Thank you for all of the reviews. They are much appreciated. This new one comes with a steam alert...hope you enjoy it.
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March 13th, 2015 – University Hospital, Missouri
Elizabeth woke from a long afternoon nap to find Jack asleep in the recliner with Brianna sleeping on his chest. Elizabeth rolled to her side, tucked her hand under her head, and watched her husband and newest baby. After several minutes, she lifted herself onto her elbow.
"Cowboy," she said softly, with no response. "Cowboy," she repeated a bit louder.
Jack yawned, opened his eyes, and looked down at his daughter, who was still sound asleep. He slowly raised his eyes to Elizabeth, who was staring at him and smiling.
"Hey, Beautiful," he said quietly.
"Have a nice nap?"
Jack grinned and nodded, "You?"
"Wonderful."
Jack carefully stood and crossed the room. He shifted Brianna in his arms, then lowered her into his wife's. Brianna woke and turned her head into Elizabeth's chest. As she began to root around, Elizabeth opened her gown and guided the baby to begin nursing.
Jack sat on the edge of the bed as Brianna ate and watched her. "God's perfect creation with the human body is mind-blowing," Jack said.
"It sure is," Elizabeth agreed. She adjusted her daughter in her arms, then laid her hand on Jack's.
Jack turned his hand over, palm to palm with his wife's, and slid his fingers between hers. "A perfect design," he said.
"What?"
Jack lifted their hands, turning them one way, then the other. "A perfect design. They fit together like a puzzle, even though my hand is larger. We pick things up with them, hold our children, wipe their tears, prepare their food, work, build things...all with our hands. Yet, the simplest act of placing them together," Jack moved his hand and ran his finger along the soft skin of her arm, "or the softest touch can send a current of electricity through your body. They can cause pleasure or cause pain. They can repair or tear apart. They can destroy," he brushed his knuckles across her cheek, "or let someone know just how much you love them."
"Where did all of that come from?" Elizabeth asked as Jack slid his hand back into hers.
"I don't know. I held Brianna's tiny hand in mine, and my mind started thinking of everything we do with them. It's weird, I know."
"No, Jack." Elizabeth lifted her hand and touched his cheek. "It's not weird; it's beautiful. I love how you think, Cowboy."
Jack leaned in and captured Elizabeth's mouth with his. After a lingering, love-filled kiss, Jack pulled back and looked down at his daughter, who had just finished nursing and was sleeping in her mother's arm. "She's just so perfect. Our family is perfect...complete."
"Yes, it is. Four beautiful children to fill our house with love and laughter."
"Knock, knock," a voice called out from the doorway.
"Rosie, come in," Elizabeth exclaimed with a smile-filled face.
Rosemary and Lee stepped into the room and were at Elizabeth's bedside in no time. "Let me see her," Rosemary said with her arms outstretched and fingers wiggling.
Elizabeth lifted her daughter and watched her best friend take her namesake. Rosie held the baby close to her chest as she began to talk softly to her and walk away.
"I'll make sure she returns her before we leave," Lee joked.
"Ummm, yeah. Brianna stays here," Jack said as he snapped his head toward Rosemary.
"I know, I know," Rosie replied, throwing up her free arm. "But she's mine while I'm here," she added in a singsongy voice.
Jack just waved his hand toward her, then turned his attention back to his wife and Lee.
"So, how's life as parents of four?" Lee asked as he pulled a chair next to the bed.
"We haven't really had much chance yet to experience that," Elizabeth answered with a grin.
"Oh, that's true."
Rosemary could be heard in the background humming to Brianna as she stroked the baby's cheek and hair while the others talked.
"You've got two foals on the ground so far, and that black mare with the wide blaze acts like she'll drop any day."
"Oh, good. Right on time. If I remember correctly, three others should be soon as well. I'll check my chart once we get home."
"Sounds good."
"What about your mares?"
"First one is due in three weeks," Lee answered.
"Very good," Jack looked over to Elizabeth. "Sorry, Baby. No more shop talk."
Elizabeth laid her hand on her husband's. "It's fine, Jack. You two talk about what you need to."
"We can do that later," Jack replied, lifting her hand to his lips. "How are your kids, Brother?"
"Doing great. Stetson is starting to sit up now, babbling like crazy. I swear those girls act like they know what he's saying."
"They probably do," Elizabeth chuckled. "They have their own language."
"I believe it," Lee replied.
"Rosie, come join us," Elizabeth called out.
Lee stood and grabbed another chair as Rosemary crossed the room with Brianna cradled in her arms. She took the seat closest to Elizabeth and held Brianna close to her face.
"Do I get my daughter back?" Elizabeth asked with a laugh.
"Oh, I suppose," Rosie answered. "Eventually." She turned to Lee and added, "It's a good thing you got snipped," she teased, then kissed Brianna's cheek.
"Oh, no," Lee said with a shake of his head. "Two of you and one of me are quite enough."
Jack let out a laugh and slapped Lee on the back.
"What, Jacko? You've got two of you. Just wait."
"I'll be just fine, Brother," Jack said with a smirk.
"Give it time," Lee quipped.
The women began laughing at the banter between the two best friends, imagining their boys at an older age and turning out to be just like their fathers.
