No steam alert on this one, but it does come with a warning. There is severe trauma included in this chapter that may be hard to read for some of you. I don't want to give anything away, so that's all I'll say. Please leave a review with your thoughts on this difficult chapter. Thank you to all of you that are reading.
June 23rd, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch
A faint voice woke Elizabeth, and she opened her eyes to the early morning sun illuminating their bedroom. She laid still and listened as Jack spoke softly to Brianna.
"What did you think of that story, baby girl? Oh, you loved it, and you want to hear another one? Hmmm, let me think. Okay, I've got a good one. Listen closely," Jack said and kissed Brianna's cheek.
Elizabeth slowly turned her head to face her husband and watched him as he told their daughter another story.
"Once upon a time, a beautiful queen lived in a land of many horses. She and the king had three perfect children but felt as if something was missing in their family. They were happy and loved their children so very much, but a tiny void lived in the center of their world. One day, the king and queen got the news that another baby was on the way, and they were both very, very scared. They cried and prayed and prayed and cried. Then one day, they realized that this baby was a blessing from God and would fill that void.
The day the baby arrived, their world was instantly complete, and the king and queen cried and prayed, but from feeling so much joy. The new baby princess was everything the family needed. Now, with two princes and two princesses filling their home and hearts, the family was whole and lived happily ever after."
"You tell the best stories," Elizabeth said as she rolled to her side.
"I'm sorry. Did I wake you?"
"No, it's time for me to get up."
"She was getting a little fussy, and I thought you'd like to sleep a little longer, so I already fed her with the bottle you left in the fridge."
"Thank you, Cowboy," Elizabeth said and laid her hand on his thigh.
Jack slid down into the bed and laid their daughter between them. Jack held her right hand, and Elizabeth had her left. The baby girl looked back and forth between her parents, grinning big and showing off her dimples.
"Oh, we are going to be in so much trouble with this one," Jack said.
"Why do you say that?"
"If those dimples have the same effect on boys as mine do for you, we're in trouble."
"Oh, yes. Big trouble," Elizabeth agreed and giggled.
"Can we come up there?" a small voice from the foot of the bed asked.
"Of course. All of you get up here," Jack answered. "You, too, Wyatt."
Peyton, Colton, Jackson, and Wyatt jumped onto the bed and worked their way up around Brianna. The family looked on with wonderment at the little girl that had captured everyone's hearts. Peyton squeezed between Brianna and Jack and laid her head next to her baby sister. Brianna turned to face Peyton, and the two stared at each other, their faces only inches apart.
Elizabeth scooted back, making room for the boys to move in. Colton snuggled against his mother while Jackson lay next to Brianna. The kids inspected the baby's hands, counting every finger and then her toes. Peyton lifted Brianna's shirt slightly and checked her belly button, comparing it to her own. The baby girl continuously smiled at her siblings as she looked from face to face, occasionally releasing a cooing sound as they spoke to her.
…..
Jack had left for the barn a few hours ago, and Elizabeth peered out the front window to see if he was working with a horse. Seeing no sign of him, she went to the living room, where Charlotte was holding Brianna.
"Mom, can you watch the kids for a few minutes?" Elizabeth asked as she dried her hands.
"Of course, dear," she replied. Charlotte moved her granddaughter to her shoulder and patted the baby's back. "Take your time. We're good here."
"I won't be long," Elizabeth said, then returned to the kitchen to put the towel away.
She stepped onto the front lawn and breathed in the scent of freshly cut grass that Jack had mowed that morning. As she passed her rose bushes, she stopped and picked one of the fully opened blooms. Elizabeth held it to her nose and breathed in the fragrance as she continued to the barn.
It had been a week since Buck had been put down. Jack seemed to be doing fine with it on the outside, but Elizabeth knew it was tearing him up on the inside. He probably would have put the horse down sooner when he knew the pain meds weren't helping any longer, but the tie to his father continuously pulled him away from the decision.
Elizabeth walked through the barn to the old gelding's stall. She had noticed the last time she'd been there that Jack hadn't cleaned the stall. As she looked over the door, she saw a clean pile of sawdust in the middle of the freshly cleaned stall. She began to step back but noticed a discolored rectangle on the wood of the door where Buck's nameplate used to hang. Jack had removed it.
Elizabeth heard a noise from the tack room and walked in that direction. The door was open, and she stepped inside, finding Jack hanging Buck's halter on a newly hung hook. His nameplate was mounted on the wall above the hook, and Jack stepped back to admire his handy work.
"It's perfect," Elizabeth said as she crossed the room to her husband.
"You think so?" he asked as he put his arm behind her.
They stood and looked at the mini shrine Jack had made for his beloved horse as Jack thought back over the past twenty-five years he'd had with the gelding.
"I saw you cleaned his stall out," Elizabeth said as she laid her hand on his chest and her head on his shoulder.
"Yeah. I figured it was time," Jack replied.
"How are you doing?" Elizabeth stepped out and turned to face her husband.
"I'm okay. I think it was a little therapeutic doing this and getting his stall cleaned. It was the final step to saying goodbye to him."
"Lee could have done that for you."
Jack shook his head. "No. That was my job, and I needed to do it."
"Okay," Elizabeth said, then stretched and tenderly kissed her husband. "Are you going to be out here much longer?"
"Yes, I need to work with Jim Franklin's mare. He needs her ready by the end of the month."
"Okay. Where's Lee today?"
"He was here earlier but had to run home to help Rosie with something. He's coming back shortly to work with Troy Benson's gelding."
"You two keep so busy out here," Elizabeth said with a smile as she put her arms around Jack's waist.
"Yes, and they just keep coming. It seems like every time we send one horse out, two more come in."
"Well, that's a good problem, isn't it?"
"Yes, if I had more hours in the day. Or another trainer."
"Too bad Savannah wasn't older."
Jack chuckled. "Yes, she'd be perfect for helping out. But she isn't ready for the caliber of horses coming in. I might have to find someone to help this summer."
"I know you'll figure it out."
"Well, I guess I better get busy. I'll be in before supper."
"Okay. Be careful," Elizabeth stated and kissed him again.
"Always am," Jack answered with a grin.
…..
June 30th, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Another week had gone by, and Jack and Lee's days were filled with horse training. Another local rodeo also passed, bringing everyone up in their standings. With Cisco's leg healed and back to 100%, Jack and Lee competed and took home another first-place win. Luke's confidence was back, and he placed second, and Dakota had a much better ride and landed in fourth. Rosemary and Savannah remained at the top of their game, each taking home first-place buckles again.
Jack and Lee finished both horses that had to go out that month, and they stood in the drive after loading Troy Benson's gelding. They watched as the truck and trailer left, then headed back into the barn to grab two more horses to work.
Rosemary sat at the kitchen island and listened as Elizabeth spoke on the phone. Charlotte and Frank had stopped by the shelter to pick up Sarah that Sunday, but she wasn't there, and they hadn't heard from her all week.
"What do you mean she left? Where did she go?" Elizabeth asked as she paced back and forth. "What? How can that be? But I thought...yes, ma'am. I understand. Thank you for the information." Elizabeth ended the call and set her phone on the counter. "Sarah's gone."
"What do you mean she's gone? Just at the moment, right?"
"No. As in, she packed up her things, and they haven't seen her since last Friday."
"Do they know where she went?"
"They have no idea. The woman said a guy in a blue truck picked her up."
"You don't think she...she wouldn't have done that, would she?" Rosemary asked.
"I hope not, Rosie. We need to find her and make sure she's safe."
"And how do we do that? Do you know where he lives? If that's who she's with."
"No," Elizabeth answered, feeling defeated.
"Maybe Jack or Lee will have an idea of how to find her, Liz."
"I hope so." Elizabeth walked to the bassinet to check on Brianna and found her still asleep. "Well, want to get busy on these cookies?"
