I'm so glad to hear all the reviews! I felt like Daniel and Nadia should be in here at some point! What better way than to do it on the honeymoon! I am sorry for not putting the steam alert in the last chapter!

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Chapter 27

The Visit

As they landed the pilot says, welcome back home! Hope you enjoyed your trip? Jack replies, yes we did thank you! The limousine driver met them at the tarmac. Jack and Beth exit the plane and sees the driver. Beth asks, hey George, what are you doing here? Is my father here? He says, no ma'am! I'm supposed to take you home and then fly back with his plane. Have you been here the whole 10 days, she asked? Yes ma'am! Mrs. Thatcher gave me a 10 vacation! And my father was ok with that? Yes ma'am! He didn't have a choice! They all laughed and she said, MOTHER! Yes ma'am! George opens their door for them. He put their bags in the trunk. He drives them home. He takes their bags in and says his goodbyes.

Hey Love, how are you feeling? I'm good, he replies! How about we call mom and have her and dad bring Jarrick home? That sounds great but I need to wrap his gifts! Why don't you go do that while I call her? She leans in and kisses him passionately and walks away! He says, wait a minute. You can't kiss me like that and just walk away like that! That's not right! You know how your kisses affect me! Yes I do! Just wanted to let you know I still love you with all my heart and soul!

Beth put the wrapped gifts on the coffee table. Hey Love? What time did they say they would be here? Mom said they would be here as soon as she could get Jarrick's things together! I've missed him so much! Up until my accident I hadn't been away from him for more than a day or so. I've always made sure I was at home with him as much as possible! Ever since his mother died, I made a promise to him that day that I would always be there for him! Love, he'll understand when he gets older about why we left him to go on our honeymoon! I know but I still feel bad for him because he doesn't understand. Are you regretting taking a honeymoon, Jack? He knew by hearing her call him by his name she was upset with him. No, sweetheart! I just missed him that's all!

They watch his mom and dad pull up in the driveway! Jack opens the front door and him and Beth step out onto the front porch. Jarrick jumps out of the Jeep and runs up and leaps into his daddy's arms! Jack catches him in mid air! He hugs and kisses him and says, bud I've missed you so much! Jarrick hugs him so tight and says, daddy please don't ever leave me again! He says, bud I don't ever plan on it! Beth wraps her arms around both of them! Jarrick takes one of his arms and wraps it around her neck and says, mommy I've missed you so much! Please can I go next time? You bet little man, you bet! Jack turns and carried him into the house! Beth motions for Charlotte and Tom to come in! Charlotte says, we don't want to intrude. No way you could ever intrude. Please come in? They agree to come in for a little while. Jack carries Jarrick over to the couch and set him down. Jarrick looks at the gifts on the table and says, are all these mine? Beth says, yes! We told you we were bringing you a surprise! You can open them! Jarrick opens them one by one. He has set of 4 trains with accessories. He asks, daddy what does that say in the side of the train? It says The Ghan Railway. That's the train in Australia. We thought you might like a train from our honeymoon! How do you like it? It really like it! Can we go put it on my train track? Sure let's go! Tom and Jack took Jarrick out to the shed to put his new train set together! Elizabeth asked, hey Charlotte how was Jarrick while we were gone? He was a little list after your father left, Charlotte said. Your family didn't leave for a few days after you two did. He kept Jarrick busy to keep his mind off you all being gone. Jarrick tried to talk us into letting him go with you're family when they left. I couldn't do that because I didn't get permission from Jack to let him go. I see said Elizabeth.

Well we're back so now we can start our lives as a family now. Maybe we can take him up before he starts school in August. I need to find out when school starts. I need to go to the school and find out what all he'll need. Charlotte says, I can't believe he starts school this year! I'm going to miss him! After the boys come in from playing Beth sets the table for dinner. She invites Charlotte and Tom to join them! They excepted. After dessert they said their goodbyes and left.