"How much did she weigh?" Rosemary asked.
"She was seven pounds, seven ounces, and nineteen inches long."
"Oh, that's not too bad."
"It was enough," Elizabeth joked.
They spent over an hour together, visiting, passing Brianna around, and laughing until they were all in tears. Jack and Lee discussed the ranch a little more while Elizabeth and Rosemary fussed over the baby. Each of them felt refreshed after their visit. It was some much-needed time after the past few months of extra work for Jack and bed rest for Elizabeth.
Elizabeth laid her head back on her pillow as she listened to Rosie, Lee, and Jack talk about the upcoming rodeo season. She was nursing Brianna, and sleepiness was beginning to cloud over her. She closed her eyes, still listening to the conversation, and before she knew it, she had fallen asleep.
Mid-sentence, Jack looked at his wife and saw that she was sleeping. He pressed his finger to his lips, pointed at her, and then signaled his friends to step out. Jack pulled back the cover, picked up his daughter, covered his wife, then followed his friends into the hall as he gently patted Brianna's back.
"She's just exhausted. Brianna had her up most of the night," Jack explained.
"I remember those days," Rosemary said as she touched the baby's tiny fingers. "She's so beautiful, Jack."
"Thank you," he proudly replied.
"Well, Lee, let's get our babies and go home."
"Yes, Momma," Lee responded and slipped his hand into hers. "Great to see you, Jacko. Tell Elizabeth goodbye for us."
"I will."
The friends finished their farewells, then Jack watched as Lee and Rosemary walked down the hall. Once they were out of sight, Jack stepped back into the room and laid his daughter in the bassinet. With Brianna and Elizabeth asleep, Jack went down two floors to get a much-needed bite to eat.
…..
Elizabeth woke to a quiet room. She scanned the room with her eyes in search of her husband and found the bassinet next to her bed with her sleeping daughter in it. Elizabeth rolled to her side and laid her hand on the baby's stomach, feeling the gentle rise and fall from her breaths. Elizabeth laid her head on her arm and watched Brianna as the baby's face twitched and her lips puckered into a sucking motion.
Elizabeth was still in this position when Jack returned to the room. She glanced at her husband, then back to her daughter. "Isn't she just perfect?"
Elizabeth's deep love for her children was evident in her tone and actions. Her love for Brianna was apparent just the same. Jack sat down and watched his wife: the light in her eyes, the smile on her lips, the unconditional love in her voice. Everything that took time to make its appearance when the twins had been born had been instantly discernable as soon as their daughter arrived.
"She's beautiful, just like you," Jack finally replied as he stared at his wife. "You were amazing yesterday."
"I only did what I had to do for us to meet this gorgeous little girl."
"You were still incredible."
"So were you." Elizabeth sat up and motioned for Jack to come sit beside her. Once he did, she framed his face with her hands and guided his lips to hers. "Thank you for such a wonderful life."
Jack shifted on the bed and leaned over her torso. He slid his hand behind her neck and passionately kissed her once more. "It's you that has given me a wonderful, perfect life, Elizabeth. This has turned into more than my mind could have ever dreamed up. You and the kids are everything I didn't know I needed or wanted."
"Jack."
He leaned forward, kissing her again, his tongue dancing with hers. A small cry pulled their attention back to the bassinet where Brianna had just woken. She was beginning to cry with her arms and legs outstretched. Jack lifted her out and placed her in his wife's arms. The couple watched their little girl as she nursed, and when she finished, Jack took her and laid her on his shoulder. He gently patted her back until he received the sought-after burp, then cradled her in his arms.
As he tenderly brushed his fingertip along her chin, the corner of her mouth instinctively lifted into a make-shift smile.
"She has dimples," Elizabeth exclaimed, her voice filled with elation. "She has your dimples."
"Would you look at that," Jack said as he touched her cheek. "She sure does."
"She and Peyton are both going to be so beautiful."
"Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of. We're in serious trouble with these two," Jack joked.
"All four of them," Elizabeth added. "But raise them right, and we won't have to worry."
"Very true," he replied, still looking at his daughter's face.
Jack's heart was full, his life felt whole, and his world was complete. They had the family they'd wanted. As unconventional and unexpected as it was, it was perfect.
Elizabeth scooted over on the bed, allowing Jack to move next to her. He pulled himself up, keeping his arm steady that held his tiny daughter. Jack and Elizabeth lay beside one another as Brianna fell asleep in Jack's arms. They whispered to each other and their daughter as she slept, enjoying their final moments alone before returning home to the hectic days of their beautiful life.
…..
March 14th, 2015 – University Hospital
It was discharge day, and Elizabeth couldn't wait to get home...and with her baby. The difference in their experience this time was overwhelming, and Jack and Elizabeth had been very emotional over the last two days.
The nurse arrived with a wheelchair and assisted Elizabeth, while Jack placed his daughter in his wife's arms. They were escorted to the front doors as Jack pushed a cart filled with flowers, balloons, and Elizabeth's bag. He ran out to find the Yukon while Elizabeth remained with the nurse and waited with Brianna.
Elizabeth was standing by the time Jack returned with the SUV. He took Brianna, secured her in the infant car seat he'd installed the week prior, and then assisted Elizabeth into the seat beside her.
