Let the steam return with this heat driven STEAM ALERT. The Thorntons are BACK! Thank you for all the lovely reviews! I hope to hear from those of you that get this story and love it as much as I do. Full steam ahead!
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April 18th, 2015 – Siloam Springs Rodeo, Arkansas
With the rodeo over and Savannah back with her family, they moved their trucks and trailers to the campground. Most contestants had arrived the previous day and were already settled in their sites, but the Thorntons had driven over early that morning. After finding three empty spaces next to each other, they backed their trailers into their spots. The horses were unloaded and tied to the hitching posts, and the family began setting up their space.
Grace, William, Charlotte, and Frank had reserved rooms at a nearby hotel, said their goodbyes, and left to go out to dinner before turning in for the evening.
Savannah was anxious to see her friends and nervously dug through her clothes. Sam stepped into their trailer to find her daughter's clothes strewn across the table.
"What are you doing?" she asked Savannah.
"I don't know what to wear tonight."
"I'll help you." Sam picked up a new pair of jeans, then began digging through her own closet until she found what she was looking for and held it up. "What about this? It will be a little chilly out tonight." Sam was holding up a new lightweight hooded sweatshirt she'd just purchased. It was cream, with a brown, orange, and turquoise Aztec design.
"Really?" Savannah asked with a huge smile.
"Sure. It should fit you."
Savannah hugged her mom, then took the hoodie. "Thank you," she signed, then held it to her chest.
….
Savannah stepped out of the trailer that evening, wearing her new jeans and her mother's hoodie. Her long hair was in one braid, draped in front of her right shoulder.
"You look beautiful, Savannah," Elizabeth signed to her niece.
"Thank you, Aunt Beth."
"Is everyone ready?" Jack asked.
"Yep," Lee called out as he gathered Autumn into his arms.
"Here," Elizabeth said as she handed Brianna in her carrier to Jack. "Can you carry her, please?"
"Of course," he said, then kissed his wife.
The group began walking across the campground toward Dakota's family's site, which was located at the end of the row. Their space backed up to a small lawn, giving them the needed area for the number of guests that grew exponentially when the Thorntons and Coulters arrived.
"Savannah's here!" Lilly shouted, then ran toward the girl, followed by Jenny and Dakota's sister Danielle.
Sam tapped her daughter's shoulder and pointed toward the girls. Savannah's eyes lit up, and she quickened her step toward her new friends. Lilly began talking too fast, stopped, apologized, then slowed down and made certain she was always facing Savannah when she spoke.
"This is beautiful," she said as she tugged on Savannah's hoodie.
"Thank you," she replied, feeling the excitement of having new friends.
"See, Momma," Tom started as he put his arm around his wife. "Our little girl is going to be just fine."
Sam smiled and laid her head against her husband's shoulder as she watched her daughter run off with her friends.
The Thorntons and Coulters settled in easily, as many guests wanted to meet Jack and Lee. Lawn chairs, picnic tables, and logs filled the entire campsite as everyone spread out and enjoyed the many conversations that flowed like water.
Savannah, Dakota, and their friends played cornhole and horseshoes with a few of the dads. Dakota explained the instructions to Savannah, who had never played cornhole before, and the pair teamed up and dominated the game.
Tom and Sam had never seen their daughter so happy outside their home. She had friends at school, but the atmosphere here was different, and Savannah was surrounded by kids with the same interests as her. Tom kept one eye on his daughter, ready to jump to her aid if she needed a translator, and saw Dakota occasionally brush his hand against hers. Though he wanted to be upset over the fact, he wasn't. He wanted his little girl to be happy, and right now, she was.
Dakota's family had provided food for everyone, and Jack, Lee, and Tom volunteered to grill the burgers. Elizabeth and Rosemary, both busy with their babies, were getting to know some of the wives and made some new friends as well.
As the sun set and darkness fell across camp like a curtain, a couple of men added wood to the fire to build it up and shed more light across the area. Everyone had settled into their seats after eating, and Jack, Elizabeth, Tom, and Sam watched as Savannah taught her friends some simple ASL. Sitting on a stump with Dakota, Lilly, and five other teen boys and girls surrounding her, she demonstrated how to sign some basic phrases and answers.
Lee and Rosemary pulled their chairs behind the Thorntons and sat down. Stetson was snuggled against Rosemary and fighting sleep while Autumn climbed onto Lee's lap. He pulled the little blonde girl up, and she laid her head against his chest, stuck her thumb in her mouth, and watched all the activity happening around camp.
Jack reached across the small gap between them and wove his fingers into Elizabeth's. They held hands while they watched Blake, the twins, and Noel running and playing with a few other kids around camp, chasing the many lightning bugs that had made their appearance.
A couple of men began picking up trash, and Jack, Lee, and Tom stood to help. Sam grabbed Autumn and squeezed the little girl in a tight hug, and gave her lots of little kisses across her cheeks. Autumn began to laugh and squirm, trying to break free.
Laura, Dakota's mother, sat in the empty seat between Elizabeth and Sam and laid her hand on Sam's arm. "Your daughter is an impressive young lady," she stated. "She doesn't seem to allow anything to hold her back."
