Well everyone it's coming down to the wire! The new addition is coming soon! Thanks for all the fantastic reviews! I love them all!

Chapter 34

Getting Close

Jack walks into the kitchen where Beth is making breakfast. He asks, hey Sweetheart don't you have a doctors appointment today? Yeah, at 1:30. Their doing another ultrasound because the delivery is in 2 1/2 weeks! They're going to do another next week too. Why so many ultrasounds? Is everything alright? Yes but they want to make sure the umbilical cords are in the right places. Oh ok. I'll meet you there! Ok! I got to run Sweetheart. I don't have time for breakfast. I have some new recruits coming in today. So I have to get things ready for the meeting. He kisses her on her cheek and says, I love you and he bends down and kisses her belly, I love you all too! Out the door he went. Jarrick! Come on you need to eat before you catch the bus! Yes ma'am he yells! He comes bouncing into the kitchen. Good morning mommy! Good morning son! Here get up here and eat. You got 30 minutes before your bus will be here! Yes ma'am! Do you have your homework and your permission slip for the museum today? Yes ma'am it's in my backpack! Mommy? Yes son? What a museum for? Well it where they put things from the past. Old things. Usually everything is from the area. You are going to love it! Mommy I need lunch money today because we won't be at school for lunch. Ok. She goes and gets 5.00 from her wallet and puts it in his backpack. Thanks mommy! You're welcome son! I like it when you call me son! Me to, me too! Ok now it's time to get out to the bus stop! You have a great day! She leans down and kisses the top of his head.

At the doctors office waiting to be called back Beth is sitting there by herself. She looks out the window looking for him. He's nowhere in sight. She looks at her watch, it's 1:25. Where is he? He promised he would be here. She picks up a magazine and just keeps turning the pages not paying attention to it. She throws the magazine back down on the table. She looks out the window and at her watch. Jack where are you? She picks up her phone to call him but she was called back. She picks up her purse and follows the nurse back. She climbed up on the table and pulled her shirt up as she laid back. The ultrasound technician put the gel on the wand. He turned the sound on. He placed the wand on her belly. The sound was there immediately...swish, swish, swish! Their hearts sound great! They measure perfect except for one. It's a bit small. Beth asks, which one? Well if I can get it to roll just a bit, there it is. A girl. How much smaller is she? It looks like by a pound and a half. She an inch shorter to but she looks healthy. Her lungs look ok. I'll give these pictures to your doctor. Can I have a picture and can you click on her so we can see which one is smaller? Yes ma'am. He printed out the picture and handed it to her. Ok see you next week. If the doctor has any concerns he will call you. Thank you, she said as she wiped the gel off her belly. She got down off the table with the technician's help. As she left she made her appointment for next week. The receptionist asked, same time next week? Yes that will be fine, thank you. Beth got in her SUV and headed home but first she drove by the station to see if Jack's car was there. His car was in the parking lot. It hurt her that he wasn't at her appointment. She just went home. She was really tired. She looked at her watch. She had enough time to get a nap before Jarrick would be home from school. She set her alarm for 3:30. Jarrick got home at 4:15. She lays down and was out like a light. Before long her alarm went off. She reached over and cut it off. She felt like she had just fell asleep. She got up and went in to start dinner.

Directly Jarrick came through the door all excited about his field trip. He Was talking a mile a minute but she didn't stop him. So she listened very carefully. He told her about everything the museum had! He says, mommy you need to go to the museum! It was fun! Ok I might just do that. How about you pick up your coat and hang it up. Pick up your backpack and hang it in the hook? Yes ma'am! I just wanted to tell you about the museum! I'm glad you did! I want to hear everything but first do you have homework? No ma'am! Ms Kline said she wasn't going to give us any since we were all good today! Wonderful! Go change out of your uniform and then come back and tell me more, ok? Yes ma'am! Be right back! Don't forget to put your clothes in the hamper! Yes ma'am! Up the stairs he went.

Beth finished up dinner and put it on the table in the nook. She sets the table for 3. Her and Jarrick sit to eat. Jarrick tells her everything he seen at the museum! There was this room that had a bunch of stuffed animals in it! They told that all of them came from this area! They were so cool! Then there was this room that had this red chair in it with a hand on the back of it! I didn't get so I asked Ms Kline about it and she called it art! I still didn't understand it. So she said it was like in our art class when we get to draw anything want. Some time we can't see what it is. Just because we can't see what people say it is doesn't mean that it's not art. So this person wanted to express kindness by hold a chair for someone. Do you understand now? Yes ma'am, I said! It's like when my daddy holds my mommy's chair for her to sit down! She said, that's right! Mommy there were so many rooms in that museum! They even had a stuffed dog outside in this gravel area! They had a toy room in there that looked like a girls bedroom but it wasn't. It was just toys! I'm glad you enjoyed yourself! Maybe after the babies come you and I can go! Really mommy? Yes really, now eat your dinner before it gets cold. Mommy where's daddy? He's usually here before dinner? I don't know son! He probably got caught up at work! After dinner she asked, hey do you want to help mommy clean up the kitchen before you go get your bath? Sure, he said! He scraped the plates into the trash while she rinsed them. Then Jarrick put them in the dishwasher. She made Jack a plate and set it in the warmer. Jarrick went up to get a bath while she swept the floor.

