Chapter 17

The Recovery- part 2

Jack and Elizabeth walk out of the bedroom and head to the kitchen. Jack sees the table set with all the food on it and he asks, are we having company for lunch? I thought it was just us. About that time Charlotte and Tom step around the corner. Jack's eyes light up when he sees them. They all hug and then he sees her standing across the room with her hands behind her back. He lets go of his parents and makes his way across the room toward her. She steps aside and Jack sees him. Very carefully he knelt down and holds out his arms. Jarrick runs into them and holds on tight. Everyone watches the scene unfold in front of them. It was a joyous occasion to watch them! Jack kept telling his son how much he loved and missed him. They all had tears of joy steaming down their cheeks.

Jack stood trying to pick his son up with no prevail do to not having all his strength back yet. So he took him by the hand and led him to the couch to sit down. Jack asked all kind of questions. Jarrick trying to answer them all the best he could.

Then the big most dreaded question came. Daddy why have you been gone so long? They told me you were working but you've been gone a long time. Jack just looked at his son and swallowed real hard before he could speak. Well I was working. There was a big skiing accident up over Mt. Baldy. Jack didn't have the heart to tell his son that he almost died. Jarrick asked if everyone was okay? Jack just nodded. Everyone knew that Jack would know exactly what to tell his son. It wasn't their story to tell. Jarrick was happy with what his daddy had said.

Elizabeth asked, shall we eat now? Everyone got up and headed to the table. With Jack at the head of the table, Jarrick to his left and Elizabeth to his right, Charlotte next to Jarrick and Tom at the other end. Everyone joined hands and Elizabeth nods to Jack. He begins. Kind Heavenly Father we come before you today. We ask that you bless this food for the nourishments for our bodies. We thank you for all that you have done for us. We thank you for your loving and Devine protection that you have for us. We thank you for all that are going to do for us. Lord I want to thank you for bringing this new love into my life. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. He gives Elizabeth's hand a gentle squeeze and brings her hand to his lip and gives it a soft kiss. The dishes start to be past around. The conversation around the table was very casual and there was pure joy with everyone.

After all the dishes were washed and food put away everyone retired to the living room. With the fireplace going Elizabeth hands the remote to Jarrick. He flips through the channels until he found the cartoon channel. He sets the remote down, crawls up into his dad's lap. Elizabeth was sitting next to him. She reaches up and put her arm on Jarrick's leg and says, I love you little man! He says, I love you to! Jack wraps his free arm around her and pulls her in for a tight hug. She just smiles while he kisses her temple. Charlotte and Tom noticed the affection between the 3 of them excuses themselves and leaves.

In the car Charlotte squeezes Tom's hand as they drive home. She asks, do you think she will be our daughter in law soon? Tom replies, in my opinion I do but only the Lord knows what their future holds. I pray that she's the one but I only want His will be done. If He isn't in it then it will not work. Charlotte says, I truly believe that the Lord has his hand in this and in their lives. I pray He does, Char. I pray He does. As they pull up in their driveway Tommy is sitting on the porch with someone. They get out and walk up to the porch. Tommy stands up and introduces his parents to them. Mom this is William and Grace Thatcher . William, Grace this is Tom and Charlotte Thornton. The 2 couples shake hands. Tom opens the door and invite them into their home. Tommy takes their coats. Tom motions for them to sit and says, welcome to our home. The Thatchers says, thank you! William say, it's nice to finally meet you both. Lizzy has told us so much about you both that we feel as though we know you already! We hope we haven't inconvenience you in any way. We were just missing our honorary grandson, Jarrick. We were hoping to take him out for some lunch and ice cream. Charlotte says, it's nice to finally meet you all to. Elizabeth has told us a lot about you to. William speaks up and said, we are sure it wasn't all good in my part. Lizzy and didn't leave on good terms but I have come to respect her decision to move here. We know that God has his hands on her and it must have been Him that brought her here. She's always been so independent. Tom speaks up and says, it's not us to judge one another. But we all get 2nd chances and we have to take advantage of them. I'm sorry but Jarrick doesn't live here anymore. He's back where he belongs with his father. We carried him back at lunch. Matter of fact we just got back from there. It was the most joyous occasion reuniting those 2. This is the longest time they've been apart. Jack has never been away from his son. He always makes sure that he has to be away from him, he always tells him first. We thank God He spared Jack's life! They all sit around getting to know each other for several hours and enjoying time.

