, shortly after Austin was born."
"And nothing went wrong, right?"
Sam leaned forward and laid her hand on Elizabeth's knee. "This is a straightforward procedure. Jack isn't even under anesthesia; he just took a mild sedative for nerves, as most men can get a bit anxious over their nether regions being messed with."
Elizabeth let out a burst of laughter and felt her body completely relax. "Thank you, Sam. I needed that."
"That's what I'm here for, Sister," she said as she leaned back into her seat. "But in all seriousness, Tom was sore for a day or two and felt just fine after that."
"Good. Hopefully, Jack will be the same way."
"I'm sure he will. Now, other than a medical procedure, what would you like to talk about?"
…..
Jack climbed onto the table after taking his dose of lorazepam. He was lying flat on his back, staring at the stark white ceiling, when he heard the doctor and his assistant enter the room. After a couple of introductions, Jack laid his head back down. After a few more minutes, he began to feel very relaxed and slightly lightheaded. His body started to feel heavy as the doctor moved next to the table.
Jack was conscious and aware of what was going on, though quite groggy, and after a mild stinging sensation on his scrotum, he felt nothing more. The table was cold, the lights were bright, and Jack felt vulnerable being exposed as he was. Before he knew it, the doctor was informing Jack that he was finished and that they would be moving him to a small recovery room, where he would rest for a short while. A nurse would check on him in half an hour to see how he was doing and bring Elizabeth to wait with him.
…..
After a brief update from a nurse, Sam returned to her work, leaving Elizabeth alone in the waiting room. Not long after, the same nurse came to retrieve Elizabeth to come back and join Jack as he was going to be discharged soon.
Elizabeth quietly stepped into the room where Jack was lying down. His eyes were closed, and he had a blanket pulled up to his chin. Elizabeth could see that he still was not dressed, as one of his legs was not covered. She carefully lifted the blanket and pulled it over his leg.
"Beth?"
"Hey, Cowboy. How are you feeling?" Elizabeth asked as she pulled a chair over next to his bed.
"Like someone just punched me in the groin."
Elizabeth covered her mouth to stifle a giggle, but Jack opened his eyes and looked at his wife. A grin took residence on his lips, pulling his dimples in deep.
"Something funny?"
Clearing her throat, Elizabeth replied, "No. I'm sorry." Then a giggle slipped out again. "I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm laughing."
"Probably because I'm laying here naked, and a doctor just finished fondling me."
"Jack," Elizabeth exclaimed quietly.
"Well, he did," Jack replied with another grin. "And I must say, it was nothing compared to when you fondle me."
"I see he didn't snip your sense of humor," Elizabeth stated, slapping Jack on the arm.
"When can I get out of here?"
"Soon. The nurse said she'd come by with the post-op instructions and discharge papers in about an hour."
"Okay. I think I'll take a little nap," Jack said.
He closed his eyes, turned to his side with a grimace, then returned to his back. After pulling the blanket higher, Jack didn't move again until the nurse returned with their paperwork.
…..
Hope Meadows Ranch
Tom was waiting at the ranch when Elizabeth arrived home with Jack. Unsure about how he'd react to the sedative, Elizabeth had wanted someone waiting to help get Jack into the house, just in case.
"Hey, Brother," Tom said as he opened the passenger door.
"Hey, Tom." Jack gripped the door frame as he turned in the seat and carefully stepped down onto the gravel. "I got it," he said when he saw Tom begin to reach out for him.
"Okay. But I'm here if you need me,"
Jack nodded, then slowly walked toward the steps that led to the front door. He gripped the handrail and made it onto the first step before stopping. Tom was at his side and saw Jack's face twisted from the pain.
"Just let me help you."
Jack put his arm across Tom's shoulders and let his brother assist him up the remaining steps and into the house.
"I'm not ready for those," Jack said, pointing to the stairs that went up to their bedrooms. "The couch will do."