After Jarrick was through with his bath he came downstairs and asked if they could watch a movie since he didn't have school tomorrow? She said, sure pick one out and put it in. He chose Lady and the Tramp. What made you pick that one son? Because that's one of your favorite! Awe! That's so sweet of you but you could've picked one of your favorite! I know mommy, you just look a little sad so I want you to be happy! You know what? I love you so much little man! She started the movie. About halfway through the movie they both fell asleep. She woke up a few hours later. Jack still wasn't home. She got up and covered Jarrick up and decided to leave him on the couch. She picked up her phone and went to her bedroom. She closed the doors and went in their bathroom. She sat down on the chair. She calls Jack's phone. It went straight to voicemail. She chose not to leave a message. She hung up and called station. Aspen Search and Rescue! Lieutenant Coulter speaking. Lee this is Elizabeth Thornton! Do you know where Jack is? I haven't heard from him this morning before he left for work. Yeah he was here all day with the new recruits and just as he was fixing to head home we got a call about an accident outside of town. It must have been pretty bad because no one has come back! You want me to have him call you when he gets back? No that's ok. Just wanted to make sure he was alright. Good night Lee. Good night Elizabeth. She changed her clothes and went to bed. She fell asleep quickly.

The next morning Beth was in the kitchen fixing breakfast for her and Jarrick. She was making pancakes. His was chocolate chip and hers were blueberries! They were sitting at the bar eating when Jack came through the front door. Jarrick went to get up when she put her hand on his arm to stop him. Finish eating before it gets cold. He'll be in in a minute after he changes his clothes. Jack always changed his clothes when he got home from work. Am I in trouble mommy? No son but daddy has been up all night in a call so give him time to get changed and get a shower before you go greet him, ok? Yes ma'am. I bet he's really tired huh? Yes he is! He'll be in for some breakfast before he goes to take a nap. So we need to be real quiet while he's sleeping, ok? Yes ma'am. Will you watch me play outside while he's sleeping mommy? Yes I'd be happy to!

Jack comes in after taking his shower. He kisses them both on the cheek and says, good morning! Sorry about being gone all night. There was a bad accident north of town. It's alright Love! I called the station and Lee told me. Sorry about the accident though. I hope everyone is ok? No really, but at least there weren't any fatalities, he replies. Here sit down and I'll get your pancakes out of the warmer. Oh wow these are fantastic! Here's your coffee to. Thanks Sweetheart! I'm going outside with Jarrick so you can get some sleep. I'll go sit with you for a bit. After you eat first. Yes ma'am, Jack says! After he finishes his breakfast he takes his coffee out and joins her on the swing. She slides over to give him room to sit. He sets his cup on the table. He put his arm around her shoulders and asks, how did your doctors appointment go yesterday? Beth I'm so sorry I didn't make it but I was tied up with the new recruits. It's ok! I just worry about you when you didn't show up. I kept checking my phone for a text but I didn't get one. I'm ok but one of our little girls isn't growing like she should. She's shorter by an inch and a pound and a half smaller. The technician says her vitals are all good. He said that if the doctor had any concerns he would call me. Has he called, Jack asked? No I haven't heard from him. Sweetheart I'm so sorry I wasn't there with you. It's ok Love! I was fine. I mean I wanting talk to you about it but I was fine. You have a very important job! People depend on you! They watched Jarrick play in the backyard for a little while until Jack kisses her cheek and says, I'm going to go lay down. Wake me up in a couple of hours. I want to spend time with you and Jarrick this afternoon! Alright Love! I love you Sweetheart! I love you too! Get some sleep! With that Jack goes in to bed.

Beth went out to Jarrick and asked, hey do you want to go for a walk with me son? Sure mommy! Where we walking to? Just back towards the the mountains! All the way back there? No silly boy just a little walk! I don't think I could walk that far right now! Let's give daddy some peace and quiet for a bit, ok? Sure he said! They started walking back towards the mountains. They are holding hands and swinging them back and forth! They are singing and having a great time!

