Boy I don't know how you all get in my head! You're reviews come up with questions that I'm already writing in my next chapter! Thanks for all the awesome reviews!
Chapter 32
Christmas
Hey Sweetheart when do you want to go get a Christmas tree? We can go tomorrow! Today is Jarrick's last day before Christmas break. Ok!
We need to decide on the names! Ok, Love! How about you pick the boy names and I'll pick the girl names! Ok! Jack writes down
William Bradley
Jonathan Ryan
Noah James
Matthew Aiden
Daniel Elijah
Beth writes down
Isabell Grace
Charlotte Elizabeth
Victoria Faith
Rebecca Nicole
Katherine Alyssa
Do you like the names I've chosen, Love? I love everyone of the boy names! Yes I love them all! Alright then we need to come up with a way to tell the family. I've got it we can put their names on a t-shirt for Jarrick that says, I'm the big brother of and put the names under and have him wear a long sleeve shirt over it! Then after dinner when we open all the gifts we can have Jarrick take off the outside shirt to reveal them. And see how long it takes for them to figure out that we're having triplets! That sounds great to me Sweetheart! Ok! I'm going to run to that little t-shirt shop and have it made!
Do you want to go with me, Love? Sure then we can run by Abigail's. Sounds good to me! Let's go. They stop by the t-shirt shop and order the T-shirt for Jarrick. Beth hands her a piece of paper of what they want on it. The clerk says it will be done in 30 minutes. Jack say, that's fine we'll be back for it then. We're just going across the street to Abigail's. The clerk say that it will be waiting for you.
They walk across the street. They walk in and set at the table in front of the window. Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Thornton! What can I get you? She looks at Elizabeth and smiles! How far along are you 6 1/2 months! Congratulations you 2! Thanks they said at the same time! So an April baby huh! No March! WOW! Let me get you 2 a cup of coffee! Be right back. Abigail came back with their coffee and sat down next to Jack and said, spill! We are do in March like I said! Elizabeth how can you be do in March if you're only 6 1/2 months? Beth looks at Jack for approval, he nods. Abigail you have to keep this quiet. You can't tell anyone. We haven't even told our family yet. We're telling them Christmas Eve! Oh honey, I won't say anything. I promise! Well I have to have a C-Section in March!! The date hasn't been set yet! But why do you have to have a C-Section? She leans forward and grabs Abigail's hands and whispers, we're having triplets, Abigail! Abigail slumps back in her seat and says, oh my God! That is fantastic as she places her hands on Jack and Elizabeth's hand! I'm so happy for both of you! You do know that when the news gets out that you're having triplets, this town is going to be buzzing! No one has ever had triplets here! This is going to be exciting! You have to let me throw you a baby shower in February! We would be honored, Jack says! Well I had better get back to work. As she stands up, she leans over and kisses both of them gently on the cheek! I love you both so much and congratulations!? Jack and Beth finish their coffee, he leaves the money on the table and walk out. They walk across the street to pick up their surprise for the family! They look at it and Beth tears up. Jack puts his arm around her and says, happy tears? She shook her head yes!
Back at the house Jack pulls all the Christmas decorations down from the attic. As they open the boxes her tears are slowly starting to flow! Sweetheart, what is it? I'm ok, just reminiscing from last Christmas! This is the last Christmas for just the 3 of us! Last year we we're just getting to know one another! This year we're married and a real family! Next year we'll have 3 more! Sweetheart, I know how you feel! God knew what He was doing when He brought you to town! I thank Him everyday for you! Well great minds think alike because I thank Him everyday for you, Love! Hey why don't we hang all the decorations and then tomorrow we can let Jarrick decorate the tree! That sounds like a great idea!
After the decorating was done she stepped back to gaze at their first Christmas in their new home! He walks up behind her and said, are you pleased? Yes, yes I am! What time is it Love? He looks at his watch and replies, it is 12:45. Wow we make a great team! How about we have some lunch? How about I fix you lunch, Sweetheart! Ooo that sounds great! They walk into the kitchen. She takes a seat in the breakfast nook while he fixes their lunch. She pulls the curtains back to see the mountains. Love, I don't think life could get better than this! The view is exceptional! After lunch the go out and sit on the back porch for a while.
The next day they got up, had breakfast and headed out for the tree farm. Ok little man, you chose a great tree last year so I was thinking that could be your job every year! What do you think? Yessss ma'am! Even when the babies are big enough? Yes, we'll give them a special job to! Then it's settled! Let's go find that tree! They walk around following Jarrick for what seemed to be a long time. All of a sudden he yells out, I found it! They walk around the tree gazing at it! Yes I think you did bud! What do you think mommy? I think it's perfect little man! You out did yourself from last year! After Jack cut it down he got one of men that worked there to help him get it loaded on their SUV. They got in the vehicle and she asked, Jack wouldn't you let me help loading the tree? I helped last year. Sweetheart, you weren't pregnant last year with triplets! I don't want anything to happen to you or our babies! If you stretch to far you could get a tear in your uterus and with that I could lose all 4 of you. I'm not willing to take that chance. Are you, Beth? Of course not. I guess I just didn't think about that. I'm sorry, Love!