"She has gone through some struggles over the years but has always seemed to find a way to overcome them," Sam replied.
"It shows," Laura said, watching the teen with her son. "Dakota was really taken with her when he first saw her last year."
"Oh, really?" Sam asked.
"I don't remember which rodeo it was, but he came to me that evening and told me all about this deaf girl that was a barrel racer. He was amazed by her ability and resilience, and of course, he thought she was cute." Laura chuckled slightly. "He said she handled her horse better than other girls her age."
"Jack, my brother-in-law here, is a horse trainer, and Savannah has been his little helper since she was old enough to walk. She'd spend hours with him on his ranch, in the barn, the round pen, the arena. Whatever Uncle Jack was doing, Savannah had to be right there."
"That's very special," Laura said.
"Yes, she still has a special bond with her uncle. They are very close."
With the trash picked up, Jack walked up to Elizabeth and held his hands toward his daughter. Elizabeth lifted Brianna, and Jack eased the sleeping baby against him and crossed to some empty chairs near the fire.
Laura looked in Jack's direction, then said to Elizabeth, "Your husband is a great father."
Elizabeth smiled and nodded. "Yes, he is a perfect father."
Jack was rocking Brianna when Donny Young, Dakota's father, sat beside Jack.
"Good evening, Jack."
"Hello, Donny. Thank you for having us here."
"Of course. The more, the merrier. Who do we have here?"
"This is my youngest, Brianna," Jack answered proudly.
"She's beautiful."
"Thank you."
Colton and Peyton ran up to Jack, each child leaning onto one of his legs, and begged for another marshmallow to make a s'more.
"That's fine. Go ask your mother, and she'll help you."
The twins ran off to find their mommy, giggling all the way.
"You sure have your hands full," Donny commented.
"Yes...we do."
"Twins?"
"Yes, that was Peyton and Colton; they're four. And Blake over there is five."
"Beautiful family."
"Thank you. Dakota seems like a fine boy," Jack said.
"Yes, he is. He's the oldest and has been helping his mother since he was four. He's definitely a momma's boy."
"I've met your daughter, Danielle. Is it just the two?"
"No, there's five of them. Dakota is almost fourteen, Danielle just turned twelve, Darla is ten, Destiny is seven, and Dylan is six."
"Wow, I'd say you have your hands full, too. Started with a boy and finished with a boy?"
"Yep, we call them our bookends," Donny laughed.
Elizabeth moved in behind Jack and wrapped her arms around his neck. She bent down and looked over his shoulder at their daughter. "She's still sleeping?" she said quietly in his ear.
Jack looked down at Brianna and smiled. "Yes, out like a light. Did Pey and Colt find you?"
"Yes, Luke, Blake, and Austin are helping them and Noel by the fire."
"Donny, this is my wife, Elizabeth. I don't know if you two have met yet."
"We have. Ma'am," he said, tipping his hat. "You have such a beautiful family."
"Thank you, Donny. So do you. I've met all your children, and they are all very polite."
"Thank you."
...
Conversations continued as the night drew on. Elizabeth was in the chair next to Jack, and Brianna was asleep in her arms. Peyton and Colton were both on Jack's lap. Leaning against his chest, their eyes, growing heavy with sleepiness, constantly popped open to avoid missing anything.
Henry, an older friend of Donny's, retrieved a guitar from his truck, then took a seat on an old log near the fire. The large crowd quieted as he strummed the instrument and began to sing. Henry started with Country Roads by John Denver, and several people joined. When the song ended, he moved into I Hope You Dance by Garth Brooks, and even more people joined in.
Someone nearby heard Jack and Elizabeth singing and commented on their voices once the song ended.
"Oh, Jacko and Tom here are quite the musicians," Lee informed everyone. "And so is Beth."
Henry held his guitar out at arm's length and asked, "Want to join in?"
Jack waved his hands in front of him. "Oh, no. You sound great. I don't want to impose."
"Nonsense," Henry said. "I have more in the truck." The older man stood, handed his guitar to Jack, then walked to his truck. Returning with two more guitars, he gave one to Tom. "Hey, Curtis, did you bring your fiddle?"
"Sure did," the old man replied as he got to his feet.
Jack helped Colton and Peyton down, where they each sat on the grass at his feet and leaned into his legs.
With each instrument tuned and ready to go, Henry pointed to Jack and Tom, "You two start, and we'll join in."
Jack looked at his brother and mouthed the title to a song. Tom nodded, scooted to the edge of his chair, and situated his fingers on the strings.
The brothers began, and Henry and Curtis immediately joined in, already knowing the song. The men began singing A Country Boy Can Survive by Hank Williams, Jr., as almost every person around the campsite joined in.
As the song ended, Henry let out a loud, "Boy, howdy." Resting his arm on top of his guitar, he looked at Jack and Tom, "You two need to take that on the road."
The brothers laughed and shook their heads.
"We're just campfire singers," Jack said.
"Well, thank you for gracing us with that," Henry added. "What do you want to sing next?"
