Chapter 18

The Recovery- part 3

Jack rolls over to find the love of his life facing away from him. He's thinking what happened? Why is she not in his arms? What started out being a beautiful night now it was strange. He wanders if he should wake her or just let her sleep? He whispers, I love you Beth! He decides to reach out and touch her. He gently runs his hand down her arm. She rolls over to face him. She asks, are you upset with me? Have I done something that would cause you to roll your back to me? Oh Beth I could never be angry at you. What would make you think I was? Well when I came out of the bathroom you had your back to me and when I crawled into bed you didn't roll back over to me. Oh Beth, I had to roll away because you forgot to close the bathroom door. I'm sorry I saw you take you pants and shirt off. I didn't need to watch you undress. So I chose to roll away. I couldn't roll back because I was ashamed for watching what I saw. Please forgive me,Beth? She put her hand up on his face, there is nothing to forgive Love. I'm sorry for not closing the door. I will try to be mindful in the future. He asks, can I hold you now?She scrunches next to him and he holds her for the rest of the night. He says, this is the life I want! I will never be tired of this! I don't know how I'm ever going to be able to leave this once the doctor releases me to go back to my house. She replies, do you have to go back? Can't you just stay with me forever? Beth, I don't know if I can continue in this same manner after the doctor releases me. We won't worry about it for now. Let's just enjoy it, okay? I guess, she says. They finally fall asleep.

Jarrick wakes before anyone else. He comes into Elizabeth's room. He crawls up on the bed and lays down next to her and goes back to sleep. Elizabeth wakes a couple of hours later to find they have a bed partner. She rolls over and wraps her arms around him. Jack starts to stir when he feels her roll away from him. He looks over and sees a beautiful sight, Beth is holding his son while he sleeps. Jack just scoots closer and wraps his arms around both of them.

William waits for Grace to get up. He's sitting in the chair reading the newspaper. He has his coffee because Lizzy has made t it last night for it to come in this morning. William has no idea how to even go about making coffee but was thankful for her doing it for him. She knew he got up early. As he sits and reads his paper Grace came down the hall to take her morning shower to get ready for the day. A few minutes later she came out of the bathroom took her night clothes back to her bedroom. She came in the kitchen to get her a cup of coffee. She brings the morning scones she had gotten from Abigail's to the breakfast table. She kisses him on the cheek and says, good morning William! How did you sleep? He replies, good morning Gracie, I slept fine. Grace spoke up, William how much longer do you think we will be here? Are you ready to go home, he asks? Well we have been away for going in almost 3 weeks now. Fine Gracie, we can go home when ever you are ready. He put his paper down. Took a scone. Gracie what do you think about getting us a place here so when we visit we won't have to stay with Lizzy? Oh William I would love that. That way we could bring the girls with us. We could be a family again! When can we start looking? As soon as we get home! Oh William I just love you so much! I love you to Gracie. You are the love of my life! I think I should go pack. Grace walks back to their bedroom and packs their luggage. She leaves the by the bed for William to grab.

Elizabeth wakes up and finds herself between the loves of her life. She scoots to the bottom of the bed before she could stand. She goes to the closet to get some clothes. She gets her unmentionables from the dresser. She goes to take a shower. Jack hears the shower running. He's afraid to open his eyes. He takes a chance and opens his eyes to find the bathroom door shut. He wipes his brow. That was close, he thought. He lays there until Beth came out. He says, good morning beautiful! Oh another term of endearment! I love it Love! You can have the bathroom now. She twisted her hair up in a bun. I'm going for coffee. She reaches for the monitor and walks out closing the door behind her. She goes to the kitchen for coffee. Good morning father, mother! Good morning dear they say in unison! Wow scones! She takes a bite and she's in Heaven. Abigail's? Yes where else! Lizzy please take a seat. Okay father. Is something wrong? No dear we just want to talk to you. Lizzy we are going home today. Your mother is a little home sick that all. I've asked your mother if she'd like to buy a house here so we have a place to come and bring your sisters when we come to visit. How would you like that? Oh father I would love that! Please don't leave before you tell Jarrick goodbye. We wouldn't think about leaving without saying something to our grandson! We love that boy to much. Thanks father! You don't know how much that means to me to hear you say that! I love them so much! I can't picture my life without them in it! I thought my life was perfect before. But when I met Jack and then Jarrick, I fell head over hills in love with them. Jarrick got my heart first and then Jack. Grace spoke up, Lizzy dear the love you have for them shows on your face! We don't have to wander about you. We know that you 2 love each other. It's on both of your faces. Has he mentioned marriage? Oh mother, we've talked about what do we see in our future! We both see the same thing. He says he not ready to get down on one knee yet but it's coming! I'm going to miss you both so much. When do you think you'll be able to come back? In the spring, William said.