He listened to Elizabeth talk and sing to their daughter as he drove. Elizabeth repeatedly caught Jack watching her in the rearview mirror and smiled at him each time. Once home, Jack ran around the SUV and helped her out. He removed the carrier with his daughter and carried it in one hand while assisting Elizabeth up the steps.
Grace hurried out, followed by the three children, William, and an anxious Wyatt. Grace took the baby from Jack while William helped his daughter, and Jack greeted his children and dog.
Elizabeth was settled on the couch, Brianna in her arms, the kids surrounding her, and Wyatt at her feet, while Jack and William finished unloading the Yukon, and he parked it in the garage. Grace watered the bouquets and plants, then found the perfect home for each one throughout the house.
With the rest of the family soon arriving, Jack and William helped Grace prepare a large meal to feed everyone. As Jack stood at the stove making pan-fried steaks, William chopped lettuce for a salad while Grace diced potatoes.
"Can I hold my sister?" Peyton asked with her arms stretched in front of Elizabeth.
"Sit down up here," she answered as she patted the couch.
Peyton climbed onto the couch next to her mother and sat quietly as Elizabeth situated Brianna on her lap.
"Don't forget to support her head," Elizabeth reminded Peyton as she moved her hand under Brianna's head.
"Okay, Mommy. I won't forget." Peyton stared at her little sister and touched her face. "Hi, Brianna. I have lots of toys we can play with when you're bigger," Peyton said with a proud smile. "And lots of books, too. And a pretty pink room. And a pony. And a doggie." Peyton looked up at her mother and asked, "When will she be big enough to play with me?"
"Not for a while, sweetie. She'll play with her baby toys in several months, but she won't be able to play with your toys for over a year."
"A year?" Peyton asked as her eyes grew wide. "That's a long time. That's like five months."
"Well, sweetie, it's twelve months," Elizabeth giggled.
"Twelve? That's forevah!"
Elizabeth covered her laugh and patted Peyton's leg. "It will go by so fast, Pey. And Brianna will be running and playing before you know it."
"I hope so," the little girl replied as she softly touched her finger to the baby's hand. She looked up at her mother, smiling ear to ear, and quietly added, "I have a sister."
Elizabeth wrapped Peyton in a hug and kissed the top of her head. "You sure do, Pey. You're a big sister now."
…..
Jack placed the final steak onto a platter just as Charlotte, Frank, and Tom's family arrived. With only having a short visit while Elizabeth was in the hospital, Samantha immediately sought out her niece.
"Hey, Pey. You're doing an outstanding job with your baby sister," Sam said as she knelt in front of Peyton.
"Shhhh...she's sleeping," Peyton said quietly.
Sam looked at Elizabeth and lifted her eyebrows.
"Peyton is taking her big sister role very seriously."
"I see that," Sam said. She smiled as she watched Peyton delicately touch her baby sister's fingers.
"She's so little," Peyton said.
"She sure is," Sam replied. "You were this little, too."
Peyton looked at her aunt, "Really?"
"You were actually a little smaller."
"Wow," Peyton said as she looked at Brianna's hand again, trying to imagine being smaller.
…..
With the table set and all the food placed around it, Jack stepped into the living room to let Elizabeth and Sam know it was time to eat. Elizabeth carefully lifted Brianna from Peyton's lap and carried her to the dining room, where Jack already had a small bassinet waiting.
"Where's Lee and Rosie tonight?" Charlotte asked as she slid her chair in.
"They had something going on with Lee's cousins tonight."
"Oh, that's good," Charlotte replied.
"Pops, would you like to pray?" Jack asked.
"I'd love to," Frank answered.
After the meal, William, Grace, Charlotte, and Frank cleared the table, put away the leftovers, loaded the dishwasher, and cleaned the kitchen. Tom, Sam, Jack, and Elizabeth visited in the living room while the kids played in the basement. Brianna had just finished nursing and was asleep in Jack's arms.
"It suits you, Brother," Tom said, squeezing Jack's shoulder as he passed by him to sit next to Sam.
Jack smiled and nodded, then looked down at his daughter. Jack still had to convince himself that this was real. He and Elizabeth had accepted that they were done and would never have any more children. And when they found out she was pregnant, the fear clouded Jack for so long, not allowing him to enjoy the miracle God had blessed them with. Once they had decided to embrace God's gift, he reveled in the life growing inside his wife. But seeing this beautiful baby asleep in his arms was almost more than Jack could take. He thought his family was complete when Blake arrived; he felt they had been given a second chance at a larger family. But the first time he held his daughter in his arms, he felt whole...his family was whole. She was the final piece to this puzzle, completing the image of the Jack Thornton family. The whole picture had finally come into focus.
Elizabeth laid her hand on her husband's leg as she watched him staring at their daughter, pulling him out of his trance and back to the room filled with their guests. He looked at Elizabeth and smiled, receiving one in return. She knew where he'd gone, for she'd gotten lost in the same thoughts many times since the birth of Brianna.
"May I hold my granddaughter now?" Charlotte asked as they entered the room and approached her son.