Music filled the evening, and the group grew as people from nearby campsites came to see who was singing. Couples began to get up and dance to each song, even a few of the teens. During a slow song, Dakota nervously turned to Savannah.
"Would you like to dance?" he asked out loud.
Jack was nearby and heard this, then shot his gaze toward his niece.
"I can't hear the music," she texted.
"I can," Dakota replied.
"Okay," she nervously replied with shaking hands.
Continuing to play the guitar while Henry was singing, Jack looked at his brother, trying to get his attention. Once Tom finally looked up, Jack motioned to the teens with his head. The brothers watched as Dakota and Savannah stepped out to the area where five other couples were already dancing.
"Just follow me," Dakota said, and Savannah smiled and nodded.
He placed his hands on her sides, and Savannah laid hers on Dakota's shoulders, a vast space between them. Like most eighth-grade dances, the teens rocked back and forth to the music that only Dakota could hear. The men could see the young man saying the lyrics to her, so Savannah would know what they were dancing to.
"That's the sweetest thing," Sam said into Tom's ear as she moved in behind him.
"I guess," Tom replied.
The song had ended, and Samantha put her arms around her husband. "Embrace it, babe."
"Just as long as he doesn't embrace her."
Sam buried her face into Tom's neck and began laughing.
Dakota slipped his hand into Savannah's as they returned to their seats. Many eyes were on the young kids as they sat down on an old log, and Savannah scooted over until her leg was touching his.
Elizabeth heard Jack sigh and turned to look at her husband.
"Are you okay?" she asked him quietly.
"No," he replied with a pout.
"She's growing up."
"I know, and I don't like it. All our kids need to stay little, just the way they are."
Elizabeth reached over and patted Jack's knee and smiled. "You do realize that one day you will be walking your daughters down the aisle?"
"Yes, but that won't happen until they are at least thirty."
Elizabeth shook her head and laughed. "If only that were true."
"It is. None of our kids are allowed to date until they are at least twenty-five or married until they are thirty."
"We'll see how that goes the first time they notice someone of the opposite sex."
"Oh, Beth. Why did you have to use that word in a sentence about our children?" Jack said with an exaggerated eye roll.
Laughing, Elizabeth asked, "What word? Sex?"
"And there you go again. Stop saying that."
"Jack, we have many, many years before we have to worry about that."
"It better be many, many. Never actually works for me," he said, then leaned in and kissed her.
Elizabeth laughed and returned her attention to the men who had begun another song while Jack joined in and started to sing along.
…..
April 19th, 2015 – Siloam Springs, Arkansas
It was early morning, and the sun had just begun peeking over the horizon, throwing long shadows along the ground. Jack eased the trailer door open and gently pushed it shut so as not to wake the kids, then stepped onto the dew covered grass and stretched his arms out, followed by a long yawn. He started toward the firepit when he noticed Savannah sitting in a chair under a large oak tree.
Picking up another camping chair, Jack carried it over to his niece. Unable to hear him, Savannah jumped when she looked up from her book and saw Jack standing in front of her.
"Sorry," he signed, then set the chair down and took a seat. "Everything okay?"
"Yes," Savannah replied.
"Why are you out here all alone?"
"Just thinking."
"Want to talk about it?"
Savannah shrugged her shoulders.
"You don't have to. But I'm here if you do," Jack informed his niece.
"Okay."
They sat quietly for a moment as Jack listened to the birds singing their morning song, and Savannah stared at her book without reading a single word.
"Do you like Dakota?" Savannah finally asked.
"Yes, I do."
"Me, too," she smiled. "His sisters and friends were really nice to me."
"I saw that. They seem like a great bunch of kids."
"Yeah."
"I have an idea. How about we go for a morning ride?"
A huge smile covered Savannah's face, and she nodded. "We haven't done that in a long time."
"I know. I think we're overdue for one."
After Jack texted Elizabeth and Tom, letting them know what was going on, he and Savannah got their horses ready and headed out. Jack found an old dirt road near the back of the campground, and the pair decided to explore it. Savannah opened up to Jack while they rode. Like old times, she shared everything with him, and Jack shared some things with her.
Jack learned that Savannah was very nervous that Dakota would get tired of their language barriers and wouldn't want to be her friend anymore. Jack informed her that he couldn't see Dakota doing that, but if he did, he was never good enough for Savannah to begin with and not worth her tears. Jack also reminded her that it was Dakota that took the first step of learning ASL and to be patient and see where things go. For right now, she's made some really great friends, some of which would probably last a lifetime.
"You're only twelve, and you have a long time before you need to think about being serious with a boy."
"I know," she replied. "It's just...it's just..."
"What is it?"
"No one outside the family has ever done anything like that for me before."
"Then I would say, you've got a very special friend in Dakota. Take your time, baby girl."
"I will. It's not like we can drive to see each other anyway," she teased and grinned. "I guess we could ride our horses and meet in the middle."
"Now, look here, little miss," Jack joked.
Savannah laughed and leaned forward on her horse, hugging Cash's neck.