"Tell me where to start," Rosemary asked and stood.
…..
Stetson was in the highchair, smacking his hands against the tray as Rosemary fed him another bite of apricot baby food. He squealed after each bite, waiting for the next.
"That boy loves his food," Elizabeth said with a laugh.
"That he does," Rosie agreed. "He is so much like Lee."
"I bet Lee loves that."
"You have no idea. He loves his daughters, but he was so excited about finally having a son. You two were lucky, getting one of each from the get-go."
Elizabeth laughed and nodded. "Yes, we have been very blessed."
The front door opened, and Jack and Lee came in, talking about some training method they had just tried.
"Hello, beautiful ladies," Lee stated as he crossed the room to Rosemary.
"Hi, Lee. How'd it go?" Elizabeth asked.
"Perfectly. These next two are going to be easy," Lee answered.
Jack stepped in behind Elizabeth and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Hello, Beautiful."
"Hey, Cowboy," Elizabeth replied and laid her hand on his cheek. "Hey," she said, turning around, "what did that guy drive...the one from the bar?"
"The one Jack decked?" Lee asked as he swung his fist through the air.
"Yes, Lee, the one Jack decked."
"Ummm...a blue truck, I think. Why?" Jack asked.
Elizabeth and Rosemary looked at each other, eyes wide and filled with worry.
"What's going on?" Lee questioned.
"Sarah has left the shelter and drove away with a guy in a blue truck."
"What?!" Jack asked. "How could...why...what was she thinking?"
"I don't know, Jack," Elizabeth said. "But we need to find her before he beats her again...or worse."
"I don't even know his name...other than Steven. Did you get his last name?" Jack asked.
"No," Elizabeth replied. "What do we do?"
"I don't know what we can do," Lee stated. "We have no idea where he lives."
"I have a feeling that guy has plans for her, plans that could land her in the hospital. Maybe Sam can check the records daily to see if Sarah has been admitted."
"Oh, my gosh. This is so awful," Elizabeth exclaimed.
Jack wrapped her in a hug and kissed her forehead. "We'll find her, Beth."
"That's right, Liz. We'll keep looking until we do," Rosemary assured her friend.
After a phone call to Sam, the hospitals, the shelter, and the police, Rosemary and Elizabeth started supper while Jack and Lee entertained the kids with a game of pool.
…..
July 1st, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Early Wednesday morning, Elizabeth's phone rang, and Sam's name appeared on the screen. Elizabeth ran across the room, picked it up, and pressed the green button.
"Hey, Sam. How are you?"
"Beth, she's here."
"Who?"
"Sarah. She came in overnight. It's bad, Beth."
"What? Is she...?"
"She's alive, but barely. He really worked her over."
"Can I come to see her?"
"She's going into surgery, and then she'll be in the ICU. No one will be able to visit her for a while."
"Surgery?"
"Her arm is shattered, and she's in surgery to repair it. She's also got a head injury. Beth, she's not conscious."
"How could she go back to him? It just doesn't make any sense."
"I don't know, but it happens all the time. I'll keep you posted as I can. But, Beth, I'm not supposed to be telling you about her condition, so if you come here..."
"I know, Sam. I won't say anything. Thank you."
Elizabeth turned and sat down hard on the bed. She laid her head in her hands and began to pray. When she finished, Elizabeth called Charlotte with the news.
"Hey, there, baby," Jack said as he walked into the room. When he saw her face, he asked, "What is it?"
"Sarah. She just came into the hospital."
Elizabeth told Jack everything Sam had said and watched anger flash in his eyes.
"That man is going to get a taste of his own medicine," Jack said with clenched fists.
"Jack, no. You can't. Let the police take care of him."
"They better, or I will."
Elizabeth stood and crossed the room. "I know you want to, and I love that you want to stand up for those who can't. But you can't risk your own life or freedom."
Jack released a hard sigh. "I know. You're right. It just makes me so mad that a man can do that to a woman." Jack looked at Elizabeth, thinking back to her own attack.
"Thank you," Elizabeth said in a quiet voice.
"For what?"
Elizabeth took a step closer and put her arms around her husband. "For being the kind of man that fights for a woman, not with one."
Jack moved his hands into Elizabeth's hair and kissed her. "It's the only way it should be, Beautiful."
…..
University Hospital
"Any news?" Charlotte asked her daughter-in-law.
"She's out of surgery and in the ICU. They were able to repair her arm, but she's in a coma. She has three cracked ribs, a bruised lung, an orbital fracture, concussion...and that's not even all of it. There are signs of rape, too."
"How can a man do that?" Lee asked, shaking his head.
"He needs to be locked up," Jack added.
"The police want to be notified as soon as she wakes up so they can interview her. I told them about the incident at the bar. They said they knew him, and Sarah isn't the first woman he's sent to the hospital, but none of them would press charges or admit what he'd done."
"I have never understood why a woman would purposely go back to someone that hurts her," Jack said as he sunk into the waiting room chair.
"Because it's all they know, and they don't feel they deserve better. And the man is usually very good at convincing her that he truly loves her and he's changed," Sam answered. "At least that's what some have told me when they have come through here."
"It just doesn't make sense," Lee said and sat beside Jack.
Sam returned to work while the Thorntons waited for any updates. After a short while, the kids began to get restless, so Jack and Lee took them home so Elizabeth and Rosemary could stay in case Sarah woke. After two more hours of no changes, Charlotte, Frank, Elizabeth, and Rosemary decided to call it a day. They said their goodbyes to Sam, and she promised to notify them of any updates.
…..
"I'm not going up to the rodeo this weekend," Jack told Elizabeth as he pulled his pantleg over his boot.
"No, Jack. Go and have fun. I'll stay home in case Sarah wakes up."
"I don't know. I think I should stay home for you," he said as he walked to her and rubbed her arms.
"Jack, I'll be fine."
"It's just a rodeo."
"Jack, Lee can't compete without you, and Savannah and Luke love having you there to support them. Please, just go and have fun. I'll let you know if anything changes."
Jack released a hard breath and looked down at his wife. "Are you sure? What if he shows up at the hospital."
"The police have a guard outside her room."
"Fine. But I'm coming home as soon as Rosie and Savannah are finished with their event."
"Okay," Elizabeth said with a smile. She stretched onto her toes and kissed him.
"I've never competed without you there since before we were married. You're my good luck charm."
"Cowboy, you don't need luck. You're very good at what you do," she said as she hooked her arms behind him, drawing him into her.
"Oh," he said with a start. "Are we still talking about team roping?"
"That...and a few other things," she added with a smirk.
Jack wiggled his eyebrows and moved his hands to her cheeks. "Good to know," he remarked before kissing her hard.
"Daddy! Daddy!" Peyton shouted as she ran into the room. She began tugging on his jeans until her parents separated. "Daddy."
"Yes, Peyton?" Jack asked with a chuckle.
"Umm, something broke."
Jack knelt in front of his daughter and held her arms. "What broke."
"Umm...my bed."
"And, how did your bed break?"
"Umm...I jumped."
"You jumped?"
"Yes, Daddy."
Jack looked up at his wife, who grinned and shrugged her shoulders. Looking back at his daughter, he asked, "You jumped on your bed and broke it?"
"No," she answered with tearful eyes. "Yes," she admitted, barely audible.
Jack let out a sigh and stood. He held his hand out and waited for his daughter to place hers in it. "Let's go see what we can do about it."
"Okay," she said and walked to her room with her daddy.
…..
"Everything okay?" Elizabeth asked. She had just nursed Brianna and moved the baby to her shoulder.
"Yes. The frame just came loose. It's back together, and our daughter will no longer jump on her bed."
Elizabeth chuckled and laid Brianna on the bed beside her. "That's good."
Jack lay on the bed, his daughter between them, and held her hand. Brianna wrapped her fingers around one of his, and he felt a lump catch in his throat.