Beth told Jarrick that he needed to get a bath. Yes ma'am. Can I play with my soap crayons? You sure can! Just keep all the water in the tub, ok? Yes ma'am! He runs off to get his pjs and gets his bath. Jack helped Beth clean up the kitchen. As he puts the last dish away he reaches for Beth and pulls her into his arms. He kisses her slow and gently then turns away with a smirk! She says, so this is a payback? Ok Mr. Thornton you get your son out of the tub. I'm going to get a bath! Oh so he's my son now? Well he's my son to but that was just a figure of speech! Oh ok. Jack finally gets Jarrick to sleep after 3 stories. He goes into their bathroom and leans over and kisses the top of her head and asks, mind if I join you? I was hoping you would! He takes his clothes off and climbs in behind her! He wraps his arms around her and kisses her temple! He whispers in her ear, I love you Beth! I love you to, Love! Charlotte told me that Jarrick wanted to go home with my parents. What do you think about taking him up before he starts school? Wow! I completely forgot he starts school this year. Where did time go! I think it would be a great idea to take him up there! I think you're father is spoiling him! Well there isn't any telling when he'll get anymore grandchildren. Viola isn't even seeing anyone steady and Julie...well let's not even go there. We do need to talk about when do you want to start trying for children. I'll stay on the pill until you are. Beth when did you start the pill? Well I went to the doctor the week before we got married. Sweetheart I wish you had discussed that with me before. I think that if and when the good Lord wants us to have children then we will. Love, I thought you wanted to wait for awhile? If you want to keep taking the pill then that's fine but you don't have to! Oh Love! I'll stop! But what about Jarrick? I mean shouldn't we ask him if he wants to be a big brother? Beth he's always wanted a brother or sister. Ok then, I won't take it tonight! Love, you have made me so happy!

July 2020

Beth takes Jarrick to school to get him registered for kindergarten. He meets his teacher, Ms Kline. Beth asks, I'm Jarrick's mother. I was wanting to get a list of everything he's going to need. Is there uniforms? Yes ma'am, Ms Kline says. You can get all his uniforms from the suit shop or the dress shop. Jarrick will be able to get his at the suit shop and if you have a girl, you can get her's from the dress shop. Oh, Jarrick is an only child for now! Ms Kline apologizes and hands her the list. Beth and Jarrick leave the school.

Jarrick asks, why did you say I was an only child for now? We'll little man, someday when we have another child then you won't be an only child. When can I have a little brother or sister? That's up to the Lord. When he decides that it's time then we'll have a baby, ok? Yes ma'am! I hope he decides real soon! How about we go get you're school supplies and uniforms, she said? Jarrick gets all excited and says, yes ma'am! Ok let's get your uniforms first. The go to the suit shop and Hank meets them at the door. Master Thornton, what can we do for you today? Jarrick says, uniforms! Hank goes to his index card files. He looks through it until he finds Jarrick's card and pulls it out. Ok now let's go over here to the uniforms. I take it you're Mrs. Thornton? Yes sir, she said! So how many do you need? She replies, 5 pants, 4 shorts, 5 shirts, 5 pair of socks, and 1 pair of shoes, and 1 pair of gym shoes. Hank pulls everything out and places them on the counter. Do you want the backpack with matching lunchbox? Yes but I want his initials on both on the outside and his full name on the inside. How soon can I pick them up? Around 4:30 today. We don't have anyone ahead of you. Great! We have to go get his supplies. I'll pay for everything and just pick up everything this afternoon. Oh and I want his clothes on hangers! Yes ma'am Hank said. She paid for everything and left the store. They head to the department store for everything else. After all the shopping Jarrick says, mommy I'm hungry. Ok little man, let's go to Abigail's for lunch! They put all their packages in her SUV and walk into Abigail's. They sit at the table in front of the window. Abigail comes over and chats for a bit before she takes their order. They have their lunch and bid Abigail goodbye.

They had plenty of time before they had to pick up Jarrick's clothes. So they go home. Beth puts everything in the bottom drawer of her desk and tells him, now this is your drawer. When you pull the last of something let me know so I can replace it. He says, yes ma'am!

Jack had a doctors appointment while they were school shopping. He walks in and signs the sign-in sheet. Just as he was fixing to sit down Dr. Huggings nurse calls him back. She takes his vitals and he follows her to a room. She says, the doctor will be right with you. Jack says thank you. Dr. Huggings comes in and says, hello Mr. Thornton. How are you feeling? Pretty good Jack replies! I got all you're records from PT. They say you're still a little bit weak. I hear you just got married. How are you hold up? That part is great! I couldn't carry Beth over the threshold at first but on our honeymoon it was better. I could still feel the weakness in my arms. When we got home my son ran and jumped into my arms and I caught him just fine. You're wife looks to weigh about 100 lbs. So I'm going to send you back to PT 3 times a week for a month. I can't release you to full duty yet. But I'll tell what I will do. I'll release you to light duty. No lifting over 30 lbs. Doc that's great! I'll take it! I want to start building our house. How long do you think it will take me before I can start it. Well I don't have a problem with you starting it as long as you have help with the heavy stuff and no climbing a ladder yet. Good to know! If you don't have any questions then stop out at the front desk and make an appointment for 1 month. Thanks doc! You're welcome!