Jarrick and Jack was coming down the hall when Jack heard Beth announced her love for them. He motions for Jarrick to go to the bathroom. He continued to hear everything that she says! His heart is full. He hears how Beth's parents feel about his son! He thinks how could his life be any fuller! He walks up behind her and kisses the top of her head and says, good morning beautiful! He pulls out his chair and sits. She gets up to go get him a cup of coffee. She brings it back and hands it to him. He says, thank you! Jack doesn't ask about her parents leaving because he don't want them to think he was eavesdropping so he waits. About that time Jarrick comes from the bathroom. Everyone says good morning to him at the same time! He giggles and says, good morning. What's for breakfast? Elizabeth hands him a scone and has him sit. She goes into the kitchen to get him a glass of milk. She brings it to him and sets it down in front of him.

She motions for her parents to tell him. William clears his throat and starts. Jarrick, Nana and I have to go back home today. Jarrick jumps up and grabs him and says, no I don't want you to go away. Nana pulls him up on her lap and holds him. We are going away for ever. We promise we will be back in the spring. You know we don't live here right? We live up in Estes Park, Co. It's not that far by plane! You know what? You have 2 aunts up there. They live with us and we haven't seen them in almost 3 weeks. He hugs her so tightly. He whispers in her neck, you promise you'll come back? We do! I love you so much! We can't stay away from our only grandson! Ok, he says as he gets down to go to Grandpa. He reaches and he picks him up and holds him. I love you grandpa! Grandpa says, I love you to! Everyone was a little teary eyed. Elizabeth's heart was full. She stands behind Jack and wraps her arms around his neck and whispers, my heart is full! He squeezes her arms and says, I truly didn't know our life was missing this. But it couldn't get any fuller than right now! I love you Beth! I love you to, she says!

Will asked Jack if he was up for a trip to the airport? Jack looks at Beth and asks, what do you think? She replies, as long as you take it slow, I think you'll be fine. William got up and says, then it's settled. We all can go and see us off! Elizabeth stood up and tells Jarrick to go get dressed. She pulls Jack to his feet and says, let's go get dressed to. She turns to her parents and says, we'll be out shortly. Everyone goes to their rooms. Beth pulls out Jacks clothes and lays them down on the bed. She grabs her clothes and heads to the bathroom and shuts the door.

William carries their luggage to the living room. All of a sudden everyone hears it... mommy! Help! Jack looks at the bathroom door with tears in his eyes. She comes running out of the bathroom not even looking at Jack. She slings the bedroom door open and rushes in to Jarrick. What is it little man and before he could say anything she starts laughing! He has his arm hole over his head. Jack comes rushing in and sees it and starts laughing. Jarrick screams, it's not funny...help! Elizabeth reaches for his shirt and pulls it back over his head. She throws it into the hamper and gets another shirt. She helps him put it on. No one said anything about what they heard.

They all head to the airport. William is driving. Jack is in the front passenger seat. Jarrick is in his booster seat. Elizabeth is next to him and Grace is next to the door beside her. A few minutes later William pulls up to a big airplane. Jarrick's mouth drops open. William gets out and opens Grace's door. Elizabeth slides out and goes around to get Jarrick out. Jack opens his door and slowly gets out. Jarrick runs around to Grandpa. He asks, how come this airplane isn't with the rest of them back there as he points to the airplanes behind him? Well you see this one belongs to me, grandpa said. Jarrick looks back at his daddy. He nods knowing what his son wanted. Jarrick turn around and asks, can I go in and see it? William motions for everyone to join him in the plane. The pilot goes behind and gets the luggage and stores it below in the storage compartment. Elizabeth says, you all go ahead we'll wait here. Jack and Elizabeth leans back onto she SUV. Elizabeth puts her arm through his. Jack asks, why didn't you tell me they had their own plane? She says, I told you when you were in the coma so I just didn't think about it. He says, I must have been asleep then because I don't remember. She says, I told you I had to go pick up my father and meet him at the tarmac. It's ok Beth. I knew your parents had money. Within a few minutes Jarrick comes running down the steps. Will says, walk don't run. You will fall. Jarrick stops and slowly climbs down the steps. Then runs over to his daddy. Daddy, daddy you should see in there! It's big! Elizabeth picks him up and tries to hand him to Jack but he isn't strong enough to hold him so Elizabeth just holds him. When her parents come to say their goodbyes she puts Jarrick down. Everyone says they're goodbyes with hugs and kisses. Her parents turn and go back to the plane. At the top of the steps, William turns to wave and says, see you in the spring! Jack, Elizabeth, and Jarrick wave and wait to watch the plane take off. Jack slowly walks Jarrick around to get in the vehicle. Jarrick climbs into his booster seat and Jack buckles him in. Elizabeth and Jack get in and buckle up. Before she drives off she touches his hand and asks, are you ok? Jack just nods yes.