"If anyone ever hurts one of these girls...," he started but was unable to finish.
"Don't think about that," Elizabeth said as she laid her hand on his arm. "You'll drive yourself crazy if you do."
"Hard not to under the circumstances," Jack stated, not taking his eyes off his daughter.
Most of the afternoon was spent in family time before Jack had to leave. One movie, three games, and two stories later, it was time for Jack to begin loading the trailer. Elizabeth helped by stocking the fridge and hanging his clothes in the small closet. Getting an idea, she ran into the house, then returned to the trailer a few minutes later and climbed onto the bed. After shoving something under Jack's pillow, she checked to ensure he had everything he needed before returning to the house.
Elizabeth and the kids waited on the porch, watching Jack load Maverick into the trailer. With the horse secured, Jack joined his family for their goodbyes.
"Take Wyatt with you," Elizabeth said. "He'll keep you company at night."
"As sweet as that is, he's not the kind of company I will be missing," Jack said as he moved his arms around her. "Besides, I'd feel much better knowing he was at home with you and the kids."
Wyatt moved in between Peyton and Colton and sat down as if he'd understood Jack's request.
"Well, I guess he's staying," Elizabeth said with a small laugh.
Jack knelt and began telling the kids goodbye when he saw the faces of the boys. He looked up at Elizabeth, and she nodded her head. "Jackson, Colton, how would you two like to join me this weekend?"
"Yes!" the boys shouted, then proceeded to run to their rooms to pack a bag. Laughing, Jack stood and picked up Peyton. "Are you going to be okay here with Mommy?"
"Of course, Daddy. I'm Mommy's helper."
"Yes, you are. And a very good one, too. But...what are you not going to do?"
"Jump on my bed."
"That's right. I love you, Pey Pey."
"I love you, too, Daddy," she replied and patted his cheeks. "Your whiskers tickle."
"Do they?" he asked, then rubbed his face on her cheek.
"Stop, Daddy! Stop!" Peyton said as she laughed and wiggled in Jack's arms.
"I'll miss you. Take good care of your mommy and baby sister."
"I will, Daddy. I miss you," she said as she tightly wrapped her arms around his neck. "Bye-bye."
He set Peyton down and watched as she ran into the house. "Are you sure you'll be alright here alone?" Jack asked as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "I can cancel."
"You'll do no such thing," Elizabeth stated. "Go and have fun with the boys. Make a guys' weekend out of it."
"Hmm, that actually sounds like a great idea. Then sometime I'll take Peyton out and have a daddy-daughter day with her."
"She would love that."
Elizabeth wrapped her arms around his neck in a lingering hug. "I'll miss you," she said softly in his ear."
"I'll call you as soon as we arrive. It should be a three-hour drive. We'll be home late Sunday. Please, let me know if you need me to come home, and I'll head back immediately."
"I will. But we'll be just fine. Have fun with the boys, and good luck with your events. Let me know how mutton busting goes. Oh, and send me pictures."
"Of course," Jack said. He cupped her face with his hands and kissed her as if they'd already been apart for days. "I hate being away from you."
"Me, too. But you'll be back before we know it."
"I'll miss you so much," Jack sighed. "Are you sure you're good with chores? Walker said he'd gladly come out and do them."
"He'll be busy at Tom's and your mom's. If I need anything, I'll call him."
"Okay."
"Peyton will help me," Elizabeth said with a grin.
The boys ran out of the house, their bags in hand, and tossed them into the trailer. Jackson carefully spread his chaps on the couch to ensure their safe travel. Once Jack had them buckled safely in the back seat, and Elizabeth kissed them goodbye, Jack returned to his wife.
"Goodbye, Beautiful."
"Goodbye, Cowboy." Elizabeth reached up, removed Jack's white straw cowboy hat, and then kissed him again. "Your girls will be here waiting," she added, then replaced his hat to his head.
"I'll talk to you tonight."
"Okay. Drive safe."
"Always," he said with a grin.
…..
"How was the drive?"
"It was great. The boys sang for an hour straight. Then they watched a movie on the DVD player. I'm so glad the truck came with that. It's perfect for these long trips."
"Good. I'm glad you made it. Did everyone else make it okay?"
"Yes, they were already set up when I got here. Ma is feeling bad for you staying home alone."
"Well, you tell her not to. She needs to be there to support her grandchildren. Besides, the girls and I are just fine. We had facials tonight."
"Oh, really?" Jack asked with a laugh. "Brianna, too?"
"Well, no. Just me and Pey."
"Are the girls in bed?"
"Yes. The boys?"
"They are actually having a little campout in a small tent between the trailers with Austin and Luke."
"I bet they are enjoying that."
"They were so excited; I doubt they get any sleep tonight."
"Are you in bed?" Elizabeth asked.
"Not yet. But getting ready to. You?"
"Just getting in now."
Elizabeth pulled the covers back and slid in beneath them. She curled up on her side and laid the phone on her ear. Jack stepped up onto his bed, moved the covers down, and maneuvered his long frame beneath them. He moved his pillow and, spotting something pink, pulled it out.
"Beth, did you hide one of your shirts in here? And with your perfume on it?" he asked as he pressed it to his nose.
Elizabeth could hear him breathe in the fragrance, and a smile spread across her lips. "Yes. I thought it might help you sleep."
"I don't know about that. I need the warmth of your body beside me," Jack said, keeping her shirt by his face. "Check under my pillow."
Elizabeth lifted his pillow and found one of his white t-shirts. She picked it up and held it to her face. The deep scent of his cologne filled her senses, and she closed her eyes as she breathed it in.
"Great minds...right?" Jack asked
"I guess," she giggled. "Thank you for this."
"You're welcome. And thank you."
Elizabeth reached for his pillow and pulled it alongside her. She draped his shirt over it and held it close. "I miss you. This bed is very lonely without you."
"So is this one." Jack heard Elizabeth yawn, and the sound caused Jack to join her. "You need to go to sleep."
"So do you."
"Put the phone on speaker and lay it on the pillow that I know you moved beside you," Jack said with a grin.
Elizabeth turned the speaker phone on, laid it down, and pulled the pillow closer. Jack did the same and smelled her shirt one more time.
"Good night, Beautiful."
"Good night, Cowboy."
Wyatt woke and stared at the phone, cocking his head back and forth at the sound of his owner's voice emanating from the pillow. Jack heard Elizabeth giggle and asked what was funny.
"Wyatt. He can't figure out where you are."
"Hey, Boy. Are you taking good care of momma?"
Wyatt stood, moved to the phone, and stared at it, moving his head back and forth again. After a small gruff, the dog rested his head on Jack's shirt.
"I think he misses you, too," Elizabeth said, then told Jack what the dog had done.
"I hate being away from you," Jack stated.
"Me, too. But we're fine, and you are having a special weekend with the boys. I hate that I'm missing everyone's events."
"We'll make sure we have videos for you to watch."
"Oh, good. I'd love that. Good night, Jack."
"Night, Beth."
Elizabeth closed her eyes and listened as Jack sang softly into the phone. Before she knew it, she'd drifted off to sleep and into a dreamland filled with adventures with her husband and children. Having heard his wife's breathing change and knowing she'd fallen asleep, Jack ended the call, pulled the pillow in close, and was soon sleeping as well.
…..
July 3rd, 2015 – Leon Rodeo, Iowa
"How's Beth and the girls?" Charlotte asked as she poured Jack a cup of coffee.
"They're good. I hate not being home with them."
"I know you do, son. But Beth is a strong woman."
"I know." Jack looked around the camp. "Have the boys come out yet?"
"No," Charlotte laughed. "I think it was well after 2 am before they finally settled down and went to sleep."
"I figured as much. Any word from Sam?"
"No. I know she worked another overnight, so she's probably getting off soon. Jack?"
"Hmm?"
"You're not planning on doing anything to that man, are you?"