"Of course, Ma," Jack replied. He stood, placed his daughter in his mother's arms, then sat back down and put his arm around his wife.
Charlotte crossed the room to an empty space on the large leather sectional, followed by Frank. He sat beside her as William and Grace took their seats in the two chairs that flanked the fireplace. The families visited for a couple of hours as the children ran in and out for different requests. Savannah sat next to Jack for a while so she could hold her new little cousin, then returned her to Grace before rejoining the kids downstairs for another game.
"Savanah is an amazing young lady," William said to Tom and Sam.
"Thank you, Sir," Tom responded. "She is quite the girl."
"I would love to learn ASL so I can talk with her," Grace said. "I think I'll sign up for some classes when we get home," she said to William.
"That's a great idea, Dear," William replied.
…..
Jack and Elizabeth stood in the doorway as Charlotte and Frank drove away. Tom and his family had left earlier to get their kids in bed. Elizabeth retrieved her daughter from Grace, told her parents goodnight, then headed upstairs for their first evening at home.
She had just finished nursing Brianna when Jack came in with three exhausted children. Each one kissed their baby sister good night, then hugged and kissed their mommy. Jack got them all tucked in before turning in for the evening.
When he slid into the bed alongside his wife, she was lying on her side facing the bassinet that held their sleeping daughter. He scooted against her back and rested his chin on her shoulder.
"She looks so peaceful."
"She knows she's loved," Elizabeth said, turning her head toward Jack.
He kissed her tenderly, then settled beside her, securing his arm around her waist. Elizabeth laid her head on her pillow, watching her daughter by the faint light of the dwindling fire. Sleepiness soon took over Elizabeth, the weight of it pulling her eyes closed. She was drawn into a vivid dream until Brianna's cry brought her back to reality a few hours later.
…..
March 19th, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Elizabeth woke to the sunlight spilling in through the bedroom window. She quickly sat up to find the bassinet and Jack's side of the bed empty. The clock read 9:32, and Elizabeth slid off the mattress and stepped into the bathroom. After a quick shower and getting dressed for the day, she checked the kids' room to find them empty as well.
A strange noise drew her downstairs as she looked around for the source. Realizing it was coming from outside, she grabbed her light jacket and stepped out onto the porch.
Jack was in the side yard with the kids. Peyton and Colton were driving their tractors around that they'd gotten for Christmas. Blake was spinning a rope and tossing it onto a plastic steer head attached to a bale, and Brianna was in a baby carrier on Jack's chest.
"Hi, Mommy!" Peyton shouted as she drove past the porch. "I'm driving."
"I see that," Elizabeth replied with a laugh.
"Good morning, Beautiful," Jack said as he crossed the lawn.
"Hello, Cowboy. Looking mighty fine with that baby on your chest," she teased.
"Oh, this ole thing," Jack replied, turning in a circle as if on a runway in a fashion show.
Elizabeth laughed, shook her head at her silly husband, and then walked down the steps to join her family in the grass. Colton had his tractor stuck in a hole, and Elizabeth helped him get it out. Blake was excited to show his mommy his roping skills, and Elizabeth watched him land his catch three times in a row. Peyton and Colton decided to race, so Elizabeth set the starting and finish lines, then counted down for their start. Although very close, Peyton won by a small amount and danced around in victory.
Jack stood in the shade with his daughter against his chest. He kept one hand on the back of her head at all times and looked down at her frequently. Brianna remained asleep through her sibling's antics, occasionally letting out a squeak or sucking sound.
"Want me to take her?" Elizabeth asked, moving in beside her husband.
"No, we're good," he replied with a grin.
"The kids sure love their new tractors."
"Oh, yeah. They were so excited when I told them this morning that it was finally warm enough to get them out."
Elizabeth put her arm through Jack's and pressed up against him.
"Are you cold?" he asked.
"A little."
Jack put his arm around her and held her close. With his other hand, he pulled the blanket up around Brianna, ensuring she wasn't getting any cool breeze that had just blown in. Wyatt ran in circles around the yard, chasing the twins on the tractors, then running after the rope after Blake threw it. The dog caused all three kids to burst out laughing, which made the dog even happier as he rolled onto his back.
"It's getting chilly out," Jack called out to his children. "Let's park the tractors in the garage and get inside."
"Ahh, Daddy. Can't we play just a little longer?" Colton asked.
"Colt, please do as I said," Jack replied.
"Okay, Daddy," the little boy said.
Jack, Elizabeth, and Wyatt followed the kids into the garage where the twins parked their tractors, and Blake hung his rope on a hook on the wall. Jack and Elizabeth walked hand in hand as the kids ran, spun, and jumped along the porch in front of them. Blake opened the front door, and the three of them tore through the house into the kitchen to get a snack and drink.
Jack helped his children while Elizabeth took Brianna to feed her. She was on the couch with a blanket draped over her when Colton came and sat beside his mommy. Brianna had just finished, so Elizabeth quickly burped her, then laid her into Colton's arms.
"Did it hurt?" the little boy asked.
"Did what hurt, Colt?"
"When the doctor took Brianna out of your tummy." He touched his finger to his baby sister's palm, and she wrapped her fingers around his.
"Yes, it did a little. But they gave me medicine to make it not hurt as much."