Jack moved Maverick closer to her horse and rubbed his niece's back. When she looked in his direction, Jack signed, "I've missed our special times together."
"Me, too."
Jack put his arm around his niece, and as their horses walked side-by-side, he pulled her to him into a side hug and kissed the top of her head.
"How about some fun?" Jack asked.
Knowing what her uncle meant, Savannah smiled and kicked her horse into a run, getting a head start on him.
"Hey," Jack shouted, then squeezed Maverick and tried to catch up with her.
…..
Elizabeth, Sam, Rosemary, Lee, and all the kids were sitting around the fire when Jack and Savannah returned. They were both laughing and appearing refreshed as they rode their horses to their family.
"I ride," Autumn called out, holding her arms into the air.
"Do you mind?" Rosemary asked Savannah.
Savannah waved her hands out for Rosemary to help Autumn, and the little girl let out a screech as she settled onto Savannah's lap. She walked her horse around very slowly as she held onto Autumn. The little girl giggled and bounced up and down as they moved around in a circle.
When they finished, Rosemary walked up to the horse and lifted her daughter down to the ground.
"Thank you, S."
"You're welcome."
Jack was off Maverick now and standing next to the horse. Sam was holding Brianna, so Elizabeth walked to her husband and wrapped her arms around his waist.
"Did you have a good ride?"
"Yes, ma'am. It was a much-needed excursion with my niece."
"Have a good talk?"
"The best," he answered, then drew her in and kissed her hard.
"Get a room!" Lee shouted, causing everyone to laugh.
"Okay," Jack said as he scooped his wife into his arms. He carried her across the campsite toward the trailer, opened the door, stepped inside, still holding onto Maverick's rein, and closed the door with the horse standing outside.
"Jack, what am I going to do with you?" Elizabeth said as he lowered her feet to the floor.
"Do you really want me to answer that?" he asked with a smirk.
"No," she laughed. "We can't leave our kids out there with them. They already have their hands full."
"They're fine for a minute or two," Jack said, then pushed Elizabeth against the trailer wall with his body pressing hers.
He covered her lips with his, then slid his hand under her shirt, wanting to feel her soft skin. She felt his calloused hands move across her back, pulling her tighter against his chest.
Jack took a step back and blew out a hard breath. "I better stop, or I won't be able to step outside for a bit."
Elizabeth giggled and stepped forward, kissing him again before opening the door and going outside.
"Wow, that was fast, Jacko. I'm a little embarrassed for you," Lee teased as Jack stepped outside. "Need some pointers?"
Walking up to his friend, Jack gripped the front of Lee's shirt and pulled him until they were nose to nose.
"The only performance from me you have to worry yourself about is in the arena. Outside of that, I need no help from you, Brother." Jack pressed his lips to Lee's forehead, gave him a lingering kiss, then pushed him back before walking away to put Maverick up.
"Just trying to help a buddy out," Lee exclaimed as Jack disappeared behind the trailer.
"Leland Coulter," Rosie scolded.
"What, babe?"
"There are innocent ears around here," she informed her husband.
"Good morning, Dakota," Lee said, happy that the teen had interrupted his wife's reprimand.
"Good morning, everyone. My dad asked me to come over and invite you all over for church this morning."
"That would be wonderful," Elizabeth stated.
"Sure, we'd love to," Jack said. "Is that okay with y'all?"
"Sounds great to us," Tom answered.
"Us, too," Rosemary replied.
"We'll be right over. Thank you, Dakota," Jack said.
"Yes, sir." Dakota glanced at Savannah, smiled, and returned to his campground.
Jack called his mother to let them know about the church service, and both couples happily stated that they were already on their way. After gathering all the children, Jack, with Colton in his arms, Lee, with Stetson in his, and Tom, holding the hand of Austin, led the group as they began their trek across the campgrounds. Elizabeth held Brianna in a carrier against her chest while Peyton, Blake, Noel, and Autumn skipped across the grass in front of them.
Just as they reached the Young's campsite, Frank, Charlotte, William, and Grace arrived, and Frank parked the SUV and got out.
"Good morning, Pops," Jack said with a smile.
"Beautiful morning, Jack," Frank replied.
"Yes, it is. Hey, Ma," Jack added, then walked around the vehicle to hug his mother. As Jack hugged her, Colton moved into Charlotte's arms, and the woman gladly took her grandson. Seeing Grace step out behind her, Jack gave his mother-in-law a hug next, then held his arm out for her to slip hers into.
After all the greetings, the group walked into the campsite, where several people had already arrived and were sitting in their lawn chairs.
"Good morning," Laura called out as she approached the group and reached out for Brianna. "May I please hold this sweet girl?"
"Of course," Elizabeth said as she lifted her daughter from the carrier.
Danielle ran toward Savannah, greeted her with a tight embrace, then took her hand and led her to the large log where all the kids her age were already sitting. Dakota slid over, making space beside him, and Savannah happily sat down.
"Luke," Tom started.
"I got it, Dad." The boy walked to a seat near his sister, so he could sign as Dakota's father spoke.
"Your kids are amazing," Grace said, squeezing Tom's arm.