Hey sweetheart are you here, he asked as he walked into the house? Jarrick are you here? He didn't get an answer so he walks into the kitchen to grab a bottle of water and sees a note on the fridge that said, hey Love, had to run back to the suit shop and pick up Jarrick's uniforms and accessories. Be right back. Love you!

Jack looks to see what they have to cook. He didn't see anything he really wanted so decided that he would take them out to celebrate! About that time Beth and Jarrick came waltzing in the front door. Jarrick is all excited! Daddy do you want to see my new clothes? Sure bud! Jarrick gets him to follow him to his bedroom. He unzipped his bag and showed him his clothes, shoes, and gym shoes! That's great bud! Mommy got you all set? Yes sir! I have all my school supplies in mommy's bottom drawer of her desk! Alright bud, I'm so happy for you! See daddy I got a backpack and lunchbox with my initials on them! That's real nice! Ok bud you need to hang your clothes up in your closet so they don't get messed up! Yes sir! When you're done go was your face and hands. Yes sir! I love you bud! I love you to daddy!

Jack called for Beth as he was coming out of Jarrick's bedroom! I'm in our bathroom, she said! He walks into the bedroom and sits down on the bed. Hey sweetheart, how about we go out to dinner tonight? You can where that sleeveless dress with the full skirt with the big flowers on it! Ok but what's up? That's a surprise! Ok give me 30 minutes! Make sure Jarrick is dressed accordingly! Ok , I'll get dressed then get him dressed! Thanks Love! You're welcome! Jack gets dressed in his dress pants and white button up dress shirt. He slashed some of his Stetson cologne on. He puts his shoes and socks on then goes in to get Jarrick dressed just like him. They sit out in the living room and wait for her. She comes out 30 minutes later looking so beautiful! He just about can't stand it! He walks up to her and gently kisses her lips and says, sweetheart you are the most beautiful woman in my life! She says thank you!

They leave the house and he opens her door then opens Jarrick's door. They get in and he closes their doors. He goes around and gets in on the driver's side and shuts his door. She asks, so where are we going? I thought we would go to the Italian restaurant,

L'Hostaria Ristorante! Oh that's where you purposed! Now I understand why the dress code! They arrive at the restaurant. They go in and Jack pulls out her chair. She takes a seat. Jarrick whispers, daddy why did you pull her chair out? Jack replies, we'll son when you take a lady out, it's polite to be a gentleman to pull her chair out! Oh he said! They order their meal. They ordered red wine and ordered Jarrick grape juice in a wine glass. While they were waiting on their appetizers, Jack raised his glass. Beth and Jarrick raised their glass to Jack's. Jack says, here's to released for light duty! It's not what I wanted but it's a start. They clink their glasses together! Cheers! Oh Live that's great! What did the doctor say, I told him about not being able to picking up to carry you across the threshold but I caught Jarrick in mid-air and could carry him. He asked about my stamina, I told him I had no problem there. So he released me to light duty. I can't lift no more than 30 lbs. I have to go to PT 3 times a week for a month. So I go back to work on Monday! Their appetizers came. The conversation continued! They had there dinner and dessert. By now Jarrick was getting tired. Jack paid the check and they went home.

Jack started his PT and went back to work. He handles all the paperwork and kept up with the weekly meetings. He couldn't go on calls but he was glad to be back at work.