Tom followed Jack to the couch and held his arm as his brother laid down. With the pillow adjusted under his head, a blanket draped across him, and his brother situated until he was somewhat comfortable, Tom joined Elizabeth in the kitchen.
"He'll be out for a while," Tom informed her.
"Good. He seemed to be in a lot of pain."
"It isn't pleasant," Tom grinned, "but it won't last long."
"I just hate seeing him this way," Elizabeth stated as she placed Jack's pain meds into an upper cabinet. "Does he need ice now?"
"I'd wait until he wakes up. Once the sedation meds are out of him, he'll be much more alert and want the ice then."
"Okay. Thanks for your help, Tom."
"Of course, Beth," he stated. "I stopped by Mom's on the way over, and the kids are fine. They were playing Candyland with Pops."
"Oh, good. They just love their grandpa."
"That they do. Well, I think I'll head home if you're all good here. I have some chores I need to finish up. Lee will be here this afternoon to take care of the horses."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Call if you need anything."
"I will, Tom."
…..
Elizabeth was sitting on the couch near Jack's feet when he began to stir. She watched his face as he tried to turn to his side. A sudden short moan slipped from him, and he quickly returned to his back.
"Are you alright?" she asked, seeing his eyes open.
Jack nodded and reached under the blanket to adjust the jockstrap that was pinching his skin. "This thing is so uncomfortable."
"The doctor said it will help. I'm sure it would be worse without it."
"I guess." Jack dropped his head back onto the pillow and looked across his body at his wife. "So, do you have those frozen peas ready?"
"I'll be right back."
Elizabeth returned with the bag of peas and lifted the blanket. She carefully laid them across Jack, and he moved them around until the bag formed around the area.
"Here's your Ibuprofen," she added, holding out her hand with the pills and a glass of water in the other.
After downing the pain meds and half the water, Jack handed his wife the glass and laid back down. "Thank you, Beautiful," he said as he flashed his smile at her.
"You're welcome, Cowboy."
"Well, shit. I mean, shoot," Jack looked at Elizabeth. "Sorry."
"What is it."
"I have to pee."
"Oh," she simply said.
"I can do this," he said as he swung his legs off the edge of the couch. He moved the peas off to the side, then pushed himself up. "Geez, that hurts," he said as he straightened.
Elizabeth was standing next to him, waiting to assist her husband if needed.
"I'm fine, Beth. I don't want you overdoing it either."
"I'm here if you need help, Jack."
Jack slowly walked the distance from the couch, through the kitchen, and into the same half bath near the back door. Not even bothering the close the door, Jack proceeded to go to the bathroom as Elizabeth waited just outside.
She could hear a quiet moan from her husband as he pulled the jockstrap and his lounge pants back up, so she stepped inside the room to help him. She followed him closely as he made his way back to the couch and watched as he laid back down, wishing she could help him more.
Seeing the look of helplessness on his wife's face, Jack held out his hand until she placed hers in his. "This is a small price to pay for your health and safety, "Jack said, trying to ease her guilt.
Elizabeth picked up the bag of peas and handed it to Jack. Once back in place, he laid back on the pillow as Elizabeth pulled the blanket over him. She got on her knees and pressed her lips to his, placing a soft, sweet kiss on his mouth.
"Want to watch a movie?" she asked, her face only inches from his.
"Sure. You pick."
…..
Lee had come and gone. Having checked on Jack once the chores were complete, he got a glimpse into what his near future would be. Already feeling ghost pains after seeing Jack, Lee walked out to his truck with his hand covering his crotch.
Elizabeth was laughing, having seen him and shared the funny sight with her husband, causing him to laugh as well.
"Oh, Beth," Jack said as he gripped the new bag of frozen peas, "don't make me laugh."
"Sorry," she replied with a grin. She sat down by Jack's feet again and lifted them onto her lap. "How are you feeling?"
"Better, as long as I don't laugh," he teased. "Just a little achy."
"That's good. Let me know when you're ready to go to bed."