"No, Ma. I wouldn't do that."
"Good. He deserves to spend the next decade or more in prison, but I don't want you in the cell beside him. I know that...certain memories have been drudged up."
Jack nodded and looked into his coffee cup. "I'm not going to lie and say it hasn't."
"And Beth?"
"It has for her, too. But, as you said, she's a strong woman. She's so focused on helping Sarah that she isn't thinking of herself."
"That's why you love her," Charlotte said.
"Yes, Ma. One of many reasons."
…..
"Hello?" Elizabeth said, out of breath from running to her phone.
"Hey. It's Sam. Sarah's awake."
"I'll be there shortly," Elizabeth said and hung up before Sam could reply.
After getting Brianna fed, burped, and changed, Elizabeth helped Peyton dress. She grabbed a box of granola bars and loaded the girls into the Yukon. As Elizabeth headed down the drive, she opened the granola bar wrapper, handed it to Peyton, and then pulled out her phone.
…..
"Thank you for coming," Elizabeth said to Faith as she got Peyton settled in the waiting room with a coloring book while Brianna slept in her car seat.
"It's no problem. I just hope Sarah will be okay."
Elizabeth knelt in front of her daughter and opened the box of crayons. "I'm going to go visit a friend. Faith is going to stay here with you until I get back."
"Okay, Mommy," Peyton replied as she picked up the light pink crayon.
"I'll be back soon," Elizabeth told Faith.
"Take your time, Liz. I can be here all day."
Elizabeth squeezed Faith's hand, then walked down the hall toward the ICU. Sam was standing at the entrance to Sarah's room, blocking Elizabeth from entering.
"Thanks for getting me in here," Elizabeth told her sister-in-law.
"Of course. Beth, she has no memory of what happened to her. She's on a high dose of pain meds, so she's a bit groggy and doesn't always make sense."
"Okay."
Sam stepped to the side, allowing Elizabeth through the door, and followed her. The sight of Sarah took Elizabeth's breath away. Sarah's arm was in a cast, she had tubes and wires protruding from her body, her black eye extended down her whole cheek, and there were ice packs strapped over both sides of her face to help keep the swelling down. A tube piped fresh oxygen into her nose, and as Elizabeth leaned over her to get a better look, she could see that Sarah's lip was split open and a tooth was snapped in half.
Elizabeth covered her mouth and tried to silence her gasp, but it was too late, and Sarah opened her eyes.
"Beth?" she asked, barely able to speak.
"Hi, Sarah."
Sarah looked around the room, then attempted to sit up.
"Stay still, Sarah," Sam said as she gently eased the woman back down. "Try not to move."
"Where am I?"
"You're in the hospital. Do you remember what happened yet?"
Sarah squinted her eyes and furrowed her brow before closing her eyes completely. She shook her head, then opened her eyes again.
"What's the last thing you remember?" Sam asked.
Swallowing hard against the dryness in her throat, Sarah answered, "I was at a shelter, I think."
"That's right, Sarah," Elizabeth said as she leaned over the woman. "But you left. Do you know why?"
Thinking hard, fragmented memories began to return. "Steve came to see me."
"Do you know what he wanted?" Sam asked.
"He told me that he loved me. He said he was so sorry for what he did and would never do it again. He said he was getting help to cope with his anger and wanted me back. He missed me."
"So you left the shelter to go back to Steve?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes. He loves me and wants to take care of me. Like Jack does for you."
"Sweetie, Steve isn't going to take care of you. He doesn't love you."
"But he said so. He was so sorry about what he'd done. He was crying so much."
"Do you know why you're here?" Sam asked the woman.
"No, was I in a car accident?"
"No, sweetie," Sam replied. "Someone attacked you."
Shaking her head in disbelief, Sarah protested. "No, no, Steve wouldn't allow that. He would have stopped them. Where's Steve? Is he okay?"
Sam sat on the edge of the bed and held Sarah's good hand in hers. "Sarah, someone beat you and left you for dead. You have a shattered arm, a fractured eye socket, concussion, fractured ribs, bruised lung, dislocated shoulder, and badly sprained wrist. A neighbor called the police when they heard you screaming. By the time they arrived, they found you lying unconscious on the living room floor, and Steve was gone."
Sarah continuously shook her head in disbelief as Sam explained her injuries. "No, no, no. That's not possible. That's not true."
"We wouldn't lie to you, Sarah. We're your friends."
"No! I barely know you. You're not my friends. You're trying to make me hate Steve."
"No, we're not," Elizabeth said as she sat on the other side of the bed. "We just want you to see the truth. We want you to be safe."
"But he loves me," she said once more.
"Sarah, this is not love. You've seen how a real man loves in Jack, Tom, Lee, and Frank. And the other guys at the bar," Elizabeth stated. "This," she motioned over Sarah's battered body, "is not love."
Sarah began to cry as she thought back to how Jack, Tom, Lee, and Frank treated and respected their wives. She remembered wanting that in her life, then Frank's sermon and Elizabeth's song came flooding back. As quickly as those memories flooded her mind, so did the night of the attack.
...
July 1st, 2015 – Steven's Apartment
Sarah removed the burnt pie from the oven and set it in the sink. Fear overtook her as she frantically opened windows and turned on fans to air out the room. She discarded the pie, and in every attempt to mask the smell of the charred crust, she was unable to. When Steve returned from the store with a six-pack in his hand, Sarah had multiple scented candles burning and scrubbed the counter with bleach to fill the air with the pungent smell.
"What the hell, Sarah? It smells awful in here. Don't you know you're not supposed to burn candles with different smells? And bleach? You know I hate bleach, you stupid bitch." Steve backhanded Sarah across the cheek, sending her falling to the floor.
"Steven, please. I'm sorry. I'll blow them out," she begged as she scrambled across the floor on her knees.
As she pulled herself up to blow out one of the candles, Steve grabbed her hair and jerked her off her feet once more.
"I'm sorry. A pie burned, and I was just trying to..."
"You burned a pie? Can't you do anything right? What good are you anyway? You're worthless in the kitchen, and you're the worst lay I've ever had. I think I need to give you some lessons."
Standing over her, he drew his arm back and, with a closed fist, punched her as hard as he could in the eye. Sarah fell limp to the floor, briefly knocked unconscious, then came to as he struck her in the ribs with his steel-toe boot. The air was pushed from her lungs, leaving her begging for a breath, as an excruciating pain resonated through her arm as his foot came down on it hard. She opened her eyes just as Steve's fist was coming at her, nailing her square in the same eye as before. As Sarah began to slip into a darkness that only medical attention could pull her from, Steve moved over her and ripped her shirt open.
…..
July 3rd, 2015 – University Hospital
"Sarah? Are you alright?" Sam asked after seeing the numbers on the monitor jump.
"I remember. I remember what he did to me."
"Oh, Sarah, I'm so sorry," Elizabeth said.
"He beat me because I burned a pie. I tried to mask it by lighting different scented candles and cleaning with bleach. That was all. That's what set him off. Smells."
"You don't ever have to see him again," Elizabeth assured her. "Just talk to the police and tell them what he did. They have been waiting to talk to you."
"What? No. I can't talk to them. He said he'd kill me if I ever did."
"You'll have a safe place to go where he can't find you."
"No. I can't."
"Sarah," Sam started and held her hand tighter, "I know you're scared. And I would be, too. But you can put an end to this. If you don't do anything, he may do this to someone else, maybe even kill her."
Tears blurred Sarah's vision as she listened to Sam, knowing she was right, knowing that she hadn't been his first victim. She wondered if the last woman, or the one before, had reported him if it would have saved Sarah from all the horrific beatings she'd endured over the past three years.
"Okay," she finally agreed.
"I'll get the officer," Sam said and left the room.