They had talked to William about them coming up for the weekend before Jarrick had to start school. William said he would sent the plane for them Thursday afternoon. The last week of July he swapped his Friday PT for Thursday. They were leaving for Estes Park Thursday evening. Beth had all their luggage packed and ready to go when Jack came in from PT. They drove to the tarmac and parked their SUV. Their luggage was put in the luggage compartment. They climbed up the steps and entered the plane. Jack got Jarrick buckled up and then him Beth clicked theirs to. The hatch was shut and locked. The pilot say, the weather is clear and we should arrive on time. They arrived 55 minutes later. William met them at the tarmac. The door opened, Jarrick unbuckled his seat belt and made a Celine down to William. Screaming grandpa, grandpa we made it! Where's Nana? She at home waiting for us! His driver retrieved their luggage. Everyone got in the limousine and headed back to Beth's parents house! They pulled up in front of the house. Grace, Viola, and Julie met them on the front porch. Jack and Jarrick are amazed at the size of the house! Jack bends over and whispers in Jarrick's ear, hey bud, no running, no touching anything. Ok? Yes sir. William just looks at Jack then to Lizzy with a puzzled look. Father he's never been in a house like this so he needs to know the difference. Lizzy we never had trouble out of you girls. No father you didn't because we weren't allowed to run and play unless we were outside. Please father let us teach him the difference! What ever you two think. Come, let us show you all to your rooms, Lizzy. Father we aren't sleeping in my old room? You and Jack are but you're mother has a surprise for Jarrick! Oh mother you didn't have to do that. You and father are going to spoil him so bad. Lizzy please let us be grandparents! Alright but take it easy on us! Jarrick is led to his room first. Jarrick looks back at his daddy. Go ahead bud open the door! Inside the room Jarrick is amazed! In his room there is a queen size bed, with matching dresser, a toy trunk, a huge floor rug with pictures of trains on it. In the walls was a mural of a train station that went all the way around the room. Lizzy spoke up and says, oh mother, he loves it but you didn't have to go to all this trouble to change this room! It a beautiful little boys room! Nana and Grandpa took Jarrick's hands and led him across to a door on the mural. Grandpa opens the door and Jarrick's mouth opens and his jaw drops! In this room was a complete set of Transunion Continental Railway. There was a different land scene on each of the walls. In the back wall was 3 conductor chairs. Jack and Jarrick walk around the train table. Jack says, wow bud there's a whole train set here! Jarrick speaks up and says, is this really for me? Grandpa bends down and picks him up and says, yes my boy! Nothing but the best for our grandson! I enjoyed playing with you with your train, I wanted you to have one here too! Oh Grandpa and Nana thank you, thank you so much! Lizzy spoke up and says, alright, you 3 can play until dinner! Beth kisses both her boys on their cheek then kissed her father's, thank you father! Grace and Lizzy left the room, leaving them to it! Back in Jarrick's room, while putting his clothes away, Lizzy said, mother you 2 are spoiling him to much! Oh Lizzy, we just love him so much! We don't get to see him everyday. So when we got home I talked to your father about this room with the joining powder room. So we both agreed that this would be perfect for him! But mother, he's not going to want to leave this room while he's here! Lizzy dear, do you let him stay out with his train at you're house? Well, no mother. He's only aloud out there when he has an adult with him. Ok Lizzy dear, he'll have the same rules here! She finished putting his clothes away and they went to her room. After she put her and Jack's clothes away her and Grace went down to the parlor.

Viola and Julie we're sitting with a cup of tea. The maid brought her and Grace a cup. Julie speaks up, hey Lizzy how was the honeymoon? It was so remarkable, Lizzy said! I bet it was, Julie interrupted! Julie! I'm not even talking about that, Lizzy said! Jack introduced me to his twin cousin, Daniel Lissing and his wife and family! Wait, Viola says! You met Daniel Lissing, the Daniel Lissing? Yes, yes I did! When Jack and I first started dating, I was watching a movie with Daniel Lissing and noticed how much they looked alike! But brushed it off as everyone has a twin out there. I never said anything to Jack. I have everything that Daniel is in on DVD. But anyway when we got to Australia after we rested from our flight, Jack took me to one of Daniel's concert and we got to go back stage before the concert. We were led into this dressing room and we waited! Then a few minutes he came in and Jack introduces me to him. As it turns out he and Jack are cousins. Daniel's mother is Charlotte's sister! We went to their house the next day and spent the whole day with him, his wife Nadia. Evelyn and John, Daniel's mom and dad! We had the best time! We invited them to Aspen anytime they wanted! They said they would! Wow, Lizzy, I'm so jealous, Viola says! We walked on the beach outside our suite everyday and watched the sunset every night! Who would've thought that Australia was so romantic! It was the best 10 days I've ever spent! We brought Jarrick back the Australian train set! You should've seen the look on his little face when he opened them up! It was pure joy! Jack and Jarrick set it up and played for a couple of hours that day!

At the dinner table Jarrick was such a chatterbox! There was so much conversation and love around that table. She thought about all the times growing up eating dinner there in silence. It was allowed. The table was a place to eat not talking. She loved the change in her parents! As she looked around the table as everyone had something to contribute to the conversation! It was a very enjoyable evening! After dinner everyone went out to the back porch to have coffee, mother had the chef to make Jarrick a cup of hot chocolate in a coffee cup. She spotted something new down in the back! Oh father you put in a swing set? Yes Lizzy, that was viola and Julie's idea! Jack says, I want to thank everyone for making Jarrick part of this family! Thank you for loving him as your own! It truly is a blessing to see! Not everyone would open their heart to a step child! You don't know how much it means to me! William replies, son I fell in love with him before I knew you! You were in a coma, yes Lizzy introduced us to you but I couldn't shake your hand like a true introduction! That little boy stole our heart! They watched Jarrick play on the swing set for a little while before Beth stands up and walked down to Jarrick. She tells him it is time for his bath. He says, awe mommy can I play just a little linger? She says, no little man. It's time to go in now. You've had a big day! Yes ma'am. Jack and Beth says their good nights and takes Jarrick upstairs to get a bath. After his bath they tuck him in his bed, kiss him and say good night and sweet dreams!