Jack reached down to her hand resting on his hip and slipped his fingers between hers. "Let's just stay here for a little while. Why don't you pick out another movie."
…..
Jack slowly climbed the stairs, using his hand along the rail to pull himself up. Once that top, he paused for a quick breath, then continued to the bedroom. Elizabeth was close behind him, one more pain pill in her hand, a glass of water in the other, and a fresh bag of frozen peas draped over her arm.
Once Jack was in bed and comfortable, the pain meds taken, and the bag of peas in place, Elizabeth changed and joined him. They laid in each other's arms, talking softly to one another, occasionally stopping to feel their daughter as she stretched and turned. Once Jack's twenty minutes of the icing was done, he dropped the bag to the floor, and the couple was soon asleep.
…..
January 10th, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Elizabeth woke to an empty bed early in the morning, quickly pulled her robe on, and began searching for Jack. As she descended the stairs, she could hear the TV faintly and found Jack asleep on the couch. A bag of warm peas was lying on the floor, and Elizabeth picked it up and set it on the ottoman.
"Jack," she said as she softly brushed a lock of hair from his forehead.
Jack turned his head away and laid his arm across his eyes. His free hand instinctively went to the pain in his groin. After an attempt to fix what was bothering him, he quickly sat up, startling Elizabeth.
"Sorry, Beth," he said as he laid back on his pillow. He closed his eyes and waited for the pain he'd just caused himself to subside.
"How are you feeling?" she asked as she took a seat on the ottoman.
"Not bad until I grab myself in my sleep."
"Ouch."
"Yes, ouch. About five times now, ouch. I can't wait to get this dumb jock strap off."
"I'm so sorry, Jack."
Jack sat up and turned to face his wife. He laid one hand on her arm and the other on her cheek. "Please stop apologizing. This was my decision, and I wanted to do it. This will be over soon, and then I'll be on the mend to my old self." Jack's smile stretched across his face and reflected in his eyes as he looked at Elizabeth.
"What are you smiling about?" she asked, grinning back.
Jack's eyes scanned her face, moving from her lips to her cheek, to her ear, stopping when they locked with hers again. "You're so beautiful."
"Jack, how much pain reliever did you take? I just woke up."
"Beth, it's Ibuprofen, not morphine," Jack teased. "And this is the time you look the best."
…..
Jack was lying on the couch when his mother arrived later that afternoon to bring the kids home. As soon as the door was open, all three ran into the living and toward Jack.
With his hands out, Jack yelled, "Stop!" to keep them from jumping onto him.
Stopping in their tracks, the kids stared wide-eyed at their father. Elizabeth moved in behind them and knelt down with her hands on Peyton's and Colton's shoulders.
"You guys have to be careful around Daddy for a few days. He has an owie, and we don't want to hit it and make it worse."
"He has an owie?" Colton asked. "Where?"
With a smile, Elizabeth stood and looked at Jack, waiting for him to answer.
Jack held his hand over his groin area and answered, "Down here. Don't jump on me, please."
"You have an owie on your pee pee?" Colton asked.
With their hands over their mouths, Elizabeth and Charlotte hid their laughter as Jack talked with his children.
"Yes, Colt."
"How did you get an owie down there?" Blake asked.
Jack's eyes darted to Elizabeth, who was grinning and shaking her head no, then looked back at his kids. Drawing in a deep breath, he continued. "I had to go see the doctor yesterday, and he did something that made it hurt."
"What?" Blake asked, his eyes growing. "Why?"
"It's nothing bad, it's something that daddies sometimes do, and after the doctor is done, it hurts a little. But I bet I'll be feeling much better tomorrow, and then we can play a game."
"Yay!" Peyton shouted, almost jumping onto Jack's lap.
"Pey!" Elizabeth shouted just in time.
"Sorry, Daddy."