They get back to the house and Jack gets out to help Jarrick. Jarrick jumps down out of the vehicle and runs to the front door to wait for them. Jack has to have her help to climb the steps. She tells him to just take it slow. They get in the house. Jack says, I think I'm going to go lay down for a bit and kisses her on the cheek. Elizabeth takes his coat. He heads to the bedroom to lay down. Elizabeth hands Jarrick the remote and tells him to stay on the couch. She followed Jack to the bedroom. He's laying on top of the covers. She asks, may I join you? He slides over for her to get in on his side. She rest her head on his chest. She listens to his heart beat. It is so soothing. Nothing is said. Jack falls asleep but Elizabeth just lays there with her arm across his waist. She thinks how much she feels the love he has for her. She prays, Kind Heavenly Father I thank you for this man. When I first came here I wasn't looking for a man. I thought I was running away from my father. But now I know you were bringing me to him. Lord I didn't know love could feel this good. I thank you for everything that you have brought us through. I pray that he gets his strength back. I know all things are possible through you. So Lord we will wait upon you for our future. In Jesus name. Amen.

Jack wakes about an hour later to find her gone. He gets up slowly but just sits in the side of the bed. He thinks about what he heard Jarrick yell this morning. He starts to over think it. What's going to happen if him and Beth doesn't make it? It will devastate Jarrick. Lord please guide me in this. Show me what is best for him. Please give me peace with him calling her mommy. Lord please show me the future we have together. In Jesus name. Amen.

Jack gets up and goes to the living room to find Jarrick and Beth curled up on the couch asleep with cartoons on TV. He smiles and bends over the back of the couch and kisses the side of her cheek. She turns her head and smiles up at him and whispers, hey. How did you sleep? Good he said. She positioned herself to get up without waking Jarrick. She walks around to meet Jack behind the couch and says, hello handsome! Do you know how much I love you? She draws her fist up and says, this much because this is how big my heart is and I can't love you anymore! Love, you and the little man is my whole life! Would you care to join me on the back porch? All he can say is yes! She grabs their coats. She helps him with his then he helps her with hers. She grabs 2 cups of coffee and they walk out to the swing. They sit down and he covers their legs with a blanket. She hands him his coffee. He put his free arm around her. They just sit and enjoy the moment! Finally Jack broke the silence. Have I told you how much I appreciate all that you've done for me? Staying at the hospital and taking care of me here. Taking Care of Jarrick too. Still staring up at the gorgeous view of the mountains without any hesitation she says, it wasn't a matter of wanting to, it was just something I had to do. Jack I don't just want you I need you! That little man needs us! I need him as much as he needs me! When I heard him yell mommy help, I didn't hesitate or stop to think what you were thinking. I just ran to him because he needed me! Can you understand what I'm saying? I want to be his mother! You are a package deal and I'm not afraid of what is to come. I know that if he's anything like we were growing up it will come with challenges. Jack I'm here to tell you I'm up for that challenge! I hate you had the accident but I'm thankful that I have this opportunity to care for both of you! He kisses her temple and draws her to him. Beth I can't believe the Lord sent you here. I wasn't looking for love. I was content with the way things were. But God has opened up my heart again to love. That love is you! You are my everything! They sit and enjoy the moment!

Jarrick wakes up to find the house empty. He starts yelling mommy, daddy where are you? I can't find you! He's starting to cry. Elizabeth says, I'll get him. She walks into the house. Jarrick runs up to her. She kneels down and wraps her arms around him and says, we are right here. You are safe. We will never leave you. Ok? He wipes his face with his sleeve of his shirt and shakes his head up and down. Now let's get your coat. She helps him with it and takes him by the hand and leads him out to the swing. Elizabeth sits down and Jarrick slides in between them. Jack puts the covers back over her. They sit enjoying the moment.

That night after dinner they sat and watched a Disney movie called, homeward bound. About a dog finding his way back home. After Jarrick got a bath and was put to bed with prayer said and tucked in. Elizabeth and Jack went to bed.