In Lizzy's old room she noticed that her mother had updated her room to a more mature setting! As she was in their private bath, she was thinking. Hey Love, what do you think about everything my family has done for us? He walks into the bathroom and pulls her up to him. He kisses her lips and says, Beth I am in awe of everything! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that they would treat him like this! It warms my heart that someone could love him as her own let alone her family! Well Love, I to fell in love with him before I fell in love with you! God definitely knew what He was doing when He brought us together! He used your son to bring us together! Well if my memory serves me correctly, He used an avalanche, Beth! That's true she said! They turned in and fell asleep holding each other!

The next morning they went into Jarrick's room to find his bed empty. They check the train room but that too was empty. They go back to their room and get dressed for the day. They go downstairs to find him sitting in the dining room having breakfast with Nana and Grandpa! Jack and Beth just stands in the doorway taking in the view before them! The 3 of them were sitting there in conversations and laughing! He was already dressed for the day! They were so involved in one another to even realize that they were standing there watching! Jack and Beth walk in and takes a seat next to Jarrick. The maid brought in their breakfast. They both say thank you! Good morning Lizzy dear! How did you sleep? We slept great, mother! So what are your plans while you're here dear? Nothing really. Just wanted to spend time with you all! After school starts we won't get to visit that much. That's right he starts kindergarten this year! Yes ma'am! So we figured we would just hang out with the family. We have to get back on Sunday. So we have today and tomorrow to visit! Sir do you have a grill out back? Now Jack I told you to call me William or dad! Yes sir, William! No but I can have one delivered if you need one! I thought maybe we could grill tomorrow afternoon, Jack says! Well I don't know how to but I'm happy to get one for you, son! That would great! How's about steak, baked potatoes, baked beans, salad, and peach cobbler? That sounds great, William said. Alright then why don't you and I go get the grill and Beth can go grocery shopping? Sounds good to me, William replies! They finished their breakfast. Jack sends Jarrick to wash his face and hands. He kisses Beth's cheek and says goodbye!

At Home Depot, they guys are standing there looking at all the grills. Jack says, this is a great grill. It has 2 burners so you don't have to run to the kitchen to check on all the other food! They chose one that runs off pellets. It smoked, grilled. It even had a little oven on one end with the 2 burners on the other end. Jack even got the grill cover. William paid for it and asked that it be delivered. While they were out William wanted to take Jack and Jarrick by where he worked! They were amazed at how tall the building was! Grandpa where is your office? Come on and I'll show you! They got into the elevator and went all the way to the 5th floor! The elevator door opens and they step out. William lead them to a door at the end of the hall. William unlocks the door and they follow. They walk past a desk and William unlocks another door and they walk in. Jarrick runs over to the window that runs the entire outside wall and on the side! Wow Grandpa you can see all the mountains! Yes son it's a beautiful view!

Meanwhile at the grocery store. Grace is in unfamiliar territory. She follows Lizzy around the store watching her shop like she knows what she is doing! She is in awe by what she is watching! Lizzy when did you learn to shop? Well mother I had to learn in college. My roommate taught me everything I needed to know to make it on my own! I'm glad I don't have to depend on anyone! I'm happy for you dear! Mother I wouldn't trade it for nothing in the world! I truly enjoy it! She picks up everything they needed for the meal tomorrow. She even got enough for the staff. Grace asked, Lizzy dear why are you buying so much food? Well mother, the staff has to eat to beings that they aren't cooking tomorrow! Whose going to cook if they aren't? We are, Jack and I! Oh Lizzy I don't know about that. Trust me mother, you will love it! Everyone arrived back home. Everything was put away and Lizzy tells the staff that her and Jack will be preparing dinner tomorrow afternoon and they will be cooking enough for them to! Chef Bernard asked, you don't want me to cook for you tomorrow? No sir, she replied! You all are invited to join us out back for dinner! The staff thanked her and went about their chores.