"It's alright, sweetheart. Come here." Jack motioned with his arms for Peyton to come to him for a hug. With her hands hooked around his shoulders, she squeezed as tight as possible while Jack hugged her. After kissing his cheek, Peyton stepped back, and Colton moved in for his hug, and then Blake.
"Hey, kids," Charlotte started, "How about some ice cream sundaes?"
The three children ran into the kitchen, beating Charlotte to the island, then patiently waited while their grandma prepared each bowl just the way they liked them.
"Well, that was close," Jack chuckled as Elizabeth sat down on the ottoman.
"Yes, it was. Good to have them home, though."
"Yes, it is. Do you need any more pain meds?"
"No, I'm good. I actually think I'll join them in the kitchen."
Elizabeth stood and moved out of Jack's way, ready to help him if needed. But Jack stood as if nothing had happened and took her hand as they went to join their family.
…..
January 13th, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack had healed quickly once the first day had passed and was back to his routine, other than lifting heavy items. Lee made certain that hay bales were placed where they needed to be ahead of time so Jack wouldn't need to move any. He had also filled each feed barrel to the top, making it easier for Jack to reach and fill the buckets.
Each evening, Jack continued to help Elizabeth by getting the kids bathed and in bed after helping with supper and cleaning up. They had one more week until her thirty-week appointment, and they knew what would be coming and had tried to prepare for it the best they could.
At the same time, they finalized the plans and decorations for Blake's upcoming 5th birthday. With the cake in Charlotte's capable hands, presents acquired and wrapped, and groceries purchased for all of his favorite foods, Jack and Elizabeth were ready for his special day.
Rosemary was visiting for the afternoon to stay with Elizabeth while Jack and Lee fed the horses and repaired the tractor. The women laughed until they cried while sharing funny stories around the island. Four-month-old Stetson was in a swing while Autumn and Noel played with Peyton and her dolls. Blake and Colton had joined their dad in the barn to help feed and brush their ponies while Jack and Lee worked.
"Can you hand me that wrench?" Lee asked as he leaned over the lift arm with his hands in the engine.
Jack reached under the tractor arm, handing the tool to his friend, then helped Lee remove the broken part.
"Yep, this is definitely the problem," Lee said as he turned the part over in his grease-covered hands.
"I'll run into town and pick up a new one. Do you think Rosie can stay here a little longer?"
"Of course, I'm sure she and Elizabeth are talking a mile a minute and could continue to do so for hours."
Jack laughed and took the part from Lee. "You're right about that, Brother. Hey, boys, let's go," Jack called out to Colton and Blake.
Jack helped the boys into the truck and left while Lee finished feeding the horses. By the time Jack and the kids had returned, Lee had just finished the chores, and the pair got to work putting the tractor back together.
…..
Elizabeth and Rosemary were still sitting around the island, tears in their eyes from something Rosie had just said when the dirt-covered crew returned to the house.
"What did you do? Roll in the dirt?" Elizabeth asked when she got a look at her boys.
"Yes!" Colton exclaimed. "It was warm in the barn, so we played dirt bike."
"And, Daddy, did you join them?" Elizabeth asked Jack.
Jack looked down at himself and then back to Elizabeth. "It appears that way, but, no. Lee and I finally got the tractor running right, so it'll be ready for spring."
"That's good," Elizabeth said, then crossed the room to the boys. "We need to get these off you before you track through the house."
"I've got them. We'll all strip in the mudroom," Jack said, then looked at Rosemary. "After you leave," he grinned.
"Oh, alright. I guess I need to get my filthy husband home and cleaned up as well."
"Oh, you love it," Lee said, walking toward her with his arms out. "Come gimme some lovin'."
"Leland Coulter, don't you dare get my new shirt greasy."
"You're no fun, woman," Lee said as he turned around and winked at Jack and Elizabeth. "Let's go then."
Lee and Rosemary gathered their kids, loaded them into their truck, said their goodbyes, and then headed home. As soon as they were gone, Jack stripped down to his underwear, stripped the boys down, then took them to the shower, where the three of them cleaned up.