"Okay," Colton said. "Mommy?"
"Yes, Colt?"
"How did the doctor get her out?"
Jack was standing near the end of the couch when he heard his son's question. He stared at his wife, waiting to listen to her answer.
"Well, Colton, God made a special place on a mommy that opens up wide when the baby comes out. After the baby is born, that special place returns to normal."
"Oh, okay," Colton said, never taking his eyes off the baby.
Elizabeth looked up at Jack, who was staring at her wide-eyed. She grinned and shrugged her shoulders and received the same response from Jack. Colton had accepted that answer and moved on to enjoying the tiny life in his arms.
…..
"That was easy," Jack said as he sat at the island.
Elizabeth was stirring a pot of chicken noodle soup and set the spoon on the counter. "What was easy?" she asked, resting her elbows on the tile.
"Answering Colt's question."
"Oh, yes. I wasn't sure if he'd have follow-up questions or not. I'm kind of glad he didn't," she grinned.
"I'm just glad he asked you and not me," Jack joked.
After laughing, Elizabeth asked, "What would you have said if he had asked you."
"Go ask your mother," Jack quickly answered.
"Jack," Elizabeth said, shaking her head and returning to the soup.
Jack stood and peeked at Brianna, who was in the bouncer seat on the island. Seeing she was asleep, Jack crossed the room and moved his arms around Elizabeth's waist.
"I can reach around you now," he teased, then kissed her neck.
"Very funny, Cowboy," she said, slapping his arm with the spoon.
"Owww, Mrs. Thornton. That's husband abuse."
Elizabeth turned around in Jack's arms and looked up into his eyes. "Oh, you like it."
Jack pulled her closer and wiggled his eyebrows. "Maybe," he said with a crooked grin.
"Mommy, Daddy, is it time to eat?" Blake called out as he ran into the kitchen.
"Almost," Elizabeth answered, turning around to stir the soup. "Can you get the crackers from the pantry?"
"Yes, Mommy," Blake replied as he ran across the kitchen. Grabbing two boxes of crackers, the little boy ran back to the island and placed them next to Brianna. He stretched onto his tip toes as high as he could, trying to get a peek at his little sister.
"Need a lift, little man?" Jack asked. He stood and walked around to where Blake was, lifted his son, and sat him next to the bouncer seat.
"Can I touch her?"
"Of course," Jack answered. "Just be gentle, so you don't wake her."
"Okay." Blake eased his hand up and carefully touched his first finger to the top of her hand. Brianna twitched, and Blake pulled his hand back, then gingerly touched her hand once more. "How is she so tiny?"
"All babies are tiny when they are born," Elizabeth answered, leaning onto the countertop.
Blake held his hand out flat, hovering over his sister's, comparing the size difference. Seeing this, Jack held his hand over Blake's.
"See, buddy, you have lots of growing to do, too."
Blake leaned down and looked at their hands, then Brianna's. "Wow, your hands are so big, Daddy. Will I get as big as you?"
Jack lifted Blake and held him as Blake wrapped his arms around his daddy's neck. "If you eat all of your veggies and work hard, you can get as big as me."
"Wow, really?" Blake laid his hands on Jack's cheeks. "I love you, Daddy."
"Oh, Blake. I love you, too." Jack tightened his arms around Blake, holding him in a long hug.
Elizabeth moved to Jack's side and ran her hand across Blake's hair. The little boy's head was facing her, his cheek on Jack's shoulder. He smiled and locked eyes with her.
"I love you, Mommy."
"I love you, too, Blake." Elizabeth put her arms around Blake and Jack, holding them in an embrace.
Peyton and Colton ran into the room looking for Blake, and seeing their parents hugging him, they ran to them and wrapped their arms around Jack and Elizabeth's legs. Jack and Elizabeth each moved an arm down, pulling the twins into their hug circle, and Jack began to sing as the little family swayed back and forth to the music.
…..
March 24th, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch
"I'll watch Brianna for a while," Grace said as she held her granddaughter. "You go take a nap, soak in the tub, whatever you want to do."
"Thanks, Mom." Elizabeth kissed her mother on the cheek, then went upstairs to check on the other children. William was in Peyton's room with the kids, sitting around her little table, coloring a flower with his granddaughter. "Having fun, Daddy?"
William looked up and grinned. "Having the time of my life."
"Look, Mommy," Blake said as he held up his Monster Truck book. He'd covered the page from edge to edge of El Toro Loco jumping over a smashed car.
Elizabeth crossed the room and held the page in her hands. "This is wonderful, Blakey. Good job." She handed the book back to Blake, then looked over Colton's shoulder. "What are you working on?"
"A pony like Peanut. See?"
"That looks just like him. Very good, Colt." She kissed the top of his head, then kissed Blake's. As she walked around the table, she stopped behind her dad and kissed the top of his head. "Perfect, Dad. That's beautiful," she joked.
"Thank you, darling," he replied with a grin.
"Peyton, that is a gorgeous purple rose."
"Thank you, Mommy."
Elizabeth kissed Peyton's cheek and then started for the door. "I'm going to take a quick nap, Daddy. Mom has Brianna."
"Okay, sweetie. We're good here," he said, not taking his eyes off his art project.