"Thank you, Grace," Tom replied as he put his arm around her shoulder and hugged her.
They found some empty chairs and logs and sat down with their Bibles on their laps. Donny opened with prayer, led the group in a couple of songs, then began his sermon.
…..
Frank approached Donny and shook the man's hand. "That was a wonderful sermon," Frank said.
"Thank you. I understand you are a pastor."
"Yes, I am."
"I should have asked if you wanted to lead today."
"Oh, no. This was a wonderful treat. I like to take a break now and again, hear another person's perspective on the Word, get refreshed."
"I hope I did the Word justice," Donny added.
"Absolutely," Frank replied, shaking the man's hand again. "Do you do this a lot?"
"Just when we are at events on Sundays. Otherwise, we are at church and listening to a real pastor," Donny said with a chuckle.
The men visited while everyone milled around camp, getting to know each other better and looking on as the kids played. Savannah, Lilly, Danielle, and Jenny were braiding each other's hair while Dakota, a few of his friends, and Luke were tossing a baseball back and forth.
"Where do you guys live?" Elizabeth asked Laura.
"Just south of Branson on the lake."
"Oh, it's beautiful down there," Elizabeth responded. "We're a couple of hours north of there."
"Yes, you guys live by Tom and Samantha, correct?" Laura asked.
"Yes, we're both on Jack and Tom's family land."
"That's wonderful. I wish my family lived closer to us."
"We do love it. I just wish my family was closer as well."
"Where do they live?"
"My parents live in New Hampshire, one sister is in Vermont, and the other lives in London."
"Wow, London. How exciting."
"Yes, she and her family love it there."
The group enjoyed another hour of fellowshipping together before saying their farewells. With all the kids in tow, they returned to camp, where Jack, Tom, Lee, Frank, and William began tearing down and loading everything up. Elizabeth was sitting in the trailer, nursing Brianna one last time before they hit the road when Jack came in.
"Hello, Beautiful."
"Hey, Cowboy."
"We're almost ready. Once you're done, I'll put the slide in."
"Okay," she replied with a smile.
Jack unbuttoned his shirt, and when he slipped the fabric off his shoulders, Elizabeth gasped at the sight of his back again.
"What is it?" Jack asked.
"Your back looks horrible."
"It's fine," he said with a crooked smile. "It's just a bruise."
"Maybe, but it's a nasty one."
"Looks worse than it is. Doesn't even bother me until I move it."
"Move your back?"
Jack grinned and nodded.
"So, basically, every time you move."
Jack crossed the trailer and leaned down to kiss her. "I'm kidding. It's fine."
Elizabeth moved her hand up and gently touched her husband's upper back. He quickly responded by straightening, arched his back, and cringed.
"I knew it was bothering you," Elizabeth said as she moved her sleeping daughter to the couch. She stood, gripped Jack's arm, and spun him around, taking a better look at his back. The edges of the large purple area were already turning yellow and passed along the bottom of his cross tattoo. An evident line where he hit the fence rail passed from one side to the other, and Elizabeth slightly brushed her finger along the path. "I'm getting Sam to look at this. Can you watch Brianna for a second?"
"Beth, you don't need to...," Jack started, but his wife was out the door before he could finish.
A couple minutes later, Elizabeth returned with Sam, and the nurse immediately examined her brother-in-law.
"Jack, you are fortunate. This could have been so much worse," Sam said as she looked him over. "Does this hurt?" she asked as she pressed in different areas of his back.
Only direct pressure on the bruise caused discomfort, so Sam eased Elizabeth's nerves by saying he would be fine.
"Thank you, Sam...again," Elizabeth said as she hugged her.
"No problem," Sam laughed. "We're ready whenever you are," she added before hopping out of the trailer.
Elizabeth picked up Brianna, kissed Jack, then started for the door. Jack held the button down, bringing in the slide-out, then double-checked that everything was secured. As Jack stepped out of the trailer, Dakota was walking across the campsite toward Tom and Sam.
"Hello, ma'am, sir. I just wanted to tell Savannah goodbye, if that's alright."
"Of course, Dakota," Sam replied. "She's on the other side of the truck."
The adults watched as Dakota walked over to Savannah and began to sign.
"Did he know that much yesterday?" Sam asked her husband.
"I don't think so," Tom answered.
…..
"Goodbye, Savannah," Dakota signed slowly but flawlessly. "I'll see you in two weeks."
Smiling ear to ear, Savannah nodded. "Goodbye," she signed in return. "You learned more?"
Dakota nodded. "I watched YouTube videos this morning to learn that."
Dakota reached out, took her hand in his, gently squeezed it, then turned to walk away. He removed his phone from his pocket and began to type. When Savannah's phone vibrated, she pulled it out of her pocket and read it.
"I had a lot of fun this weekend."
"Me, too."
Savannah looked up to catch Dakota looking over his shoulder at her. He waved, then disappeared behind someone's RV. A hand on her shoulder brought the girl's attention to her mother.
"Are you ready to go?" Sam asked.
"Yes. Cash is loaded."