After giving her statement, including every detail she could remember, and several prayers with Sam and Elizabeth, Sarah fell asleep. Sam's shift had ended shortly before Elizabeth arrived, so she headed home to get a bite to eat and rest before her next shift began. Elizabeth gathered her daughters, said farewell to Faith, and returned to fix them lunch. While Peyton and Brianna were down for an afternoon nap, Elizabeth called Jack to update him and see how their day was going.
Jack and Lee were currently in second, and Luke was in third. Dakota had fallen off in the first two seconds, and barrel racing hadn't begun yet. Having been unable to sleep well without Jack there, Elizabeth decided to take a quick nap while the girls were sleeping. Two hours later, Elizabeth woke to Peyton sitting on the floor beside the bed, coloring in her princess book, and Wyatt asleep beside her. Elizabeth peeked over the edge of the bed and watched Peyton as the little girl sang in whispered tones to the dog beside her.
"How are you doing, sweetie?" Elizabeth asked softly.
"Hi, Mommy. I'm colorin' and singin'."
"I see that. You're doing a beautiful job."
"You were sleeping, and I didn't want to wake you up. Did I do good?"
"Yes, baby. You did it perfectly. Thank you."
"Are we going back to the hosipal today?"
"Not today. Aunt Sam has to work tonight and will call me and let me know how my friend is doing. Tomorrow, Faith will come here and watch you so I can visit Sarah."
"Okay, Peyton answered with a smile. "We play piano tonight?"
"We sure can. Are you going to help me feed the horses again?"
"Yes, I'm Mommy's good helper."
"You sure are. Let's get you in the tub. You didn't get your bath this morning."
"Okay," Peyton exclaimed and scrambled to her feet. By the time Elizabeth went to the bathroom to start the water, Peyton had already undressed and waited for her bath.
…..
July 5th, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Due to John, Frank's associate pastor, having out-of-town plans over the weekend and unable to fill in on Sunday, Frank and Charlotte returned home the evening prior. Sarah had been released late the day before, and Elizabeth insisted on taking her home. Sam also spent the evening with Elizabeth at Jack's request because Steven had not yet been found.
Elizabeth made up a small bed in the corner of her room for Peyton, and Sarah was put in Peyton's room for the night. With Nitro and Wyatt both on duty, no one would dare step foot through their door.
First thing in the morning, before anyone else was even awake, Elizabeth heard her phone vibrate from a call. She eased out of bed, grabbed her phone, and hurried down the stairs.
"Good morning, Cowboy," she answered as she sunk onto the couch.
"I can't tell you how good it is to hear your voice. I haven't been able to sleep all night. I really wish you had let me come home last night."
"Jack, you're three hours away, plus time to break camp and load up. The house is a fortress when it's locked up, and Nitro and Wyatt were both with us."
"I know, but it didn't ease my stress any."
"I just couldn't take her back to that shelter until they found him. The police chief followed us home and ensured we weren't followed."
"Oh, that's good. How's she doing?"
"She's scared but much better. She's on some powerful pain meds, so it's good that Sam was here to help with her."
"How are you?"
"I'm fine, Jack."
"I just worry about..."
After a painful silence, Elizabeth said, "I know. And I won't say I haven't thought about it. But I'm okay. Really."
"Okay. I love you."
"I love you, too. How's everyone's placings going into the final day?"
"Lee and I are hanging on in third, so we compete today. Luke is out; he missed his last calf. Dakota is out; he wasn't able to make eight seconds all weekend. Savannah is in fifth, and Rosemary is in second. They will both compete today as well."
"Wow, sounds like you guys are having a great weekend. I'm really sorry I'm missing it."
"Don't be. You're where you need to be."
"Thank you for being so understanding."
"Oh, course, there's no other way to be."
"How are the boys?"
"Missing you, but good. They've done mutton busting both days and want to again today."
"Oh, good. I'm glad they went. I know they both fell off the first day. What about yesterday?"
"Jackson rode, but Colton came off right away."
"Did they stay in the tent last night?"
"No, I made them stay in the trailer. They were getting a bit cranky late yesterday due to lack of sleep, so they stayed with me."
"Good idea. I'm sure they had fun with that, too."
"They were both out like a light," Jack laughed.
"When do you think you'll be home?"
"Probably after midnight. We'll be loaded and ready to go except for the horses. We'll head out as soon as Rosie and Savannah are done."
"Okay. Do you have the door key?"
"Yes, so please, lock up. Will Sarah be there tonight?"
"If they catch Steven, we're taking her back to the shelter. If not, she'll stay here or at your mom's."
"Okay." Jack went silent for a brief moment, then added, "I can't wait to get home. I have a tough time sleeping without you."
"Me, too. It was a little better last night, but still not the same."
"Really? How was last night better?" Jack asked, shocked at her answer under the circumstances.
"Sam stayed with me, Peyton was in our room, and Wyatt and Nitro were both on the bed."
"Oh, so you had all kinds of company."
"Yeah," she answered with a giggle. Elizabeth could hear Brianna start to fuss, and she got up and headed for the stairs. "I need to get Brianna before she wakes everyone up. Can I call you later?"
"Yes, please do. I love you."
"I love you, too, Cowboy."
Elizabeth had her daughter in her arms and was walking down the stairs when she heard a noise outside. Freezing on the middle step, she was afraid to move and slowly lowered until she was sitting. Her eyes scanned the windows, moving from one to the other, looking for any movement. Hearing the noise again, Elizabeth stood and ran up the stairs and into the bedroom. She gently shook Sam's shoulder until her sister-in-law woke.
"What is it?" Sam asked, bolting up in bed.
"I heard a noise outside. I think someone is out there."
Sam grabbed her phone and started to the stairs. Elizabeth noticed that the movement had put Brianna back to sleep, so Elizabeth laid her in bed before joining Sam. Wyatt and Nitro were by their sides, and feeding off their nervousness, Wyatt had a low growl.
The women crouched on the stairs and waited. Not hearing anything, they started to move down the stairs, keeping low so as not to be seen. Wyatt was next to Elizabeth, constantly touching her, his low growl vibrating through his throat.
Just as they reached the bottom step, there was a noise near their back door.
"Where's Jack's gun?" Sam asked.
"What?"
"Jack's gun...where is it?"
"Umm, it's downstairs in the gun safe."
"Darn it," Sam said as she moved off the step. "Do you know the combination?"
"Yes, I think so. I've never actually opened it before."
"Go get it."
"What?"
Sam turned around and placed her hands on Elizabeth's shoulders. "I know you don't like guns, but now is not the time. Now is the time to protect our family. Do you understand me?"
Elizabeth nodded.
"Now, I don't want to use it. It is an absolute last resort. But, if it comes down to him or us, it's going to be him."
Elizabeth thought of her children and nodded again. "Okay."
The noise was against the backdoor now, and Elizabeth rushed down the stairs. Sam remained low and made her way around the island. The sun was just beginning to come up, and began to give away her location to anyone that might look in a window. Elizabeth returned with Jack's shotgun in hand. She gave it to Sam, and Sam checked to be sure it was loaded.
Something banged against the house at the back door, and Sam and Elizabeth both jumped.
"Stay here," Sam said and pushed Elizabeth back. She pressed against the fridge and made her way around the corner toward the door. Not feeling comfortable about Sam being alone, Elizabeth slowly crossed the room and peered around the wall.
Sam slid her fingers behind the blinds, pulled them away from the glass, and peered through the window. Elizabeth could see her look left, right, then down, then Sam dropped her hand, stepped back, and took a huge breath.
"It's a raccoon," she said, then opened the door and chased it away. She picked up a can and carried it inside. He was trying to get the last of the food out of this," she said as she held it up. After tossing it in the trash, she handed the gun to Elizabeth. "You can put that away now. And you can breathe now," Sam added, seeing that Elizabeth was still holding her breath.