Elizabeth walked into her bedroom and closed the door. Thinking she was alone, Elizabeth was startled when she heard the shower running in the bathroom. She pushed the door open, saw Jack's dirty clothes lying on the floor, and stepped inside.
He was under the water, rinsing the shampoo from his hair when Elizabeth moved in behind him. Jack jumped and tried to spin around, but Elizabeth's arms tightened, holding him in his place.
"Geez, Beth," Jack said as he cranked his neck around. "What are..."
Jack's voice trailed off, and he tipped his head back as Elizabeth began to rub her hand across his penis. It was at this moment that Jack could feel her breasts pressed against him, and he reached back and gripped her bare hip. He was quickly brought to attention as Elizabeth stroked him. With her naked body against him, her hand moving up and down with the water acting as a lubricant, and her other hand sliding along his chest, Jack could already feel himself getting close to losing it. He grabbed her hand, turned around, and wrapped his arm behind her. Jack drew his wife in against him and kissed her hard. Her tongue moved with his, their lips searched for more, their bodies ached for a connection.
"I want you," Jack whispered into her ear.
Elizabeth pressed her palms to Jack's chest and pushed him back until he was against the wall. He stood with his arms slightly out, waiting to see what his wife was planning. When he saw her drop to her knees, he tipped his head back against the tile and closed his eyes. With her hand gripping the base, Elizabeth took Jack's very erect manhood in her mouth. She heard Jack gasp as her tongue circled around the tip. He weaved his fingers into Elizabeth's wet hair, feeling her head move with each stroke, and his heart began to race.
Before she could finish her mission, Jack gripped her arms and pulled her to her feet. He swiftly turned his wife around, pulled her body against his, her back to his chest, and moved them back under the warm water. His muscular arms encircled her petite frame, and she laid her head back against his shoulder. Jack pressed his lips to her neck as his hands began to slide across her wet body. With one hand on her breast, he slipped the other between her legs.
"Does this hurt?" he asked softly as he rubbed his hand across her flesh.
Elizabeth shook her head and waited for Jack to continue. He pressed his fingers against her most sensitive area and began rubbing. With his lips making their way up her neck, one hand massaging her swollen breast and the other rapidly moving between her legs, Elizabeth arched and twisted against the incredible sensations that Jack was creating in her body.
"Are you okay?" Jack checked again.
"Yes," Elizabeth answered, barely able to speak.
Jack continued, and Elizabeth gripped each side of Jack's hips, her fingers digging into his flesh. Before she knew it, wave after wave rushed through her, and she bit down on her hand to keep from screaming out in pleasure. Her climax lasted for what felt like an eternity after months of not being allowed to reach this point. Jack held her against him, steadying her, as her body recovered and the feeling returned to her limbs.
When her legs stopped feeling like Jell-O, Elizabeth turned to face her husband. As she kissed him, she gripped hard onto his erection and began stroking him. After all of the excitement of Elizabeth's first advances and seeing his wife's reaction to his touch, it didn't take long for Elizabeth to complete her task of pleasing her husband.
"Another month, then we can do this right," Elizabeth said and kissed his chest.
"That felt pretty right to me," Jack grinned.
Elizabeth looked up, catching her husband's deep dimples sunken into his cheeks. "You know what I mean."
"Yes, Beautiful," he started as he tucked her wet hair behind her ear. "I know exactly what you mean."
"But your next test is in a few weeks, isn't it?"
Jack looked up to the ceiling, trying to remember the date of his next sperm analysis. "It sure is. Three weeks I believe."
"Well, I guess I need to up my game to make sure you pass this time."
Jack's head snapped down, and his eyes locked with his wife's. "Up your game? More than you already have been?"
"Jack, I haven't been lately. So, yes, more than I have been."
Jack tightened his arms around his wife as a grin formed over his lips. "I'm really liking this take-charge Elizabeth. Helping me out with my little medical...issue and all."
"Like I said, if I don't help you out, then you're on your own," Elizabeth teased.
"Hmmm...no, we don't want that. I most definitely need your help."
Elizabeth shook her head and then reached for the shampoo.
"Let me do that," Jack said as he took the bottle from his wife.
Jack slowly washed and conditioned Elizabeth's hair, then soaped her entire body before pulling her under the water against his chest. They let the warmth pass down them as Jack held her head and body against him, singing softly and swaying back and forth to the song. After a few songs, Jack turned the water off while Elizabeth retrieved their towels from the hooks outside the shower door.
"Come with me, and I'll dry your hair," Jack said, taking his wife's hand.
They sat on the bed, Elizabeth in front of Jack, and he massaged the towel over her dripping hair. Elizabeth's head was tipped back, and her eyes were closed as she enjoyed the special attention from her husband.
Jack laid the towel to the side and pulled Elizabeth's hair away from her neck. He softly kissed her skin just below her ear as he reached around and pulled her towel loose, allowing it to fall away and pile around her waist. Elizabeth turned around, pushed Jack back onto the bed, then moved over him. She pressed her hips toward him, and he gripped her butt, drawing her in as he pushed against her, showing her how much he wanted her.