With everyone now loaded, Frank led the caravan out of the campground and toward the highway.
…..
April 22nd, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch
"Goodbye, Daddy," Elizabeth said as she tightly wrapped her arms around her father. "Thank you for staying with us for so long."
"Of course, Beth. We loved being here." William kissed his daughter's forehead, then hugged her one last time.
"Momma," Elizabeth said as she held her arms open.
With tear-filled eyes, Grace moved into her daughter's arms. Unable to speak, Grace held Elizabeth close, not wanting to let go.
"Grace, sweetie, we need to go so we don't miss our flight," William finally stated as he laid his hand on his wife's shoulder.
"Oh, I know," she replied with a cracked voice. Finally releasing her daughter, she moved to her grandchildren. One by one, she hugged them tightly, kissed their cheeks, and told them goodbye. Lastly, she took Brianna from Jack's arms, held the tiny baby to her chest, and pressed her lips to the infant's forehead. "She'll be so big next time I see her," she commented as her tears continued to flow.
Crying now as well, Elizabeth put her arms around her mother again. "I will send you so many photos and videos of all the kids that you won't feel like you missed a single day."
"Thank you, dear," Grace said, then put one arm around her daughter. "Okay, let's go."
Elizabeth took Brianna, then followed her parents to the door. Jack had the Yukon out front waiting with their luggage already loaded. Blake, Peyton, and Colton stood in front of Elizabeth as they all waved and watched as the SUV headed down the driveway. Once it was out of sight, they moved back into the house, and Elizabeth closed the door.
"Are you okay, Mommy?" Peyton asked, seeing that her mother was still crying.
"Yes, sweetie. Mommy just misses Grandpa and Grandma."
"Me, too," Colton said.
"Me, too," Blake agreed.
"Want to sit down and snuggle?" Peyton asked. "That makes me feel better."
"Sure, Pey. That sounds like a great idea."
Elizabeth got situated on the couch, still holding Brianna in her arms, as the other three children climbed up beside her. Elizabeth lifted the remote, found a Disney movie, then settled in as the kids leaned against her, holding their mommy and trying to comfort her.
….
April 24th, 2015 - Primrose OB/GYN
Elizabeth swung her legs off the edge of the table as Dr. Shepherd finished typing notes into the computer.
"Everything looks great," he said and laid his hands on his knees. "You can return to life as normal."
"Wonderful, Dr. Shepherd. Thank you."
"Okay, I'll let you get dressed. You can check out with Nancy, then we're good. Don't hesitate to call the office if you have any issues or questions."
"Thank you. I will."
The doctor stepped out of the room and closed the door, then Elizabeth proceeded to get dressed. Once she finished with Nancy, she walked outside, where Jack was waiting for her in his truck.
"Everything okay?" he asked as she stepped up into her seat.
"Yes. Everything was perfect," she grinned at him.
"Oh, good," he smiled back.
Elizabeth slid to the middle of the seat, then buckled the lap belt. Jack smiled and put the truck in gear. As he drove home, Elizabeth laid her hand on his inner thigh and was slowly creeping up his leg.
As she neared his crotch, Jack looked at his wife. "Beth...what are you doing?"
She moved her hand a little higher, then looked at her husband. "Don't go to the house yet."
"Why not?"
"Because there are too many people there."
"What?" Jack asked, then seeing the look in his wife's eyes, he replied, "Oh."
He sped past their drive and pulled into the next one that led back to the old barn. He eased to a stop in front of the double doors, then got out to open them. Jack turned around to find Elizabeth already behind the wheel, pulling the truck into the canopy of the barn. After Jack closed the double doors part way, leaving them slightly open for light, he turned to see the passenger door open. Jack walked up and looked at Elizabeth, sitting in the center of the seat again.
"Here?" he asked, pointing inside the truck.
"Yes," she replied, holding out her hand for him to take.
Jack placed his hand in hers and got into the truck. Elizabeth moved swiftly over him, straddling him, then reached down and pulled the handle that reclined the seat. Jack pulled up on the back of her shirt and slipped his hands under the fabric, feeling her warm skin as he drew her into him, his strong arms encircling her torso.
Elizabeth cupped Jack's face in her hands and covered his lips with hers. Her kisses left them both wanting more as their tongues danced and their bodies instinctively drew together, aching to be closer. Jack gripped the edge of her shirt and pulled it over her head, then Elizabeth did the same to him. She reached down and fumbled with his belt as if it was their first time. Finally getting the jeans open, she stood up the most she could and pulled them down as Jack lifted his hips. Having worn a skirt, Elizabeth reached beneath it, pulled her lace panties down, and then returned to her husband's lap.
Jack reached behind his wife and, in one swift move, unsnapped her bra and pulled the straps off her shoulders. He tossed it aside, gripped her arms, and pulled her down until their lips met again. Jack's hands were deep into her hair, pulling her head down as his greedy mouth took bold possession of hers. Releasing one, he moved his hand down, grazing her hardened nipple but not stopping until he reached the heated abyss between her legs. As he slipped two fingers into her, Elizabeth's body rolled up, and a loud moan escaped her lips. Jack continued moving his fingers, preparing her for what they've waited months to have again.