Letting out a rush of air, Elizabeth's shoulders relaxed, and her heart slowly began to return to normal speed. She laid the gun on the counter, bent over, rested her hands on her knees, and started laughing. The flood of relief that flowed through her turned into uncontrollable giggles.
Sam, confused at first, joined. The pair laughed until they cried and then laughed some more.
"Oh my, that felt good," Elizabeth said as she wiped her cheeks. She picked up the gun and started for the basement stairs. "I'll get Brianna after I lock this up."
"Okay, Sis. I'll get the coffee started so that we can get ready for church."
…..
"Hi, Cowboy."
"Hello, Beautiful. Sorry I missed your call. I didn't hear my phone ringing over all the cheers."
"Oh? Cheers for who?"
"Savannah. She took first place in the youth barrels."
"That's wonderful," Elizabeth exclaimed. "I'm so proud of her."
"We all are. I'm actually a little surprised she did so well. She had a bit of a scare just before riding."
"What happened?"
"A truck backfired and scared Cash. Since Savannah didn't hear it, she wasn't prepared for him to jump, and he dumped her."
"Oh no. Is she okay?"
"Yes. She was shaken up initially, but Tom and Rosemary calmed her down."
"That must have been so scary for her. How did you guys do? And Rosemary?"
"Rosie hasn't gone yet. Lee and I did okay."
"Just okay? Where did you place?"
"First."
"First? And you only did okay? Jack, you're such a tease." Elizabeth lay on her bed and pulled her pillow beneath her head. "And mutton busting?"
"Oh, I can't wait to show you the video. Jackson and Colton tied for first. But Jackson got his high score for hanging on sideways. As soon as the ewe jumped out of the chute, he lost his balance and slipped off the side. But he tightened his legs, dug into the wool, and held on."
"Oh, how funny. I can't wait to see that."
"How's Sarah?"
"She's healing...physically. Emotional healing will take a while longer."
"Of course."
"Oh, they got a lead on Steven. He was spotted two counties over. He got into an altercation with a bartender, and the man recognized him from the local news report and called the police."
"That's wonderful, Beth. I hope they get that son of a...that guy soon. Did you have a good day since we talked this morning?"
"Well...Sam and I had kind of an...exciting morning."
"Why? What happened? Oh, hold on, Rosie's up."
Elizabeth listened while Jack watched their friend run her pattern. By the sound of the cheers, Elizabeth assumed that Rosemary did well.
"That just put her in second place," Jack said when he returned to the phone.
"Terrific. How many are left to run?"
"Only one, then we'll load the horses and get home. What were you saying about this morning?"
"Oh, nothing. I'll tell you all about it when you get home."
"Okay, Beth. I love you."
"Love you, Cowboy. I'll wait up for you."
…..
Jack lifted Colton onto his shoulder, then pulled Jackson from his booster seat and picked him up. He carried his sleeping sons up the front steps, fought with the key in the door, almost dropping the boys twice, then pushed it open and stepped inside. He pushed the door closed with his foot, then proceeded up the steps to the boys' room. Once they were tucked in, Jack returned to his truck and closed the door. The cabin light slowly dimmed, and Jack looked across the ranch to the barn.
As he started to turn back to the house, a dark figure caught his eye. Squinting against the darkness, Jack saw the shape of a man run from the driveway, through the line of trees, and toward the garage. Jack ducked behind the truck, pulled his phone from his pocket, and dialed 911.
He slipped between the back of the truck and the horse trailer, knelt to one knee, and kept his eyes locked on the front porch. Remembering that the door was unlocked, Jack's heart sank when he saw the man step onto the porch and look into a window.
With his eyes adjusted to the dark, Jack searched the man, trying to see any sign of a weapon. Jack knew he had the element of surprise on him, not knowing that Jack was out there, and he quietly moved to the front steps. As the man moved toward the front door, keeping his gaze through the windows as he shuffled, he didn't see Jack leap at him.
As soon as Jack had an arm around his neck, he knew immediately that it was Steve simply by his size. Jack was behind him, his arm constricting around the man's neck, cutting off his air supply. Just as Steven began to pass out, a police car turned down their drive and rushed to the house, their lights flashing red and blue. When they got out, Jack was sitting on the porch, Steven across his legs, keeping him in the choke hold.
"Mr. Thornton," one of the officers said as he shone a flashlight in Jack's face. "Mr. Thornton, you can let him go now."
Jack released his hold, and Steven slumped onto the porch. After checking the man's pulse, the officer placed the handcuffs on him, then pushed him off Jack's lap.
"Do you know who this man is?" the second officer asked.
"Yes. His name is Steven, and the police have been looking for him. He beat up his girlfriend and left her for dead. She's inside asleep." Jack got to his feet and brushed the dirt from his pants.
"And you just happened to be outside?"
"I'd been up at a rodeo in Leon, Iowa. I just got home and carried my kids inside. I came out to lock up my truck when I saw him run by."
"Sounds like you were fortunate tonight," the first one asked.
"The Lord was watching out for us." Jack looked down at the man that lay at his feet. "Please get this trash off my porch and lock him up."
"We sure will, Mr. Thornton. Please stop by the station tomorrow and complete a report?"
"Yes, Sir. Thank you," Jack said and tipped his hat.
Jack watched the two policemen load the unconscious man into the back seat and search him, and he remained on the porch until the car was on the highway and out of sight. As he turned the doorknob, Jack looked over his shoulder one last time to make certain no one else was there. He stepped inside, locked the door, and hurried upstairs to his bedroom.
Elizabeth was sprawled across the bed. She was in her leggings and one of Jack's shirts, with her white throw partially covering her. She was on her stomach, her head propped on her arms, and she was sound asleep. Jack was thankful that the activity outside hadn't woken his family, and he sat on the edge of the bed, gently brushing the hair from his wife's face.
"I love you so much, Beth," he whispered.
Jack showered and dressed for bed, and when he returned to the bedroom, Elizabeth was lying on her side and smiling at her husband.
"Hey there, sexy Cowboy."
"Hi, Beautiful." Jack laid down beside his wife and kissed her forehead.
His cool response was not what Elizabeth had expected, with Jack being away for four days. She sat up, reached over the bedside lamp, and turned it on.
"What's wrong."
"The police have Steve in custody."
"What? Really? How do you know?"
"Because they were just here and hauled him away."
"What are you talking about, Jack?"
Jack told Elizabeth all the details of the events that had just unfolded on their front porch. She felt her stomach begin to churn, and she covered her mouth, feeling as if she'd be sick.
"Jack, what if..."
Jack stopped her by pressing his finger to her lips "That is something we are not going to do. No what-ifs over this. It will drive us mad if we do. And personally, I don't want to think about them."
Elizabeth nodded in agreement, vowing never to bring it up again. But she was unable to stop them from playing scenes in her mind.
"I'm exhausted and just want to sleep...with you in my arms."
"Okay," Elizabeth said.
She laid down alongside Jack and rested her head on his chest. Jack put his arms around her and pulled her in close. He held on very tightly, like she might vanish if he didn't and lifted her chin with his finger. He pressed his lips to hers, kissing her hard, then pulled her even closer.
Elizabeth had trouble falling asleep that evening, her mind running wild with thoughts. What if he'd shown up a day sooner? What if Jack had already gone to bed? What if that had been him when Sam opened the door with the gun in her hand? A story that Elizabeth still needed to share with her husband. What if he'd harmed one of her kids? Or worse?
She closed her eyes and tried to stop the crazy thoughts inhibiting her sleep. Jack was in such a deep sleep that he'd even begun to snore quietly. Elizabeth knew he was exhausted before he'd even gotten home, then to have this happen compounded his fatigue. She focused on his rhythmic breathing, hoping it would squash her raging thoughts. She counted his breaths like one would count sheep, and somewhere around breath number sixty-eight, Elizabeth drifted off, only for her dreams to be plagued with the same "what ifs."
…..