Flies in the Buttermilk

Skip, skip, skip to my lou

Skip, skip, skip to my lou

Skip, skip, skip to my lou

Put on your Sunday, go to meetin'

And I'll take you by the hand

If you will be my dancin' partner

We will dance to beat the band

So join the promenade

And lead the big parade

And if you don't get home at all

Your pa will understand

Oh, choose partners, skip to my lou

Choose partners, skip to my lou

Choose partners, skip to my lou

Skip to my lou, my darlin'

Flies in the buttermilk, shoo, shoo, shoo

Flies in the buttermilk, shoo, shoo, shoo

Flies in the buttermilk, shoo, shoo, shoo

Skip to my lou, my darlin'

I'll be glad to go with you

So prithee do not tarry

But if I do, it's up to you

To let me dance with Harry

Skip to my lou

(Charlie)

Skip to my lou

(Johnny)

Skip to my lou

Skip to my lou, my darlin'

Skip to my lou

Skip to my lou

Corner boy, buck and wing, corner girl

Ida booth by to the center and whirl

Everybody dance

Lost my partner

(Skip to my lou)

Lost my partner

(Skip to my lou)

Lost my partner

(Skip)

Skip to my lou, my darlin'

I'll find another one prettier than you

I'll find another one prettier than you

I'll find another one prettier than you

Go to another party

Oh, I'll fly away to a neighborin' state

I don't care what my friends say

We'll dance and sing till broad daylight

I won't get home till Wednesday

(Skip to my lou)

Thursday

(Skip to my lou)

Friday

(Skip to my lou)

Skip, skip, skip to my lou

Skip, skip, skip to my lou

Skip to my lou

Mommy you're so funny, Jarrick says! Do you have music at school yet? Yeah but we sing baby songs. That's good then because that means you can sing to the babies when we bring them home, she said! How else are they going to learn them if you don't teach them, son! That's so cool mommy! Yes it is! They walk for about a half mile before they turned around and walked back. She starts having sharp pains in her low back but doesn't want Jarrick to know. She stops every so often until it stops. As they were coming through the back gate Jack was standing on the back porch leaning against the rail post. They get to the porch and she takes the first step and bends over and screams, water goes everywhere! Jack jumps down to her and yells, BETH SWEETHEART! Your water broke! She screams, it's to soon Jack! I know Sweetheart but it can't be stopped because your water broke! Jack pulls out his phone and dials 911! Aspen Search and Rescue, Lieutenant Coulter speaking! What's you're emergency! Lee is Jack. Beth is in labor. Her water just broke. Kay hang tight. Ambulance is in it's way! Jack hands up and get Beth over to the swing and sets her down! He calls his mom, mom I need you to come get Jarrick! Beth's water broke! Ok Jack not yet? Yes mom now! Mom I'll meet you at the hospital you won't have time to get here before the ambulance! Alright son drive safe. Jack hangs up with his mom and called Beth's parents, Grace meet us at the hospital! Her water broke. I'm waiting on the ambulance now. Where are you son? We're at home on the back porch! I got a go! See you at the hospital! Jack hangs up as Beth screams again and says, Jack we can't lose these babies! We're not Sweetheart, we're not! Jack we...need...gooooo! She said as she has a contraction! Whooo Whooo Whooo! That's good Sweetheart breathe through it! Here comes the ambulance Sweetheart! Jarrick go get the bag in the nursery just inside the door! Yes sir! Is mommy going to be alright! Yes bud now go! Yes sir! Jack stepped off the porch to direct the ambulance to the naïf the house. The ambulance backs up to the side of the porch. They jump out and they don't have time for vitals. They get her on the gurney and loaded up. They take all vitals on the way to the hospital. The ambulance driver informed the hospital of the situation. They told him her doctor was standing by waiting! 10-4 the driver said. Jack jumps in the SUV and follows the ambulance. Jack noticed Jarrick crying in the back seat. What's wrong bud? Is mommy going to die? No son she isn't! She just having the babies early that's all! She'll be fine! Ok? Yes sir! Just as Jack pulled into the parking lot at the hospital Charlotte was there to meet him. He parked. Charlotte took Jarrick. Jack run into the hospital to find Beth. William said, they took her straight through those double doors. Jack said thank you and went through the double doors. He stopped a nurse and asked, where did they take Elizabeth Thornton? She replies, straight down this hall. You can't miss her. Thanks he said! Jack ran all the way to the end of the hall. There was a nurse station, he stopped and asked, where Elizabeth Thornton my wife? Suit up just inside these doors and someone will take you to her. The nurse pressed the button and the doors opened. Jack stopped and suited up and a nurse took him into the OR. They sat him down next to Beth's head. He leaned over and kissed her cheek! Are you ready to meet our babies, Sweetheart? Jack I'm scared! Oh Sweetheart it's going to be alright! Their in good hands! I hope so! Well just shortly we'll get to meet them!