A couple of weeks later

Jack was starting to feel better. He was starting to get some of his strength back. He was thinking I need to make a move here. Things are going great. Life is great. Beth I think I'm going to call my mom to come get me. She turns around from the kitchen sink and says, why? I can take you down there. He says, no I just want to spend some time with her today. She says, ok do you want me to get Jarrick ready? No he can stay with you, he said. She looks at him with concern and asks, is everything ok with us? He smiles with those big dimples and replies, couldn't be better. I just need to talk to mom and dad for a bit. She speaks up and say, you know Jarrick's birthday is coming up next month. We need to decide what we are going to do for him, ok? He just nods and replies, alright when I get back. Jack calls his mom to come pick him up. Within a few minutes Charlotte was there. He kisses Beth's cheek and says, I love you, beautiful! Be back later. He didn't need help using the steps anymore. He met her out at Charlotte's car.

So what is this all about son, Charlotte said? There's something that I need to discuss with you and dad, he said. Why didn't you bring Jarrick? I need to talk to you and dad without him. Ok, she said. They pull up in her driveway. Jack and Charlotte got out and went inside. Tom meets his son at the door and hugged him and said, it good to see you up and around. I'm glad your here. Do you want something to drink? Jack just shakes his head no and says, but thank you anyway dad.

They sit in the living room. So son what is this all about, Charlotte said? Jack is fidgeting with his hands. He swallowed real hard and took a deep breath. Here goes, he said. I want to get grandmother's engagement ring, please. Grandmother was Tom's mom. Tom clears his throat. Are you sure, son? Yes with all my heart and soul I'm sure! How do you know this is what God has planned for you? Well dad, I prayed a few weeks ago after Jarrick started calling Beth mommy for God to show me that this was His plan. Since then I've been having these dreams of Beth walking down the isle to me. I don't see the dress because it's blurry but I see her face plain as day. I blew it off the first couple of times. But then I started having dreams of our life together with children. I'm my dream there is 3 children. The same 3 with Beth. I see them outside in a big back yard and around the Christmas tree. So I asked God last night to give peace with this. So when I woke up this morning I had the most beautiful peaceful feeling about Beth being the one my only one and I didn't want to wait any longer. So yes dad I'm sure! Ok son that's good enough for me, Tom said. Tom nods to Charlotte. She gets up and goes to the bedroom to retrieve them. She brings the set out but in 2 separate boxes. She hands them to Jack and hugs him. Tom stands up and wraps his arms around them both, and says, congratulations son. Elizabeth will make you a beautiful wife! After a nice long visit Tom took Jack back home to Elizabeth and Jarrick. Tom shakes his son's hand and says, let us know how it goes! We will dad!

The 6 week mark

Jack woke up and realized that tomorrow would be the 6 week mark of his recovery. He was happy but sad at the same time. How was he going to be able to leave Beth? Beth had taken Jarrick to visit the Thornton's for the day. Jack has made plans for tonight but needed to make a phone call first. He pulls out his phone and calls William Thatcher. The phone rings 3 times and just as he was fixing to hang up William answers with hello Jack. How have you been? He replies, fine sir. William asks, so what can I do for you? Jack clears his throat. William is smiling because by the way Jack clears his throat he knows what is coming! Jack continues, sir I'm calling to ask for Beth's hand in marriage? I haven't asked her yet because I wanted to get your blessing first. William chuckles and says, that has to be the hardest question you'll ask. Jack you have our blessing. Let us know what she says! Jack says, thank you sir. I promise to always love her, protect her, and be there for her. Jack, William said. If I didn't think you would I wouldn't have given you our blessing. I got to go but welcome to the family son! They hang up.