Dust filled the air that had been stirred up from the tires. A musky scent filled the air, a mixed fragrance of the empty barn and the heated bodies that moved together. Elizabeth had left the radio playing softly in the background. Die A Happy Man by Thomas Rhett began to play, and Jack moved both hands into her hair once more as his tongue continued to invade her mouth.
Elizabeth sat up and looked down at Jack's throbbing penis. Unwilling to wait any longer, she lifted over him as Jack bunched her skirt around her hips and slowly lowered herself, taking his rigid erection fully inside. Elizabeth gasped and wrapped her arms around his neck as he went deep inside, reaching the depths of her heated desires that had been building. Elizabeth was sure she could feel her blood humming in her veins as her husband gripped her hips, pulling her down with each thrust.
"God, I've missed this," Jack said in her ear.
Elizabeth sat up and looked down into her husband's face. With each rock of her hips, Jack's eyes closed partway, then shot back open, not wanting to miss a thing. With his hands still on her hips, he slowed her movements. Feeling himself getting close, he didn't want it to end and stopped her briefly before loosening his grip and allowing her to continue. Her eyes remained locked on his as she moved in a riding rhythm.
She was tight around him, and between that and her watching him, Jack felt himself about to go. He pushed his boots and jeans the rest of the way off, lifted her off his engorged arousal, wrapped an arm around her waist, and flipped them around. Jack lowered Elizabeth lengthways across the leather seat and lowered his body onto hers. He was quickly inside her once more, and she wrapped her legs around him, locking her ankles behind him. Wanting all of her husband, she drew him in deeper.
"Beth, if you keep doing that, I'll be spent," Jack said as he pushed back against the arresting grip of her legs.
She opened her eyes and looked deep into his soul. "I want all of you, now," she said with gasped breaths.
Jack thrust hard, and within seconds, Elizabeth screamed out in pleasure as molten waves of rapture washed through her entire body. Unable to hold back, Jack pushed deeper and released a loud moan as he felt his penis throbbing inside her while her own body tightened around him.
"Oh my gosh," Elizabeth finally said once she caught her breath.
"What?" Jack asked, pushing up on the seat, hovering above her. "Are you okay?"
"I am more than okay," she replied. "It's been so long, I almost forgot how good it felt." She reached up, framed his face with her hands, and pulled him down for another kiss.
"Yes," he said as he sat up, pulling her up alongside him. "As much as I appreciate everything you did to...help me out. Nothing compares to this." Jack rubbed her cheeks, then kissed her softly on the lips.
Elizabeth moved her legs across Jack's and wrapped her arms around his neck. They held one another for several minutes, listening to the music softly playing on the radio and the sound of a nearby pigeon cooing.
Jack ran his hand along her cheek and turned her face toward his. He gently kissed her lips and then looked deep into her eyes. "We should probably get home," he reluctantly stated.
"I know," she replied. Elizabeth turned on the seat, moving her legs off of Jack's.
He stepped down from the truck, pulled his jeans on, and then pushed his feet into his boots. Before buttoning his jeans, he gripped Elizabeth's legs and dragged her to the edge of the seat. "I love you, Elizabeth," he said, then took her mouth with his.
Stopping for air, Elizabeth pulled back and replied, "I love you, Cowboy."
Jack slid his hand under her thighs and held her legs against him as he began to kiss her once more.
…..
April 25th, 2015 – Charlotte & Frank's Ranch
Jack dallied the rope around his saddle horn in a flash after roping the young calf. He led the reluctant animal toward the center of the pen, where a group of men and Luke were waiting. Walker got the calf on the ground and held it while Luke injected the inoculation, and Lance pressed the hot branding iron into the animal's hip. Within seconds they were finished, and Walker released the calf to return to the herd. Jack had already caught the next one and was on his way to the group as they were resetting.
Tom was on Remington and had just caught a white-faced calf. He dragged it toward his group, which consisted of Lee, Savannah, and Jason. With clipboards in hand, Charlotte and Frank wrote down each ear tag as they were called out and marked down everything done to each calf.
Elizabeth and Rosemary watched from the sidelines as they kept their kids corralled. Blake was at the fence, his eyes wide, darting from person to person, taking in the scene before him. He had never witnessed anything like this before, and his heart raced with excitement.
Seeing this, Jack moved Harley to the fence and motioned for Blake to climb up. Not needing any encouragement, Blake scaled the fence and climbed onto the horse in front of his daddy.
"Hold on to my legs," Jack said as he moved back on the saddle, making more room for his son.
Blake did as he was told and gripped onto the sides of Jack's chaps. Moving Harley back into the herd, Jack picked out another calf, roped it, and pulled it toward the group. Blake leaned one way, then the other, trying to peer around the horse's head to see everything they were doing. Before they were finished, Jack moved Harley back into the herd to catch the next one. After doing this a few times, he returned Blake to Elizabeth and let Colton climb onto Harley next.