After several minutes of passionate kisses and wandering hands, Elizabeth began to work her way down Jack's body, not stopping until she reached his awaiting rigid member.
…..
March 25th, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch
"Are you sure you feel up to going?" Jack asked as he watched his wife get dressed.
"Absolutely. I want to get out and socialize."
"But Brianna kept you up most of the night. I was afraid you'd be too tired."
"I am tired, but I'll be fine. I just want to be around family."
"Okay," Jack said as he crossed the room. "Need some help?"
"I think I can button my own shirt, Jack," Elizabeth replied.
"I'm sure you can," Jack said with his face only inches from hers. "But I didn't ask if you could do it...I asked if you needed some help."
Elizabeth looked up at her husband, who was looking at her with a glint in his eye. "Okay," she answered.
Jack reached up and slowly tucked each button through its corresponding hole. "I'm usually doing the opposite," he grinned.
"Yes, that you are, Cowboy. Maybe later," she said with a wink.
"I'm gonna hold you to that, Mrs. Thornton."
"I wouldn't expect any less, Mr. Thornton."
"There," Jack said, then stepped back to eye his wife. "You look amazing."
"No. I still have this baby flab to get rid of," she said as she placed her hands over her belly.
"Elizabeth," Jack started as he stepped back toward her. "There is absolutely nothing wrong with your body. It's perfect, and you're perfect."
"Thanks, Jack. But I know that's not true." Elizabeth turned to pick out a pair of shoes.
Jack grabbed her arm, pulling her back to face him. "I would not lie to you," he said with a conviction in his voice. "You look fantastic, and that's that." Jack cupped Elizabeth's face with his hands and covered her lips with his. After a long, heated kiss, Jack added, "You are the most beautiful woman I have ever met. Pregnant, not pregnant, extra weight, less weight, a scar on your belly, it's all part of who you are, and I love every ounce of you."
Elizabeth kissed her husband and slid her hands into his open shirt. A small cry from the bassinet pulled her attention away, and Elizabeth stepped back and patted Jack's chest.
"Duty calls," she said as she walked away.
…..
Tom & Sam's Ranch
"That casserole was delicious, Mom," Sam told Charlotte as they cleared the table.
"Thank you, dear. It's an old family recipe, but I haven't made it in years."
"Well, you should make it more often," Elizabeth added as she picked up a stack of plates.
"Why don't you go relax," Charlotte suggested as she reached for the plates.
"No, I'm good. Jack has Brianna, and I want to help."
"Okay, dear," Charlotte said. "Is Savannah excited to get going in barrel racing again?"
"Oh my, yes. She talks about it constantly, and she's out on Cash every moment she can."
"Jack's been chomping at the bit to get back out there," Elizabeth said as the women carried their items to the kitchen, where Grace and Rosemary had already started the dishes. "Being stuck in the house with me has really set them back."
"Don't think like that, Beth," Sam said. "Jack wouldn't have it any other way. Rodeo is second in his life after his family."
"I know. But it's hard not to think about everything he sacrificed."
"No sacrifice at all," Jack said as he crossed the room with Brianna. "Sam's right." He bent down and kissed Elizabeth before handing her the baby. "Someone's hungry."
"I'll be right back," Elizabeth stated, then stepped out of the kitchen toward a bedroom.
"She blames herself for Lee and me not being able to start at the beginning of the season," Jack added as he took a seat at the island. "I've told her multiple times not to worry about it."
"She loves you, Jack," Charlotte started, "so she will always worry about things when it comes to you."
"I know, Ma. But some things are out of her hands."
"She knows that, Jack. But it doesn't make it any easier. Just give her time. You and Lee get back into it, and before long, it will be a distant memory."
"Okay, Ma."
A few minutes later, Elizabeth returned with Brianna, only to have the baby quickly snatched away by Charlotte. The grandmother joined the rest of the family in the living room and cuddled with her granddaughter for the rest of the afternoon.
"So, did you guys talk about me after I left?" she asked Jack as she put her arms around him.
"Only a little," he winked.
"When will you and Lee start competing again?"
"Next month. There's a small rodeo in Joplin."
"Small one, huh?" The guilt was evident in her voice.
"Yes, Beth," Jack said as he framed her face with his hands. "Small ones are just fine for this year. Rosemary has to get back in there, and Savannah has to build up her placings. Next year, if this year goes well for us all, we'll have the points to move up."
"Okay," she said.
Jack kissed her, then added, "Yes, it is okay. It will all work out just fine. Just you wait and see."
Jack's dimples convinced Elizabeth that he was indeed okay with how things were. She relaxed in his arms and wrapped him in a hug.
"So, you're done blaming yourself?" Jack asked softly in her ear.
Elizabeth nodded and tilted her head to her husband, who lovingly kissed her.
…
"Happy birthday, Brother," Jack said as he hugged Tom goodbye.
"Thanks, Jack." Tom turned to Elizabeth and gave her a hug as well. "Thanks for coming over."
"I wouldn't miss it for the world, Tom," Elizabeth said, then kissed his cheek.
Tom looked down at Brianna, who was sleeping in her mother's arms. "She's it."
"She's what?" Charlotte asked, having heard her son from her seat at the island.
"She's it. The last one."