Peyton and Elizabeth were cuddled together on the couch when Jack and the boys came down, fresh, clean, and in their pajamas. Peyton had picked out a movie, and the family curled up on the couch all together to watch it.
Just before the movie ended, Jack threw a pizza into the oven so it would be ready after the show. After eating a late supper, the family watched one more show, then Jack got the kids to bed.
Elizabeth was just climbing into bed when Jack entered the room. Already in his sleepwear, Jack slid into the bed next to her and pulled her against him. With one arm around her, Jack laid his free hand on her belly. He moved it around until he found his daughter, then held it there, feeling her kicking and pressing against the pressure of his palm.
"I can't wait to meet her," Jack said softly into Elizabeth's ear.
Elizabeth laid her hand on Jack's and could feel their daughter moving his hand. "Me, too." She moved her hand around, stopping with hers next to Jack's. "This pregnancy feels so different than the twins. I can feel her move around more."
"She does have a lot more room in there," Jack teased. "But I can only imagine what it feels like for you. All I know is it's amazing from out here."
…..
January 16th, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Blake was alone on the bottom step when Elizabeth walked around the corner from the kitchen. She knelt before him and noticed a small tear gliding down his cheek.
"What's wrong, sweetheart?" she asked as she wiped away the drop.
Blake's eyes slowly lifted until they met Elizabeth, and he sniffled before he answered. "I miss my mom."
"Oh, Blake. Come here." Elizabeth sat on the step beside him and pulled the little boy onto her lap. "I'm so sorry that you have had to go through this. It must be so hard to lose your mommy. But we're here for you, and we love you."
Blake nodded his head against Elizabeth's chest.
Remembering something, Elizabeth moved Blake off her lap and stood. "Wait right here. We have something for you."
Blake nodded again, still remaining quiet.
Elizabeth climbed the stairs to find Jack. He was just finishing up supervising Peyton with cleaning her room, which she'd been neglecting for days. Elizabeth whispered something into his ear, then waited. Jack looked at her, thought for a brief moment, then nodded.
"Pey, stay in here and get your bed made. Okay?" Jack asked his daughter.
"Yes, Daddy," she replied sullenly, hating the chore of cleaning her room.
Jack retrieved something from their closet, then followed Elizabeth down the stairs. They sat next to Blake, one on each side, and Jack held the envelope in front of his son.
"Blake," he started, laying his hand on his son's back.
Blake looked up at his father and wiped the tears from his cheeks.
"Your mother left this for you."
Blake looked at the white rectangle with his name written across the front in his mother's handwriting.
For Blake on his 5th Birthday
"What?" Blake asked, his voice filled with shock. "Mommy?"
"She wrote this for you before she got too sick and would be unable to. We've been holding onto it until your birthday," Elizabeth said as she rubbed her hand across the little boy's back.
With a shaking hand, Blake took the envelope from his daddy. He held it in his hands, nervously wondering what it said.
"Do you want us to stay here and read it to you?" Jack asked.
Blake nodded and handed the envelope back to Jack.
Jack carefully ripped the paper, then removed the precious contents held within. He unfolded the page, then drew a long deep breath before beginning, asking God to give him the strength to remain strong for his son. He held it in front of Blake, but the little boy pushed it away.
"You read it, please."
"Okay," Jack replied, took another deep breath, then began.
My Dearest Blake,
You are growing so fast and so big. I wish nothing more than to be there with you to celebrate your 5th birthday. You are such a good boy, and I love you with all my heart.
I hope you have settled in with your new family by now, and they are taking great care of you. I have no doubt that they are. Please listen to them and do everything that they tell you. They love you and only want the best for you.
So, you're five now. FIVE! I can't believe it. I remember the first time I ever held you in my arms. My heart had been broken, and I had felt so alone...until I looked down into your beautiful face. My heart...