Back at Elizabeth's

Jarrick was enjoying spending time. He spoke up and asked, can I spend the night with you daddy? Elizabeth breaks in and say, Jarrick come here for a minute. Jarrick got up from where he was sitting and walks over to her. She puts her arms around him to pull him in to her and says, you don't have to go anywhere. You get to sleep in the front bedroom just like before. He gets excited and starts jumping around yelling whoohoo until Jack calls him down. He hugs both of them. Then he asked, where's grandpa and nana? Elizabeth says, they will be home later. Jack gets up slowly and motions for her to follow. She tells Jarrick that they will be right back, finish coloring in you book. He doesn't say anything but nods.

Elizabeth goes to find Jack, he's in the bedroom. She goes in and shuts the door behind her. Jack is staring out the window with tears in his eyes. She gently turns him to face her and asks, what is it Love? He noticed the term of endearment and smiles but he has concerns. How do we handle what just happened in there? Jack look at me. We handle and take it just one day at a time. As long as he's not asking questions then he is fine. When the question arises then we tell him that you've been sick and needed someone to take care of you which is not a lie. I don't want to start lying to him. I know he's not mine but I couldn't love him anymore! But he is your son so what ever you say goes. You will be here for a little over 5 more weeks so we will make the best of it. Nothing changes. Jack puts his hands on the sides of her face to draw her in. He says, how did I get so lucky? You are truly a God send. I love you so much Beth! You act just like a mother to him. I see the joy in you when he's around. I see the love you have when you talk to him. Beth I see it all. I truly love watching you 2 together.

They walk back out to Jarrick. Jarrick asks, can we go play with my train daddy? Jack replies, not today bud. I've been a little under the weather so maybe when I'm back to my old self. Okay? Sure daddy when you get better!

About that time William and Grace came through the door. As they were putting their coats in the closet Jarrick jumped up to go greet them grandpa and nana is here! They both hug him. Hello Jarrick how have you been doing? We've missed you so much! We went to your other grandparents to see you but they told us you were here. Jarrick says, yes sir and Ms Elizabeth says I don't have to go back to Pop and Grammy's. I get to stay here with daddy! That sounds like a winner, William said.

William looks at his watch. It's almost 5:00. Lizzy what do you want to do for dinner? She looks at Jack and asks, what do you think? What do you feel like eating? He shrugged his shoulders and says, what ever you want. We eat what ever. She says, how about Italian? He just nods. Ok. William says, Lizzy you order it and we'll go get it. She ordered for everyone and says, it will be about 20 minutes father. Elizabeth and Grace get up and start setting the table. Grace asks, where do you keep your wine glasses Lizzy? In the China Hutch, mother. Make sure to grab the mini one to, she said. What for her mother asked? It's Jarrick's! I have glass and mug of everything I have so Jarrick won't feel left out. That's real nice you do that for him. I want him included in all we do. She didn't see him come up behind her but Jack slid his arms around her and thank you! When did you get all of them? I ordered them back after Christmas! Mother set it just to Jack's left. Jack sits at the head of the table here on this end. Red wine is under the bar. Jarrick get grape juice and it's in the fridge.

Jack says, I'll be right back. Elizabeth reaches for the monitor and put her ear buds in. She clipped the monitor on her pocket. She listens to make sure he's ok. He still walks real slow. She hears a bump in the bedroom. She takes off running to the bedroom. When she opens the door she don't see him. She slings open the bathroom door. He sitting on the floor. Jack what happened? Are you hurt? He laughs and says, no. I just list my balance that's all. She reaches her handout to help him up. He pulls his self up. She tells him that he scared the mess out of her. He laughs and pulls her into him for a hug. Then he asks, how long after I left the room did you pick up the monitor? She replies, as soon as you started down the hall. He says, I see you used your ear buds this time. Didn't want everyone else hearing? She shakes her head no. I just worry about you, Jack. Does that thing hear everything? No just loud noises, she said. Good your father should back by now. Jack? You don't mind I listen out for you do you? No just as long as no one else does. But you know there will come a time when you won't need this thing, right? Yes, but until then I have it.

They came out of the bedroom and Jack noticed that Jarrick wasn't there. Where is Jarrick? Elizabeth says, I told father he could take him to go pick up our order. Is that ok? Yeah, I forgot about your parents are his honorary grandparents that's all, Jack said. He kissed her cheek.