Elizabeth comes through the door. Are you ready to go to your doctor's appointment? Jack gets up from the bar and walks over for a kiss and says, as ready as I can can be. They head to Dr. Huggings office. He has a 11:30 appointment. The walk in and Elizabeth signs him in and takes a seat. Elizabeth asks, are you nervous? He says, kinda. She tells him not to worry, you've got this! Dr. Huggings' nurse calls, Mr. Thornton. Please follow me. Jack stands to follow but Elizabeth stays seated. He looks back at her and asks, aren't you coming? She stands and says, I didn't know if you wanted me to. He reaches for her hand. She gives it to him. He releases her hand and gently placed it on her low back and ushers her to follow the nurse. After checking all his vitals she proceeded to show them to a room. As she leaves she says, the doctor will be with you shortly and closes the door. Jack's leg was bouncing. Elizabeth gently puts her hand on his leg to quiet the bounce. He says, it amazes me how your gentle touch can calm me so quick! Dr. Huggings walks in and shakes his hand. He asks, how have you been doing since you left the hospital? Jack replies, it took almost the whole 6 weeks to get back. I'm not completely back to normal but almost. The doctor says, no one can tell you how long it will take to get back to normal because everyone is different. Did you work out before the accident? Jack replies, yes sir with my job I have to stay fit. Ok, the doctor said. I want you to start therapy twice a week for 4 weeks. Then I'll up it to 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Me. Thornton this is going to be hard on you so we are going to take it slow. When we have to put someone in a coma it slows the body down. With that being said, we have to bring you back slowly. So please be patient with yourself. Is everything else ok? Jack says, yes sir. So we can't discuss going back to work until I finish physical therapy? I'm afraid so Mr. Thornton. How are you sleeping? Any nightmares? No sir, no nightmares. I sleep really well. Good the doctor said. Any headaches? No sir. Any problems since you got home? Elizabeth looked at him and nods towards the doctor. Dr. Huggings noticed the gesture. Mr. Thornton? Jack hung his head and says, my first day home I had an episode. I don't know what caused it but I was laying in bed and Beth brought me a bowl of soup on a tray. I went limp as a dish rag. I couldn't speak. I couldn't lift my ands to feed myself. Beth asked me to say something but I couldn't get the words out. She told me if I didn't say anything she was going to call 911. I finally got a sentence out. So she didn't call. Beth had to feed me. After I ate I took a nap and when I woke up I was fine. I haven't had any more episodes since. Well Dr. Huggings said. I would really be surprised if you didn't have any episodes. That is one of the side affects from being in a coma. The body has to get rid of all the medications that we had to give you to put you in the coma. Usually once the meds are out of your system you are fine. So glad to hear this. Please don't hesitate to tell me what is going on with you. Jack shook is head in agreement. Good the doctor said. I want to see you in a month before I start your next set of physical therapy. Make your appointment in your way out. If you need anything or you have any questions that goes for you to Beth, please give us a call. They walked out of the office with the new appointment. Beth says, that went well I would say. How about you? He replies, I was hoping to be released but I know I'm not back 100% yet. So I guess it went well.

That afternoon Jack says, Beth? I've made a reservation at the little Italian restaurant for 6:00 tonight. She says, wow our first date since your accident! But we have to pick Jarrick up from your parents tonight. He said, no I asked mom to let him spend the night. She looks at him with a curiosity. What have you got planned Mr. Thornton? He walks over to her and gently kisses her and says, you will have to wait to find out. He heads to the guest bathroom to shower. She goes to her bathroom to shower. While she was in her bathroom he goes in and puts his suit on with a tie.

He goes back to the living room and waits for her to come out. When she comes out she bends down and kisses the top of his head. The smell caught his nose. Soft scent of vanilla and lavender! He stands and turns. His mouth drops. She walks around the end of the couch. The dimples are showing! All he could get out was wow...you...are...so... beautiful...and...you're...all...mine! So you approve, she asks? He walks up to her and puts his arms around her waist and whispers, if only you knew how much I really do! He covers her mouth with his. His tongue found the opening of her lips. Their tongues intertwined until they both had to come up for air. She backs away and says, we have a reservation to get to Mr. Thornton, with a slight laugh. He offered her his elbow and she put her hand through his. They walked out to her SUV. He puts his hand out and opens her door. She gets in and he pulled her seatbelt over her and clicks it. She pulls her keys out and hands them to him. He closes her door and goes around to the driver's side and gets in. He buckles his seatbelt. She puts her hand on his arm and gives it a gentle squeeze. They leave to make their reservations. They pull up to the valet. He gets out. The valet starts to open her door but Jack stops humans says, I've got this. Jack hands the keys to the valet. Opens her door and puts his hand out to her. She says, thank you and takes his hand. As they walk to the door of the restaurant Jack puts his hand on her lower back as the door was opened. The hostess asks for their name? He replies, Thornton! She showed them to their table. Jack pulls out her chair before sitting across from her. Oh, Love! This is lovely, she said. They had their dinner and when the desserts come the music changes. Breathe started playing. Tears start welling in her eyes. Jack gets up and kneels down beside her. He says, Beth you are my everything. I can't breathe without you. I see my future with you! Would you do me the honor of being my wife? Beth would you marry me and make me the happiest man in earth? He pulls out the little burgundy velvet box and opens it. With tears in her eyes she shakes her head up and down and says, yes Jack I would love to be your wife! Jack slides the ring on her left hand. He brought her hand to his lips and kisses the ring on her finger. He stands and pulls her up to him and envelopes her in him. He whispers, I love you with all my heart and soul! She whispers back, I love you too, Love! They sit back down but not letting go of their hand. Everyone clapped and gave their congratulations! Someone bought them an expensive bottle of champagne. The waiter brought the champagne and 2 fluted glasses over to the table and says, someone sent this to you with this note and he hands the note to Jack.