Jack stopped for a moment to get control of his emotions. His eyes glistened with the tears that had begun to form, threatening to spill over. With Elizabeth's hand on his back, he took another long breath and continued.
My heart was healed...and it was complete. I was so in love with this little human that the nurse placed in my arms. I never thought I would ever feel the overwhelming love I felt at that moment. I was a mother...your mother...and I had never had a more important job than that.
Jack paused again, looking down at his son, who was now crying harder. Elizabeth held the little boy against her, and he was clutching onto her arm.
"Do you want me to stop?" Jack asked his son.
Blake shook his head back and forth in a swift motion. "Don't stop."
Never forget that I loved you. You were my world.
Have fun today, and do not be sad. I want you to play and laugh and enjoy everything and everyone around you. I will be there, in spirit, celebrating right along with you. It's your day, enjoy it! Tear into your presents, eat too much cake, and dance to the music in your heart. If you get new toys, be nice and share them with your brother and sister. Remember, you are older than them, so you must set a good example. Teach them that it's good to share. Teach them how to have fun, even if you're sad inside. Show them that it's okay to celebrate, even if your heart aches a little.
I'm sorry I'm not there to sing Happy Birthday to you in person. But if you listen really hard, I bet you'll be able to hear my voice along with everyone else.
I love you, Blakey. Have a wonderful day and have a great time with your family. I know they will make this day special for you, as they have done every day.
Happy Birthday, Son!
Love, Mommy
Jack folded the paper and placed it back into the envelope. He and Elizabeth waited a moment while Blake cried, missing his mother on a day she should have been planning. Their hearts ached as they thought about Becky, but Jack and Elizabeth needed to be strong for Blake and help him navigate through his first birthday without her.
He reached for the envelope, and Jack placed it in his son's hand. Blake laid it on his lap, staring at the inked words, brushing his fingers across his name.
"My mommy loved me," Blake said softly.
"Yes, she did," Jack said, combing his son's hair back with his fingers. "She loved you very much. And so do we."
Blake looked into his daddy's eyes and gave him a slight grin. "I know you do." Blake turned to Elizabeth and laid his hand on her arm. "And I know you love me, too."
This started Elizabeth's tears to flow like a river as she wrapped her arms around Blake, holding him tightly against her chest. "Yes, I do, Blake. So very, very much."
Jack put his arms around them both, and the three cried together. They cried for the loss of Becky and the love they shared for this little boy. After several minutes, and once each stopped crying and was wiping their faces, Blake stood and turned to face his parents.
"Mommy doesn't want me to be sad today."
"That's right," Elizabeth said, reaching out and touching his face. "She wants you to have fun and enjoy your day."
"Okay," Blake said, wiping his face one last time. "I want to be happy and have fun...for Mommy."
"That sounds like a perfect plan," Jack replied.
Blake hugged Jack and Elizabeth and then ran back up the steps toward his bedroom. Jack and Elizabeth stared at each other in amazement at their son's resilience.
"He'll be okay...won't he?" Elizabeth asked, looking up the steps where Blake had just been.
"Yes. I believe he will," Jack answered, draping his arm behind his wife. "He is such a strong little boy." Jack stood, then helped Elizabeth to her feet. He kissed her cheek, then began up the stairs. "I'm going to check on Peyton. I'm guessing that she still has not made her bed."
Elizabeth wrapped herself in a hug and watched her husband make his way up the steps and then turn toward their daughter's room. She returned to the kitchen where she had started the food for Blake's birthday and resumed her work on the loose meat for the sandwiches, Blake's favorite.
…..
Jack entered his daughter's room to find her sitting in the middle of her unmade bed, with her head down. He crossed the room, sat down next to her, and lifted her chin with his finger.
"What's wrong, Pey Pey?"
"It's Blake's birfday, and I didn't get him a pesent."
"I'm pretty sure there's one down there for him that says it's from you."
"Really?" she asked, her eyes growing wide. "What did I get him?"