About 10 minutes later William and Jarrick came through the door with dinner. Elizabeth and Grace took the bags to the kitchen. They transferred everything into bowls and set them on the table. Everyone took their seats. Jarrick looked at the mini glass in front of his plate. He looks around the table at everyone's glass. Elizabeth is watching him. You have juice and everyone else has wine. Jarrick was amazed! Jack just smiles. William takes notice of Jarrick's glass. He says, Gracie we need to be mindful of such things for when they come for a visit! Grace shakes her head and says, yes dear! Jack just shakes his head back and forth. Father did you get the cannoli? Yes I did, they were put in the bag. Mother did you see them? Yes, I put them under glass. Thanks mother. Elizabeth and Grace picked all the dishes up and carried them to the kitchen. Elizabeth got the dessert plates out and gave everyone a cannoli. Grace put the plates on a serving tray and brought it to the table. She past them to everyone. Jarrick leans over to Jack and asks, what is this? Jack tells him it is dessert and to try it once everyone gets back to the table. Okay? Yes sir, ha said. Elizabeth brought everyone coffee to everyone but Jarrick got hit chocolate in his mini coffee cup. Jarrick licks his lips. Grace and Elizabeth sit back down. Jarrick takes a bite of his cannoli and says, mmmmm! Elizabeth says, I see you like it uh! He just shakes his head up and down. He starts to put another bite in his mouth when Elizabeth gave him a look and shook her head back and forth. He stopped and finished chewing and swallowed what he had in his mouth before taking another bite. She shook her head up and down. Dinner was through and kitchen was cleaned up. Jack sent Jarrick to the bathroom to wash his face and hands. William asked Jack, what time does the boy go to bed? Jack looked at the Grandfather clock in the corner. It was just 6:30. He tells William not for 2 hours, why? William asks, can I take him out to play with his train for an hour or so? I know he'll need a bath before he goes to bed. Jack says, I suppose so if you don't mind? Mind? I throughly enjoy it! Jarrick came out and Jack asked him if he wanted to go play with grandpa for a bit? Can I please? Go on, Jack said. Jack gets up and goes and sits on the couch with Elizabeth. Grace excuses herself and goes to her bedroom.

Jack and Elizabeth cuddling together. He kisses the top of her head and says, I love you Beth. I'm so glad your parents are here. They have excepted Jarrick as one of them. But I think if given half a chance they would spoil him rotten! With a smile she shakes her head! She asks, would that be a bad thing as long it's in good taste? He replies, no not really. He's never had 2 sets of grandparents. My parents would never do anything that you don't want them to, she said. See my father even asked before he took him out to play. They are really respectful. I'm kinda jealous. They never played with us. But I'm really enjoying watching them with him! Jack says, I can't wait until I can play with him again. I really miss it. You'll be back to your old self in no time. Just be patient, she said. The doctor said it would take 6 weeks. Just enjoy the time you have. As you know it could've ended badly for that little boy out there. I know, he said.

Beth we need to talk about something. Is it bad, she asked? No, nothing like that. I just want to ask you where you see us going? Do you see a future with us? Jack, I've tried to convey how I feel about both of you! When I think of us I see forever! I'm hoping for a proposal if and when your ready! I know you thought you and Jenny was forever but the Lord changed that. For that I'm so sorry for you and Jarrick. I hate that Jarrick will never know his mother, her breath, her scent, her voice, and most of all her unconditional love. But with that being said, I love that little man as if he were my own! The feelings I have for you are so strong. You complete me. I can't get close enough to you. When I'm with you I want to climb up inside if you. So yes I see a future with you both. I truly want to be your wife and that little man's earthly mother! So now that I've spilt my soul to you, I be to know what you see for us Jack? Well I don't think I can top that. It's sounds like you have put a lot of thought into it. I do see us together forever. I see you as my wife one day. I saw how you handled Jarrick at the table tonight. He respects you so much. In a way you are his mother. If I was to have to pick a mother for him it would be you! I'm not ready to get down on one knee yet but I do know that that I don't want to lose you. I need you not just to take care of me. I feel the same about needing to be inside of you isn't close enough. When I think about what could've happened up on that mountain, Elizabeth stops him with her finger over his lips and says, please stop. I don't want to think about what could've happened. I'm just thankful that God spared your life. He just used my gut to do it. He can use me anytime as long as he brings you back to us. Beth I need to tell you how I feel. Okay, continue, she said. I don't remember to much after the chopper went down. All I remember is getting help and getting back here to you and Jarrick. When I got to the spot where I was found I couldn't go any further and I honestly thought I was going to die. I remember asking for you in the ER. Beth what I'm trying to say is you are my life! I do promise you this, I will be asking you to marry me. When I don't know but when the time is right! I pray you never give up on me. Jack look at me, I will never ever give up on you. You are my soulmate, my inner being. Without you my life has no meaning. Everything that needed to be said was said. They just sit curled up in front of the fireplace enjoying each other's presence.