They drove back through town and stopped at the Christmas shop. Jarrick unbuckled his booster seat and jumped out of the vehicle. He waited for his dad to come around to open her door. She says, ok, we need a new ornament for the tree! Each of us will choose one! Let's get going! They walk in and it amazed Jarrick again! He loves coming in here, Jack said! Yes he does! Jack and Beth walk around while Jarrick took off to the ornaments. They walk by the trains and she says, hey Love, aren't these different from the ones we got last year? He looks at them for a minute and says, I do believe they are. How about we start a tradition this year, she said? He nods and gets all 3 sets and takes them to the counter. He rejoins them in the ornament section. Jarrick is having trouble deciding. Hey bud, what seems to be the problem? Daddy can I get 2? Why's that bud? Well I want to get this angel for my mommy in Heaven but I want this Christmas tree to for me getting to choose the tree every year! Jack looks up at Beth for guidance. She bends down and pulls him into her and says, how about we start you a tradition this year. How about we get you an artificial tree for the hearth and you buy an angel every year for your mommy? We'll name it Mommy's Tree! Little man I don't ever want you to ever forget your mommy in Heaven! She will always live right here in your heart. So if it makes you happy to buy her this angel then you get it! Ok? Yes ma'am thank you!
Daddy I was wondering if I could have a picture of her in my room? Jack stands up and walks away, tears rolling down his face. He leaves the store and goes for a walk. Did I say something wrong mommy? No little man you didn't. He just gets sad when he thinks about your mommy in Heaven, that's all. How about we finish our shopping? Yes ma'am. Hey little man how about this house with 2020? Commemorating our new house this year? Ok, mommy. Little man come here. She picks him up and sets him on her hip and says, Jarrick your daddy loved your mommy in Heaven so much! She died giving you life! Every time he looks at you he sees her! She will always live in his heart! Was it my fault she went to live with Jesus? No! She was in a car accident just before you were born. You are his heart and soul! He loves you very much! When we lose someone that we love, it's hard on us. It's like a piece of us dies too. Don't worry about daddy he just needs to think. Ok? Yes ma'am. Mommy you won't leave me too, will you? No way, little man! I'll be here for as long as God will let me! See some times when we lose a love one, it means God needs them in Heaven with Him! It's an honor to get to live in Heaven! So she's happy up there with Jesus? Oh yes she is! She is your guardian angel! She's with you every minute of every day! She loves you so very much just like your daddy loves you! You ok now little man? Yes ma'am! Can we finish shopping now? You bet we can! She put him down and got his ornaments! Beth walked back up to the counter and asked the cashier to order an angel for every year Jenny has been gone. The cashier says, ma'am these won't be in until after the new year. Do you still want them? Yes ma'am Beth says! That's fine! Beth got more lights and garland for the porch. She got red bows for all the way around the porch. By the time she was ready to pay for their items Jack came back through the door. He walked over to the ornaments and picked up a heart and a family with a daddy, mommy, and little boy. He went back to the counter. He laid his items in the counter. He looks at Beth and shakes his head no. Meaning not right now. They paid for their items. Jack picked up all the bags and says with a laugh, Sweetheart did you leave anything in the store? She smiles and just shakes her head and gets in the SUV.