The little boy was talking non-stop as they moved through the cows, seeking out a calf that hadn't been branded. After a few more calves, it was Peyton's turn, and she quickly climbed up onto the horse.
"I want to do it, Daddy," she said as she reached for the rope.
"Maybe next year, sweetie. We didn't bring any gloves for you."
"Okay," she replied with a pout, but it soon faded from the day's excitement. "What is he doing?" she asked, seeing Luke sticking the needle into the calf's neck.
"He's giving him medicine to keep him healthy."
"Healthy?"
"So he doesn't get sick."
"Ohhh," she said in an exaggerated exclamation. "You take Noel next? Her daddy isn't on a horse."
Jack was surprised at his daughter's awareness of her friend, and he wrapped an arm around Peyton. "Of course, Pey Pey," he said, then kissed her cheek. "Noel, do you want to take a turn?"
"Yes, please," the little blonde stated, then began to climb up the gate.
As Jack passed by, Lee looked up from his calf, having heard his daughter's voice. He smiled and gave her a wave, then released the calf and waited for the next one that Tom was bringing their way.
With Brianna asleep in her carrier and a blanket draped over her to block the sun, Elizabeth leaned back into her chair and watched her husband as he rotated the lariat above his head, then tossed it around another calf's head with ease. He dragged it from the herd and stopped next to his team. Walker maneuvered the calf to its side, then pulled the rope from around its neck and tossed it toward Jack.
Jack flipped it around, rolling back into his hand, as the little girl stared in awe. Seeing a calf with no mark on its hip, she pointed and exclaimed, "Next one."
"That one there?" Jack asked, pointing at the little red animal.
"Yeah."
Jack tossed the rope, catching the calf that Noel had chosen, and brought it to Walker.
"Here you go!" Noel shouted as Walker grabbed the animal.
"Thank you, sweetie," Walker replied with a smile.
Alicia, Jason's wife, and Faith returned to the group with jugs filled with tea and water. After placing them on the table, the women took their seats with Rosemary and Elizabeth.
"We'll watch the kids if you two want to go get your hands dirty," Faith told the women.
"I'm good," Rosemary said.
"I'd actually love to," Elizabeth as she got to her feet.
She climbed over the fence and crossed the pen to Jack, who was on the ground standing next to Harley.
"Well, hello, Beautiful," he said as he put his arm around her. "Did you come to help?"
"Yes, Cowboy, I sure did," she replied as she patted his butt.
"Okay, then. Climb on up," he said and stepped away from his horse.
"And what am I going to do from the back of Harley?"
"Rope them calves," Jack answered with a grin.
"I'll give it a try," Elizabeth said, then pulled herself into the saddle.
Jack gripped her calf and looked up at her. "Mrs. Thornton, I must say...you look might fine up there."
After bending down and giving him a kiss, Elizabeth replied in a quiet voice, "Not as fine as you."
"We'll just have to agree to disagree on that one," Jack winked. "Okay, take my lariat in this hand," Jack demonstrated as he gave his wife a refresher course. "Hold it like this, rotate it above your head, and release."
"I think I remember," she said as she took the rope.
With the lariat looped in one hand and Harley's reins in the other, Elizabeth guided the horse through the herd in search of an unbranded calf. Finding one, she prepared the rope like Jack had shown her and circled it over her head. Throwing it, she missed the calf entirely, and it fell to the dirt. Two more tries resulted in the same outcome.
Elizabeth looked around, finding that she had an audience now. Tom, Lee, and the other men watched her, waiting for her to catch the next calf. Seeing this, Jack crossed the pen to his wife, gave her one more pointer, then stepped back to allow her to try again.
She tried again, only to miss again. Determined to succeed, she rolled up the rope one more time, rotated it above her head, and released it, landing it perfectly around the calf's neck.
Acclamatory shouts filled the air as the men and Charlotte began to clap. Elizabeth pulled the calf out of the herd where Walker was waiting. He wrestled the calf to the ground and removed the rope, the Elizabeth rode away as she looped the lariat for another calf. Finding the last one, she repeated exactly what she'd done the previous time and landed the rope around the animal's neck on the first try.
"That's my girl," Jack shouted, beaming with pride. "I knew you'd remember," he told her as she rode past him with the calf in tow.
"Took me a minute," she said with a giggle.
"This is perfect," Charlotte started. "Our herd is growing, and we'll need all hands on deck next year," she said to her daughter-in-law.
"I'll be more than happy to help," Elizabeth said with a smile.
She loved her life and was continuously finding her place in it. And with a husband like Jack, always supporting her and posing as her biggest cheerleader, she knew exactly where she belonged. Elizabeth knew that she could accomplish anything she set her mind to and things she'd never dreamed of. She sat on the back of Harley, looking over the herd and watching as Walker held the calf while Luke and Lance worked on it. She glanced over at her children as they lined the fence, waving at their mommy. She waved back as a smile covered her lips and reached her eyes.
Jack was still standing beside her, watching her, and laid his hand across her thigh. She moved her eyes to him, locking gazes, and returned the smile he was showing her.
"You alright?" he asked.
"Absolutely perfect."