William and Jarrick came back in after playing for 1 1/2 laughing. Jack asked, what is so funny son? He said while laughing, grandpa can't keep the train on the track unless it's going really slow! Elizabeth gets up, goes over and picks him up and tells him that grandpa has never had a train before so maybe you need to have a little patience with him. Now little man it's bath time! I got you something. She put him down and told him to go get his pjs and head to the bathroom. He did what he was told. Elizabeth goes to the guest bathroom and starts his water. She pulls out bath crayons and sets them in the little shelf on the side of the tub. Jarrick comes in and asks, what are those? She says, take your clothes off and get in the tub and I'll show you. He takes them off and gets in the tub. Elizabeth picks the crayons up and gets them wet. She draws on him, the walls of the shower. Jarrick laughs and says cool. She hands them to him and tells him they only go on these places. Nothing outside the tub. You got 30 minutes to play. Then I'll come back and wash your hair. Jack is standing in the doorway watching her with his son and thinks she's a great mother to him! She turns and sees him standing there watching. She says, what is it? He says, you are spoiling him. She replies, no I'm not. He has to have soap anyway! She turns back to Jarrick and says, remember 30 minutes and no water on the floor, keep it in the tub. Okay? He says, yes ma'am.

Jack kisses her cheek and says, I think I'll go lay down and hands her the monitor with a big dimple smile! She says, alright I'll join you when I get him in bed. She leaves Jarrick in the tub and goes to the living room with her father. She bends down and kisses his cheek. Thank you father for welcoming them to the family. She sits down on the couch next to him and leans on his shoulder. He puts his arm around her and says, it's my pleasure. I didn't know how wonderful being a grandfather was! I've been so worried about protecting you girls that I didn't want to let you grow up. For that I'm sorry Lizzy. Father I don't hold anything against you. I'm so pleased with the way you treat Jarrick and Jack. I hid them from you because I thought you would be very angry. But when I talked to you in the phone and your attitude changed was one the happiest days of my life. I knew then that I hadn't disappointed you! Lizzy you've never disappointed me. I've disappointed myself for acting like I did. If I had just listened to you that could've been avoided. So much time has been wasted but I promise it will never happen again. I love you so much and I see Jack makes you happy. I see it in both of you when you look at each other! He leans over and kisses the top of her head. He says , on that note I'm going to bed. Good night father I love you! Good night Lizzy I love you to! He walks away.

As she sits there watching the fire she thinks life couldn't be better! She listens to the monitor to make sure Jack is alright. She pushes the button on the side of the monitor and says, are you alright in there? He giggles and says, I could be better if I wasn't all alone in here! She pushes the button one more time and says, give me 20 minutes!

She gets up and goes to Jarrick. Okay little man it's time to wash your hair and get out. She sees al the soap drawings. Boy you're a good artist! She washed his hair, gets him out and wraps him in a towel. She dries him off real good. Gets him dressed. Takes him into his bedroom. Pulls back the covers for him to crawl in. She pulls his covers up. Jarrick reaches up for a hug. She pulls him to her and hugs him. She tells him that she loves him so much! He says he loves her to! She asks, ready to say your prayers? She holds the button in on the monitor. Ok, close your eyes. Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake. I pray the Lord my soul to take. God bless daddy, God bless Pop, God bless Grammy, God bless Grandpa, God bless Nana, God bless Uncle Tommy, and God bless Ms Elizabeth. God bless those that don't have a mommy or daddy. Amen. She tells him, great job, I'm very proud of you! Good night! We'll be right across the hall if you need us. She let go of the button. She gets up and goes to the door. He rolls over to go to sleep. She reaches up and shuts the light off before pulling the door to.

She walks into her bedroom. Jack is smiling. He pats the bed next to him for her to sit. She sits down and he takes her hands and pulls them up to his lips and kisses them. He says, you are a perfect mother. How did we get so lucky? She says, no I'm the lucky one! I have the 2 best men in my life and I get to call them mine! I love you 2 so much! He replies, well we think we have the best woman in our lives and we get to call her ours! She leans in for a kiss and then gets up to go change into her night clothes. She takes her clothes to the bathroom but forgets to shut the door. She pulls her pants off but leaves her panties on. She pulls her ph bottoms in. She pulls her shirt off and drops it to the floor. Jack is watching what is unfolding before his eyes. She takes her bra off and drops it to the floor. She grabs her ph top and pulls it over her head. She bends down and picks up her dirty clothes and puts them in the hamper. She turns to come out and Jack had rolled over away from her. She blushes and turns the light off. She says, I'll be right back, I have to lock up and turn all the lights off. She walks out. She goes out to the shed to make sure it is locked. She goes back in and checked all the doors. She shuts off all the lights before going to bed. She crawled into bed but Jack didn't turn back to her. She didn't say anything just turned the lamp off and laid there staring at the wall. Finally sleep found her.