Jack let out a sigh, knowing what Tom had meant.
Noticing the perplexed look on his mother's face, Tom continued. "She's the last Thornton grandbaby."
The reality that Charlotte was aware of but had never let cross her mind, washed over her face as she stared at her granddaughter. Everyone thought they saw tears begin to well up in her eyes, but none spilled over. She just nodded and looked amongst her ten grandchildren, considering Lee and Rosemary's as hers as well.
"You alright, Ma?" Jack asked as he put his arm across her shoulders.
"Yes. I'm blessed with all these beautiful babies; how can I not be okay?"
"You are very blessed, Ma," Jack replied as he hugged her and kissed her cheek. "Love ya, Ma."
"I love you, too, Jack."
"Well, y'all have been blessed with my presence long enough, so it's time for us to get home," Lee stated as he picked up the diaper bag and Autumn. "See ya tomorrow, Jacko. Happy birthday, Tom."
Between laughs, Jack and Tom each hugged Lee, slapping him hard on the back.
"You're always a blessing, Brother," Jack said.
"I knew it," Lee grinned.
"Good grief, Lee," Rosie started. "They all love you. You already know that."
"A man's just gotta hear it once in a while, woman," Lee quipped.
"Oooo...," Tom and Jack both responded.
"Did you just 'woman' her?" Jack whispered in Lee's ear.
"Yeah, kind of rethinking that one," Lee replied as he looked into his wife's knife-like stare. "Love ya, babe."
"Uh-huh. Let's go, Lee," Rosemary said, then looked at the women and winked as she hid her grin.
"Good luck, Brother," Tom whispered as Lee turned to leave.
Once the door was closed, the house filled with a burst of explosive laughter as the Thorntons let go of what they'd held in.
…..
March 28th, 2015 – Ozarks Shopping Center
With Brianna in her car seat, Jack carried it in one hand and held Peyton's hand with the other as Blake and Colton skipped across the parking lot in front of him. He opened the back door of the truck and locked Brianna's seat into place, then began to help each of the older kids into their seats.
Elizabeth walked out of the store to find a group of four very young women standing in a line, watching Jack. She stood behind them for a moment, listening in on their conversation.
"He is so hot," the blonde girl stated.
"Yes, and see how sweet he is with all those kids. That just makes him even sexier."
All four girls pretended to fan themselves with their hands as they watched him lift Blake to the center of the front seat.
"I sure would love to..."
"Sarah," the brunette on the left spoke to stop her friend from finishing her sentence.
"What? Don't tell me you wouldn't want to," Sarah finished, rocking her head back and forth.
The group of women began to giggle as they locked their arms together. Elizabeth took a few steps forward, stopping next to the blonde on the end.
"Wow, that is a good-looking cowboy right there," Elizabeth said, trying her hardest not to laugh.
"I know, right!" the blonde exclaimed.
The brunette and Sarah peered around the blonde to see who she was talking to and stared at Elizabeth, wondering who this woman could be.
"Hmm mmm. You ladies have a wonderful day," Elizabeth said before walking to the truck.
"You, too, Ma'am," the blonde replied.
Elizabeth crossed the parking lot, wishing so much that she could see the expressions on the girls' faces as she approached Jack, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him hard on the lips.
"What are you smiling about?" Jack asked.
"Is there a line of young ladies just outside the store watching us?"
Jack looked up to find their audience. "Um, yeah."
"What are they doing?"
"Staring with their mouths wide open. What is going on?"
Elizabeth giggled, then answered, "I'll explain in the truck. Let's get going."
"Okay?" Jack turned, then felt Elizabeth smack his butt. He turned to look at her, but she was already getting into the front seat. Jack chuckled, shook his head, and walked to the driver's side.
Once he was in his seat, Elizabeth explained what had just happened cryptically so the kids wouldn't understand.
"That did not happen," Jack exclaimed as he backed the truck.
"It sure did," Elizabeth responded. "And you are an s-e-x-y daddy, so get used to it."
"Whatever," he said, rolling his eyes.
Elizabeth could see the corner of his mouth turn up slightly as he tried to hide his grin. "You are, and you know it. And I know you know. But I'm very thankful that you don't act like you know. You know?"
Jack shot his wife a glance as he repeated her sentence in his head. "What?"
Elizabeth laughed and looked out the window, watching the gorgeous Ozark landscape pass by as they headed home.
…..
Once home, the kids in bed, and Brianna down for a few hours, Elizabeth stepped out of the closet wearing a white lace negligee robe with the satin ribbon tied around her waist.
Sitting on the bed reading a newspaper, Jack looked up as she crossed the room toward him. "Is that...the one from our wedding night?" he stuttered.
"Yes," she replied with a grin.
Jack tossed the paper and never gave it a second glance as it floated toward the floor. Elizabeth crawled up the bed, straddling Jack, then laid her body on his. Jack moved his hands into her hair and pulled her face to his, kissing her deeply.
As he released her, simply due to the need to breathe, he asked, "What's the occasion?"
"Do I need one?"
"Nope," he replied before pulling her down for another kiss. "But we can't make love yet."
"No, but we can do everything else," she replied as she began leaving a moist trail of kisses along his chest and abdomen.