Jack looked toward the door to ensure they were alone, then turned his head back to his daughter. "Can you keep a secret?" he whispered.
"Oh, yes!"
"Peyton Grace, the first part of keeping a secret is not yelling."
"Oh, sowry," she said, shrinking down. "I'll be quiet."
"You got him stuffed bull," Jack said quietly.
Peyton began bouncing up and down on the bed and said too loudly, "He'll love that."
Jack put his arms around her quickly and pulled his daughter across his lap. "Shhhhh," he said, pressing his finger against her lips and grinning.
"Sowry, Daddy." A grin slowly formed across her mouth, and she began to giggle. "I loud."
Jack laughed and moved his daughter up to sit on his lap. "Yes, you are a bit loud, Pey Pey. But I love you for it."
…..
Jack and Elizabeth had everything prepared for Blake's party and decided to check on him once more before the guests began to arrive. They found him in his bedroom with Colton and Peyton, and the trio was playing with their rodeo and ranch toy sets.
Jack and Elizabeth stood in the doorway, Jack leaning against the doorframe, Elizabeth leaning on Jack, and they watched their children playing. Blake was doing just as his mother had said. He was sharing his rodeo toys with his brother and sister. And each time Colton would get mad at Peyton for taking a piece of his ranch set, Blake would remind him that it was good to share.
Elizabeth's hand rested over her heart as she watched the strong little boy bravely working his way through his new world. He had adjusted easily and quickly into the Thornton household and had been welcomed with open arms by everyone. He was forever a part of their family and a part of their hearts, and as Elizabeth moved her hand to her stomach, she felt her family was complete. Seeing this, Jack put his arm around his wife, pulling her tightly against him, as the same thoughts swirled through his mind.
Blake looked up and found his parents watching them, and he smiled. He didn't stop playing or say a word. He just smiled. Colton began getting mad at Peyton once more, and Blake immediately stopped them and handed Peyton one of his own toys.
"Here, Pey, you can play with mine," he said lovingly. "Colton, remember, we need to share."
"Okay," Colton replied, handing another toy to his sister.
…..
Charlotte arranged the cupcakes around Blake's cake. Each little cupcake had been decorated like a bull, each a different color, some with the tongue sticking out, all with horns. His birthday cake had two tiers with a bull rider figurine on top. Wrapped around the bottom tier was a belt with a silver buckle formed from fondant.
"Oh, my goodness. Those cupcakes are too cute to eat," Elizabeth exclaimed, examining each one. "You have outdone yourself."
"It was nothing. I love doing this, so it doesn't even seem like work," Charlotte said, licking some frosting off her finger.
"These are adorable!" Rosemary roared once she got a look at the cakes.
She was joined by Sam, Savannah, and Jack as each person entered the kitchen, gushing over the bull-themed cakes. Seven kids ran in next, checking on the status of the food. Hearing that it wasn't quite ready, they ran back out and resumed their playtime with their toys.
After supper, Charlotte placed the candles around the cake, and Frank lit them. Jack and Elizabeth kept their eyes on Blake as everyone began to sing Happy Birthday. The little boy's eyes scanned the faces of his family with a huge smile covering his face. Halfway through the song, Jack and Elizabeth witnessed Blake close his eyes, his smile grew even more extensive, and they knew he was hearing his mother's voice. When the song ended, Blake opened his eyes and blew out the five candles perched along the bottom tier of his cake.
Charlotte passed the cupcakes out to the children, then began cutting the cake. Frank placed a piece on each place and handed them out to the family. Once everyone had eaten and the plates and food were cleaned up, the family moved into the living room, where Blake anxiously waited to open his gifts.
He opened the present from Colton, revealing a toy truck set that went with his existing rodeo toys. After thanking his little brother, he moved to the second gift from Peyton.
"It's a bull!" she shouted before Blake could open it.
"Thank you, Pey," Blake said as he hugged the stuffed animal.
"This one is from Grandpa and me," Charlotte said as she held out a medium-sized box.