At home Jack carries all the bags in and sets them on the floor just inside the door. He goes back out to get the tree. He brings it in and asks, ok Mrs. Thornton where do you want it? I was thinking in that corner beside the fireplace and the stairs! That looks like a perfect spot! Jack carries the tree over and sets it in the tree stand. Beth tightens the tree while Jack held it up. Beth set up Jarrick's tree in the other end of the hearth for Jarrick to hang his angels on. Jarrick says, thank you mommy! You're welcome little man! Jack picks up the 2 boxes with his ornaments. He hands them to Jarrick. Jarrick opens the boxes. He pulls out the heart and asks, what is this one for? Well bud I gave you mommy in Heaven my heart and we made you! So that represents my love for you and her! That goes on your tree but that's the only one I will be putting on it! Jarrick says, thank you daddy! Jarrick opens the other box. He pulls out the family ornament and asks, what is this one for? Bud that one represents our new family with this mommy as he put his arm around Beth's waist! You see God brought her into our life after your mommy went to Heaven to live with Jesus! We're lucky to have her and we love her very much! So that's me, that's mommy, and that's you! We are a family and we both love you very much! That one goes on our tree! Oh daddy thank you! And I have one more thing for you, be right back. Jack went upstairs to the attic and brought back a picture and handed it to Jarrick! Jarrick turned it over and it was a picture of his mommy and daddy! Thank you daddy! Beth reached for the picture, she turns it around and says, Love that is the sweetest thing you could've gave him! Jarrick there are several boxes in the attic that belong to you and when you're ready we can go through them together, ok? Yes sir but this is all I wanted! When did you grow up so fast bud? They finished decorating the trees and headed into the kitchen for dinner. Beth had put on a stew in the crockpot that morning. Jack sat the table in the nook. Jarrick places the silverware and napkins in the table. After dinner Jack told Jarrick he had to get his bath. Yes sir, he asked if he may be excused? Yes you may bud! Jack and Beth clean up the kitchen and put the dishes in the dishwasher. She leaves the stew to cool. They walk back into the den. He turns the Christmas lights on and turns the room lights off. Hey Sweetheart would you like a fire? Yes that would be nice! Jarrick comes out of the upstairs bathroom and goes into his room to put his dirty clothes in his hamper. He comes downstairs and sits between them. He lays his head on her lap. She runs her fingers through his hair and says, mommy loves you so very much little man! I love you too! They all sit there in the couch watching the fire in the fireplace crackling and dancing. Jarrick falls asleep. Jack says, I'll take him up to bed, I'll be right back! When he returns, she's asleep in her hand that's resting on the arm of the couch. He stands and gazed at the beautiful sight before him! He sits down beside her and pulls her over so her head is on his shoulder. He wraps his arm around her and kisses the top of her head! He whispers, I love you so very much Sweetheart!
The next few days are spent getting ready for Christmas. The dinner, presents and the surprise! Good morning Love! How did you sleep? I always sleep good when I sleep next to you! How did you sleep Sweetheart? Good but these babies are starting to move around more! Yeah the other night I crawled into bed and when I put my hand on your belly I got a little kick! It wasn't hard but I felt them move for the first time! I fell asleep with my hand on them! Children are the greatest joy in life! God bring a man and a woman together, then He gives them the greatest joy of their lives! It never gets old! Have I told you how much I love you Sweetheart? Not this morning, Love! I love hearing it though! Well I will tell you everyday for the rest of my life! I love you Sweetheart! You are the sun, the moon, and the stars! I love you too, Love! You and Jarrick and these babies are my whole world! Oh father called yesterday and said they would be in today! So figured we would put them in the guest room and Viola in one room and Julie in another room upstairs! Sounds good to me Sweetheart! I can't wait to tell everyone tomorrow evening! They are going to flip! I think we need another rocking chair in the nursery, Love! That way you have one too! I don't know if I'm going to be able to handle all of them at one time! That's doable! We are in this together Sweetheart! I want to help as much as I can! Jack leans over and gives her a passionate kiss on her lips! One thing led to another until they were making mad passionate love! As they came together, their breathing was was fast and hard! He kisses her and says, Beth you are my life! He rolls off of her never letting go of her. She tries to catch her breath and says, I love you too! They fall asleep until there was a knock on their door. Knock knock knock! He says, yes bud we're getting up! I'm hungry daddy. Can I fix me a bowl of cereal? Yes but be careful bud with the milk. Yes sir! Hey Sweetheart I think I had better go help him. Ok I just want to lay here a bit longer. He kisses her temple. Gets and puts his pj pants on. He walks in the kitchen just as Jarrick is pouring the milk into his bowl. Good job bud! Take a guess who's coming today? Grandpa and Nana? Yep they'll be here this afternoon! Is Aunt Viola and Aunt Julie coming to? Yes they are! Awesome! Now I don't have to keep the secret anymore! Well you still have to keep it until tomorrow evening though, ok? Yes sir! I can do that! Beth's family came in right on time. Jack went and picked them up on the tarmac. Everyone was excited to be together for the holidays!
The next day everything went well! Dinner was great! Everyone retired to the den. Jarrick starts handing out the gifts! After the gifts were all handed out Jack tells Jarrick to go change his shirt. Jarrick says, yes sir and went upstairs to change. No one was paying attention when he came back downstairs. Jack starts picking up the wrapping paper and throws it in the fireplace. Jarrick sits on the couch next to Beth. Charlotte looks up from her gift and says, Elizabeth it's nice to be...she stopped talking and looks at Jarrick. Jarrick what's that on your shirt? Everyone looks up. Jarrick slides to the front of the couch and holds out his shirt. All the women read what it said out loud...
I'm the big brother of
Daniel Elijah
Charlotte Grace
Rebecca Nicole
William jumps up and says, you're having triplets? Oh my God! Grace and Charlotte stand and rush over to her! She stood up and they all hugged her! The men went to Jack and shook his hand and hugged him! Tom says, congratulations son! Thank you dad! William was beside himself. Triplets! Jack my boy! Congratulations! Thank you sir!