July 6th, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch
Jack was pouring himself a cup of coffee in the kitchen when Sarah came up from the basement. When Elizabeth heard that Steve was three counties over, she felt safer about the situation and moved Sara to the guest room and Peyton back into her own.
Not realizing Jack was home, Sarah froze when she saw a man and began shaking in fear.
"Sarah, it's me. It's Jack," he said as he took a step back.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't know you were home."
"No, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."
"It's your house. You don't need to apologize."
Jack slowly stepped back to where his coffee cup sat. "Would you like some coffee?"
"I'd love some," Sarah replied as she sat down on a stool.
As Jack slid the cup across the island to Sarah, he looked into her eyes and saw the fear still living inside them. "I want you to know, they arrested Steve last night?"
Sarah lifted her gaze to Jack, stared at him, and swallowed hard against the lump in her throat. "What?"
"Yes. Steven has been arrested. He's locked up and can't hurt you anymore."
"How...how do you know this already?"
Jack didn't want to scare her, but he knew there could be a report on the news if the local station got wind of the events. So, Jack shared everything with her. When Jack finished the story, he stood quietly while she processed the news. After several minutes of silence, Sarah finally looked up at Jack.
"You mean he could have gotten in here and hurt the kids?"
Jack walked around the island, keeping an eye on her body language as he did, and sat beside her. "No, don't do that. He didn't get in here. He didn't hurt anyone else. God was with us, and I was right where He wanted me to be when Steve showed up. If my boys had been awake when I got home, they would have walked inside, and the truck would have been closed. But that's not what happened. I came out to close the doors, and that's when I saw a figure run across the yard. I wouldn't have been home in time if we'd stayed for the entire rodeo. If I'd blown a tire on the truck, I would have been late. If I hadn't come upon the accident near Chillicothe that slowed traffic down, I would have already been in the house. You never know when God is laying a roadblock in front of you to slow you down or detour you, so except each one as a blessing."
"So, was Steven my roadblock?" Sarah asked in a tearful tone.
"Only you can answer that." Jack reached for her hand, but Sarah instinctively pulled back. With an apologetic expression, she laid her hand back on her leg, and Jack took it in his. "You may not know the answer to that question today, tomorrow, or even next week. But I believe that with time, you will know. You have much more life to live and much more love to give. Let God show you who to give that to."
Sarah turned in her seat and laid her cast on the island. She rubbed her fingers and closed her eyes as a wave of pain rolled up her arm.
"Are you okay?" Jack asked, his voice filled with a concern that Sarah was not accustomed to hearing from a man.
"I need to take my pain meds. I think the other has worn off."
"Where are they? I'll get them for you."
Jack returned with her bottle and retrieved a glass of water for Sarah. He set them down in front of her and sat across the island. Having already opened the bottle for her, Jack watched as she dumped a pill onto the countertop, then he began to look at the lingering results of her injuries.
The white of her left eye was blood-filled, and the skin around it was a deep purple. The bruise continued down her cheek, proving she'd been punched in the eye more than once. The corner of her mouth, which had once been purple, was beginning to change into a greenish yellow. The split in the corner of her mouth had scabbed over and mostly healed. Bruises covered many parts of her body, some appearing older than others, a sign that the beating that landed her in the hospital hadn't been her only one during her short time back with him.
Jack could feel his anger begin to boil again, and he had to look away. Seeing this, Sarah pulled her sleeves down and turned her head away in an attempt to hide her bruises, embarrassed by allowing it to happen to her again.
"I'm sorry," Jack said when he saw her reaction.
"Why are you sorry?"
"Because some of us feel responsible when a man fails a woman or child. So, I am sorry that you never knew how you should be treated."
Jack and Sarah visited for a while longer, and the smile had returned to Sarah's eyes by the end of their conversation. Elizabeth had come down and overheard their discussion regarding Steve, and feeling that Sarah needed to hear certain things she knew Jack would say, Elizabeth returned to her bedroom and got her Bible out. Brianna woke, and Elizabeth lifted her from her bedside bassinet. Elizabeth's knees were bent, and her daughter was lying on her thighs as she spoke to her when Jack entered. He stopped in the doorway and watched while Elizabeth sang softly to their youngest child, and when she finished, Jack crossed the room to the bed.
"Hi, Beautiful."
"Did you have a nice talk with Sarah?"
"Yes, I sure did." Jack sat on the edge of the mattress and watched Brianna. "He really messed her up."
"Yes, he did. Does she know?"
"Yes, I told her everything."
"Okay, good."
"So, what was all the excitement you and Sam had the other day?"
Giggling, Elizabeth told Jack the story. His expression went from amused to worry to angst and ended with him lying back on the bed in laughter.
"I can just picture Sam going after that raccoon with the shotgun in hand," Jack chuckled.
"I will admit, it was quite the sight to see."
Elizabeth held her daughter's hands in hers, gently rocking them back and forth as she looked at her husband. Jack was wearing a T-shirt, and something on his arm caught her attention. Elizabeth reached over and pushed his sleeve up, revealing several deep scratches up his arm.
"What is this from?"
Jack sat up, raised his sleeve, and twisted his body to see the marks. "I guess they're from Steve. I didn't even notice them." Jack pulled his skin, inspecting the scratches.
"When you had him in a choke hold?" Elizabeth asked as a lump stopped in her throat.
"I assume so. I don't know how else I could have gotten these." Jack pulled his sleeve down and looked at his wife. "What's wrong?"
"It could have gone so wrong."
"No. He never stood a chance. He had no idea that I was outside, so I had the jump on him. I was never in any danger," Jack said, trying to reassure his wife. "I truly believe that, Beth. As soon as I got my arm around him, it was over. He had no way of getting out."
"What if he'd had a weapon."
"I checked his hands before I rushed him."
"In the dark?"
"Well, I checked them the best that I could. I had to protect my family, Beth."
Elizabeth leaned over and laid her hand on her husband's cheek. "I know. There were no other options for you, and I know that."
Jack took her hand and pressed the palm to his lips. He kissed it, then moved up the bed and sat beside her. Elizabeth moved Brianna from her lap to his, then slid off the bed.
"I have something for you," she said, then stepped into the closet.
"Beth, the kids are just down the hall playing," Jack teased.
Elizabeth stuck her head out the door and gave Jack a look. "Very funny, Cowboy," she said, then stepped back into the closet.
When Elizabeth returned with a large canvas in her hands, Jack was making funny faces at his daughter. "It was not easy to do with you home all the time, but I managed to sneak down to the studio now and then over the past couple of weeks and painted this for you." She lifted the canvas and slowly turned it around, revealing a stunning painting of a buckskin horse.
"Is that Buck?" Jack asked. He straightened his legs, keeping his daughter on his thighs, and reached for the painting.
"Yes, your mom gave me some old photos of him, and I came up with this."
Jack gripped the painting and tipped it one way, then the other, admiring every color and brush stroke. "This is amazing, Beth. Just amazing." He laid the painting to the side and held his hand out, "Come here."
Elizabeth crawled up the bed and sat beside him. Jack wrapped an arm behind her, keeping the other on his daughter, and pulled his wife close. He kissed her in a way to let Elizabeth know just how much he appreciated the painting, which was very much.
…..
July 11th, 2015 – Hope Meadows Ranch
A court date had been set for Steven. He was being charged with felony domestic violence, serious bodily injury, sexual assault, trespassing, fleeing from law enforcement, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Unbeknownst to Jack, the officer had searched Steven once he was in the patrol car and had found a handgun tucked in the man's boot. Steven was a felon with a past domestic abuse conviction and was not allowed to own a firearm.
The prosecuting attorney assigned to Sarah's case assured them Steven would be going to prison for a very long time. Being a repeat offender and a felon in possession of a gun left the man no options for a plea bargain.
With Steven locked up and bail denied, Sarah had been moved to an unknown shelter in a different part of the state until the court date when she would have to testify.