Unlike Christmas, Blake tore into the wrapping paper, just as his mother had instructed. Inside the box was a brand-new pair of cowboy boots and a pair of Wrangler jeans. The boots had a square toe with cracked alligator skin print, blue with white stars across the vamp, and red and white stripes around the quarter. The heel and top of the boot were also made of alligator print leather.
"These are awesome!" Blake shouted. He pulled the paper stuffing inside each boot and slipped them onto his feet. "Perfect. Thank you, Grandma. Thank you, Grandpa," he said as he hugged Charlotte and Frank. He walked around, showing everyone his new boots, then returned to his spot on the floor next to the ottoman.
"Here you go, buddy," Tom said as he handed the little boy another box. "This is from all of us."
Blake pulled back the cowboy hat-covered brown paper and dropped it in a pile on the floor. He pulled the flaps of the box up and peeked inside.
"Whoa?!" he shouted as he looked at Tom. A smile filled the boy's face, and his eyes lit up. Blake reached inside the box and removed a black felt cowboy hat. He shoved it onto his head and looked at his daddy. Jack reached out and shifted the hat until it was sitting on his head correctly. "Thank you, Uncle Tom and Aunt Sam."
"You're welcome, Blake," Sam replied, smiling at the gratitude and excitement of her nephew.
"This one's from us," Rosemary said as she handed Blake a small box.
Blake pulled the ribbon off, then lifted the lid. "Oh, my goodness," he exclaimed. He pulled out a leather belt with a buckle attached. The back of the belt was covered in cowhide. The buckle had a bull rider etched into it and read Ariat Rodeo Champion. Already wearing a pair of jeans, Blake stood and fed the belt through his belt loops, fastening the buckle in the front.
"You look like a real rodeo cowboy," Jack said as she moved the buckle over to center it.
"Really?" Blake asked, wide-eyed.
"You sure do. I think you're ready for your next gift since you're all dressed."
"Are we going somewhere?"
Jack stood and held his hand out to his son. "Just outside on the porch."
The entire family filed out the front door with Jack and Blake behind them. Blake's gift came into view as the family separated, creating a path to the steps.
"We noticed your saddle was a little small for you, and we think you're ready to move up to a horse."
Max, Blake's mother's horse, was tied to the railing at the bottom of the steps and was wearing a new saddle, just the right size for Blake.
"I get Mommy's horse?"
Jack knelt in front of his son and held onto his arms. "Yes, Blake. Max is yours to do whatever you want to do with him. But you have to help take care of him, too. Just like you did with Doodle."
Blake looked back at the horse and noticed the saddle for the first time. "A new saddle, too?"
"Yes. Your old one wouldn't fit Max, either."
Blake walked to the horse and, stopping on the bottom step, ran his hand down the animal's forehead. Moving to the ground, Blake reached up and felt the stiff leather of the saddle. Jack followed Blake down, lifted his son, and sat him on the saddle.
"This saddle does feel better," Blake grinned. He leaned forward, patted Max's neck, and then looked down at his father. "Thank you, Daddy."
Jack's hand was on his son's leg, giving the little boy a slight squeeze. "You're very welcome."
Charlotte leaned into Frank and wiped her cheeks dry as she watched her son and grandson. Elizabeth stood at the top of the stairs with Colton and Peyton on either side. They watched as Blake rode Max around the driveway, trying out his new saddle in his new clothes. A smile covered his lips as his daddy walked alongside him, giving him pointers. Max was trained differently than Doodle, so Jack showed Blake how to ride his new horse correctly by picking up the reins and showing his son how to turn and stop him.
Tom, Sam, Lee, Rosie, and the kids were leaning along the railing, watching the birthday boy enjoying his life the best he knew. Jack and Elizabeth knew Blake's heart ached for his mother, but the little boy hadn't let it rule his day. Instead, he tore into his gifts, ate entirely too much cake, and laughed as often as he could...all for his mother.