Grace was looking at the shirt. She called Charlotte over and says, we have a name sake! Yes we do, yes we do, Charlotte said! Jarrick what do you think about being a big brother Viola asked? I think it's cool! I can't wait! I'm going to have a little brother and 2 little sisters! I'm going to be a great big brother! Now if everyone will follow me, Beth said! Everyone got up and follows her into the nursery. They see 3 cribs with an ultrasound picture above each crib. The first crib had Baby A- girl! The middle crib had Baby B- boy! The last crib had Baby C- girl! All the furniture was set up in the nursery for all 3 babies! Everyone was amazed at all the furniture that had been added. A second changing table, 3 small toy chests with each name on them, and a second rocking chair with a small table between them! Grace and Charlotte hugged her and says, it's beautiful! As everyone left the nursery Jack gently grabs her around her waist, hugging her from behind and asks, when did you decide to change her name? When I went to write her name on the paper before we had the t-shirt made. Are you upset that I changed it? How could I be upset? The names go together! Yeah I could not leave one out! I understand! It fits! I love you Sweetheart! These babies are going to be spoiled I'm afraid! It will be ok! They walked out to the den. Everyone we have one more piece of information we need to tell you but before I do , Jarrick I need you to go get your bath and put in your new pjs that Grammy and Pop got you! Yes ma'am! Up the stairs he went!
Ok we have to tell you about the C-section. What C-section, William said? Father just listen, ok? Alright, Lizzy. I'm not do until April but because of the triplets I have to have a C-section in March. There's to many things that can go wrong if I have a natural birth. Sony doctor is going to take them 3 weeks early. Jarrick doesn't know and we don't want him to know. We don't want him to worry because we're not sure how to explain it so he can understand it. So we told him I'm do in March. Is everyone on the same page? Because we need you to be. Lizzy are you alright dear? Yes mother I am for now! The doctor said that I may have to go on complete bed rest in February because of complications. So just be aware that is possible. Elizabeth we are here for you what ever you and Jack need, Charlotte said! Thank you everyone!
Christmas morning. Jarrick comes running down the stairs and knocks on their bedroom door. Knock, knock, knock! MOMMY! DADDY! SANTA came! SANTA came! Ok ok ok bud we're coming! Go wake up everyone else up! Jarrick went and woke up everyone in the house! Jack and Beth came out of their room. Beth sat down on the couch and kisses the top of her head and went to get them a cup of coffee. He comes back and hands her the coffee and sat down next to her. Everyone else runs to the kitchen for coffee. When they all got seated Jarrick asks, can I open the presents now? Yes you can bud! Jack gets his camera ready. Present after present Jarrick was so excited! Mommy there's one more and it doesn't have a name on it! Jack leans over and asks Jarrick to hand it to him. Jack hands it to Beth and says, Merry Christmas Sweetheart and kisses her cheek! She takes it and opens it. As she opens the box there was a gold diamond necklace she gasps, oh Love it's beautiful!
Beth goes into the kitchen and puts the cinnamon rolls in the oven that she made last night. Grace sets the dining room table. Viola and Julie play with Jarrick. Jack and William are sitting and watching them play with a game he got. Beth puts on another pot of coffee. Mother will you pour everyone a glass of orange juice? Sure dear. And Jarrick gets a glass of milk! Yes dear! Thank you mother! It's nice to have you in the kitchen with me!
Meanwhile back in the den. William asked Jack, can we step out onto the porch for a minute? Sure let's grab our coats! Jack follows William out to the front porch. Jack puts his hand out for him to take a seat. As they sit , William asks, have you talked to Lizzy about me buying the house? I have sir and we got the appraisal back on it. We didn't know how you wanted to handle it? Jack I'll pay the appraised value because that house is only going up in value because of the location! What is the appraised price? 464,240.00, Jack says! William asked, may I have the appraisal for my records? Yes sir! We don't need it. Done I'll have you a cashier check when the bank reopens after Christmas! They stand and shake hands. William, you don't know what it means to us to have you all close! I head back to work on Monday. I took off to over see the house. I know she's safe and mom is close by. Jarrick is here until the 4th so I know she won't be alone. Oh by the way si...William we left all the furniture in the house! The sheets and blankets are still there to. Boy I'll bet this house set you both back a lot! Not really sir! When we sell you the house we actually came out ahead! That's great Jack! You both have a great head on your shoulders! Thanks!
Later after everyone goes to bed. Hey Sweetheart I have great news! You're father is going to buy the house at the appraised price! That's great Love! As they were laying in bed he was on his side resting his head on his hand, he rubbing her belly. All of a sudden the babies start moving around. This is so cool! I could lay here and feel them all day! Well Love you can hold me all night! That's the best thing I've heard all day because that's my favorite thing to do in the whole world! Good night Love! Good night Sweetheart!