Jack was standing on the front porch when a patrol car pulled into the drive, and he walked down the steps to meet the man at the bottom. It was the same officer that had arrested Steve, and he stopped by to ask Jack a few more questions. He told Jack of finding the gun on Steve, and Jack's legs gave out as he fell onto the step behind him. Gripping onto the railing, he sat still for a moment, staring straight ahead at the black and white Dodge Charger parked in front of him.
"Mr. Thornton, as scary as that may be, it will help with the case. A lot. Steven was a convicted felon."
Jack's gaze returned to the officer, and he nodded, understanding what that information meant. Elizabeth had taken the news much worse than Jack and ended up on the floor in front of the toilet. Once he explained to her that a felon could not own or carry a firearm and it could possibly add a couple of decades to his prison term, she felt a slight relief and thanked God again for the situation ending as it did.
It took a few days for Elizabeth to shake the nauseating feeling of the other possible outcomes of that horrible night, and she continuously blamed herself for the terrible idea of bringing Sarah to their home. Jack repeatedly assured her that she could not have known that Steve had returned, and even Jack didn't think the man would find their house. They found out later that one of Steve's friends had seen Elizabeth walking out of the hospital and had followed her home.
They tried to return to life as usual, and plans had been made for Jack and Peyton's special day. Jack waited at the bottom of the stairs with a rose in his hand and dressed in his best boots, new Wranglers, and a new pink and black plaid Wrangler shirt that Elizabeth had found.
"I'm ready, Daddy!" Peyton shouted as she ran down the stairs. "Look at my pretty dress," she said as she twirled in a circle, showing off her pink ruffles, rosettes, and sequins.
"Well, aren't you the prettiest little thing I've ever seen," Jack said as he picked up his extremely excited daughter.
"You look handsome, Daddy. Like a prince from Cinderella."
"Wow, that handsome?" Jack asked with a grin.
"Is this flower for me?" she asked with eyes as wide as saucers.
"Of course. You're my girl, and my girls deserve flowers."
"You two have fun," Elizabeth said as she kissed her husband and daughter goodbye.
"Daddy-Daughter Day!" the little girl shouted. "We're gonna build a bear!"
"Yes, we are," Jack agreed and lowered Peyton to the floor. "What else."
"We're gonna eat ice cream and pick flowers and see a movie and eat popcorn."
"That sounds like a very busy day," Elizabeth said, giggling at her daughter's antics.
"Let's go, Pey Pey," Jack said as he opened the door.
Elizabeth held the door and waited to close it until Jack's truck was on the highway. Chuckling and smiling ear to ear, Elizabeth closed the door and went upstairs to find the boys.
"Are you two ready?"
"Yes!" Colton and Jackson shouted in unison and jumped to their feet.
They led the way down the stairs and to the kitchen, where Elizabeth had set out all the ingredients to make oatmeal raisin cookies.
…..
"This is fun, Daddy," Peyton said as she shoved a large spoonful of sprinkle-covered ice cream into her mouth. "Can we build a bear next?"
"Sure can," Jack replied, then took a bite of his ice cream concoction of chocolate chunks, peanuts, and caramel-filled turtles covered in hot fudge. Jack saw Peyton repeatedly wave at someone, so he looked around to see who it was. "Who are you waving to?"
"I don't know. Those women kept looking at us, so I waved at them to be nice."
Jack looked over his shoulder again, spotting a table of three young women staring in his direction and giggling. Jack rolled his eyes and returned his attention to his daughter. "So, are you ready to go build a bear?"
"Yes," she exclaimed and jumped up with her arms in the air.
With his daughter's hand in his, Jack led the way through the mall to the Build-A-Bear Workshop. Peyton's eyes widened again as they stepped inside, and she frantically scanned the store at all the options.
"They have more than bears," she said with her mouth open. "A horsey!" she shouted, then tugged on Jack's arm, dragging him through the store to a section with various horses. "There's so many."
Jack laughed as Peyton struggled to pick one. She narrowed it down to four but couldn't narrow it down anymore, so Jack let her have them all. She helped the workshop employee as he filled each one with the fluffy stuffing, then picked out four plastic hearts. Peyton pushed each one through the hole on the back and watched as the employee closed the stitching. They led her to a pretend wash station, where she bathed and brushed each horse. By the time they left the store, one horse was wearing a saddle, one had a tutu, one was dressed in a suit, and the fourth was a cheerleader.
With one in her arms and the rest in a bag that Jack carried, they made their way to the movie theater where they would watch the latest Disney movie, Inside Out.
…..
Jack ran Peyton into the house, made certain Elizabeth was home, then rushed to the barn to chore. When he returned, Elizabeth was in the kitchen, swaying her hips back and forth to the Danny Gokey song that played over the house system. He walked up behind her, grabbed her hand, and pulled her toward him. With her right hand in his left, Jack pushed her away, spinning her, then pulled her back in again. Elizabeth tipped her head back and laughed as she turned across the floor, then fell against Jack's chest as he held her and moved her through the room to the tempo of the song.
They danced, spun, and twirled as the music played on, then, as it ended, Jack dipped his wife and kissed her.
"What got into you?" Elizabeth asked as Jack brought her back to her feet.
"I don't know. It's been a good day, and I don't want it to end." Jack held her to his chest, held her hand in the air, and began dancing to the slow song that had just started to play.
"So, I see that Peyton found a horse...or four...at Build-A-Bear." Elizabeth looked up at Jack with a smirk.
"She was having a hard time deciding which one to get."
"So, you bought them all."
"You didn't see her face," Jack replied, sticking his bottom lip out.
"Oh, I can imagine how it all went down," Elizabeth giggled. "She was so happy when she got home. You really made her day. Thank you."
"No need for that. I had just as much fun as she did. I just might make it a monthly thing."
"Peyton would love that," Elizabeth said as she pressed her cheek to his shoulder.
Jack moved their hands to his chest and rested his head on hers as they slowly moved back and forth. Even when the song ended, they continued to dance to the beat of their hearts. After several minutes of living in their own private world, Jack moved his hands to Elizabeth's face, tipped it toward his, and covered her lips with his own.
…..
July 15th, 2015 – University Hospital
Sam was needed in the ER, and she ran through the hall, maneuvering around carts, patients in beds, and fellow nurses. As she reached ER room two, a crew was already waiting for the incoming patient.
"What do we have?" she asked, sliding her hands into a pair of blue gloves.
"A farming accident. A male in his fifties rolled a tractor and was trapped under it for an hour. Responders finally got it overturned, and he's five minutes out," a fellow nurse answered.
"Do we know his condition?" Sam questioned.
"He's been in and out of consciousness, complaining about his chest hurting. And they think he may have a fractured pelvis, among other things, I'm sure."
A commotion at the ER door alerted them that the man had arrived, and the team sprang into action as his bed was wheeled into the room. Vitals were called out as his clothes were cut off. Sam assessed his legs as another nurse checked his abdomen and arms.
"We have multiple breaks in the right leg," Sam called out. "And a possible fractured pelvis."
"Possible fractured wrist," another nurse exclaimed. "Severe bruising on the sternum."
The doctor began ordering a multitude of tests to be run on him, checking for any and every issue to help him properly. "X-ray, CT, CBC, Chem panel...," among several other tests.
The man was unconscious when he arrived, but he began to wake up and started fighting everyone who was trying to help him. He swung his arms around, pushing everyone away, and cried out in pain. Settling back down, he was out again.
"He's in shock," one of the nurses called out.
As his left hand fell to his side, something caught Sam's attention. Her gaze moved to the ring on the man's finger, causing Sam to freeze. It was a very distinct ring that she recognized, and Sam's heart stopped as her eyes slowly moved to the man's face.
Covering her mouth and with tears stinging her eyes and blurring her vision, she cried out, "Oh my God. Frank!"
