Chapter 51

It took about a month for Beth to get her hypothermia under control. Her fingers felt like a pin cushion. They were sore but they had learned how to keep her from having dizzy spells. She had finally got her strength back and was enjoying life again.

Daniel and Charlie was running around but Beckie was still scooting everywhere. She laughs every time her brother and sister run around her in a circle. They were very happy children!

Jarrick was enjoying having friends over on some weekends. They got to play with his train. You never knew they were there unless it was time to eat. Jarrick only had 1 more month before school was out for the summer. He was looking forward to the camping trip with the guys. But this time it was for the weekend. Then in July they were going on vacation to Estes Park.

Jack came in and set his backpack down in it's usually spot. He finds Beth in the kitchen as usual feeding the little ones. He walks in and kisses her gently on her lips. She asked, how was your day? He replies, it was a little stressful. We had a call up north of town. It was a 2 car accident. Thank God there were no fatalities! Only 2 went to the hospital with minor injuries. That's good she said. Were they visitors or residents? Visitors. One was heading to Vail and the other was going to Independence Pass. Beth pulled his dinner out of the warmer. Jarrick was sitting and eating his dinner. Jack sat down next to him and asked, how was your day Bud? It was good, he replied! We got extra time in art today because our teacher had to leave on emergency. She was crying when she left. They didn't tell us why she had to leave except that it was an emergency. They said she may not be back all week. So we'll have a substitute teacher for the rest of the week.

After dinner was over and the little ones and Jarrick was in bed, Jack and Beth we're sitting on couch in front of the fireplace. She was snuggled into him with his arms around her. He kissed her temple and asked, what do you want to do for our anniversary? You know it's just a month away! She says, I don't know. I haven't given it much thought with everything going on in our lives. He says, I think we should get away for a week. We haven't been anywhere since the little ones were born. They are stable now and mom can take care of them. She knows how to do for Beckie. Jarrick will be here and I'm sure if you parents are here they will help out. Love, you know I would really like to go back to Sydney! Would you Sweetheart? Yes I would! I miss sitting on the beach with you holding me just watching the sun rise and set. I'll make some calls and see if we can get the same hotel room, he said. Love, I don't want to be gone any longer than a week though! I don't either but I really think we need this time together. Not that I don't love our little family but I miss being with you, he said. I feel the same way, Love! I'll miss them dearly. I think this time away will be a good thing for us! Alright then I'll make the arrangements tomorrow! Sounds like a plan! After awhile later they get up and put the glass in front of the fireplace and lock up. She grabs his hand and they go to bed.

The next month flew by fast. Jarrick had just 2 days left of school and their trip was in 4. Beth had spent the past month making sure the little ones would have everything they needed while they were gone. Jarrick asked, can I still have James over for the weekend (James was his best friend at school)? Yes she said as long as you make it alright with Grammy! YESSS, he said!

Jack and Beth leave for their long flight to Sydney at 6:30 am. They arrived in Sydney at 8:45 pm. Uber picked them up at the airport and took them to the Park Hyatt Hotel. They take their bags after Jack pays the Uber driver. They walk up to the front desk and the clerk asks, welcome to the Park Hyatt! Name please? Thornton! Yes here you are! She hands him the card keys and says, enjoy your stay! Jack picks up their bags and heads to the elevator. They get to their room and set the bags down. Beth let's go of his elbow and heads to the balcony. She's standing there looking out at the ocean. Jack comes up behind her, wraps his arms around her waist and whispers in her ear, I love you Mrs. Jack Thornton! She wraps her arms around her waist on top of his and replies, I love you too Mr. Jack Thornton! Thank you for this! He says, you're very welcome! Jack orders room service and they have their dinner in the balcony. They toast to finding each other, falling in love, marring and have 4 beautiful children! Jack sets the cart with their empty plates on it outside the door. Beth is still standing on the balcony watching the moon shine on the ocean. Jack comes back in and double locks the door. He walks over and turned the music on and goes back to the balcony. He puts his hand out to her and says, dance with me? She takes it and replies, would love to! They danced and loss track of time. All of a sudden they took their eye from one another and seen the sun coming up. She turned in his arms so her back was to his chest. He never let go as she turns. His arms around her waist and placed his chin on her shoulder. He whispers as he kisses her cheek, I wouldn't trade anything for this moment with you! She squeezed his chin with her head and shoulder. There were no words that needed to be said. They stood in silence as the sun made its appearance. She yawns and he asks, would you like to take a nap? I'll get us up in time for lunch. She nods and they walk into the bedroom. He pulls the curtains closed. They were blackout curtains so it was dark. They removed their clothes and crawled into bed. He set the alarm on his phone for 11: o'clock. He wraps his arms around her and they fell asleep almost immediately.

The alarm goes off and he rolls over and shuts it off. He rolls back over and gently kisses her cheek. He whispers to her that it's time to wake up. She lifts her heads and kisses his lips. She asked, do we have to get up right now? He replies, why Mrs. Thornton what do you have on your mind? She rolls over on top of him and says, I think we should stay here just like this as she gently kisses him on his lips. He smiles and responds by kissing her back. They make love way past lunch. They both roll to their back. As they are trying to catch their breath her stomach growls. They both start laughing. He says, I think we should get you some lunch. You check your sugar and I'll call room service. How does a philly steak hoagie sound? Woo that sounds good, she replies! She check her sugar and told him it was 80. Ok, it will be about 30 minutes so if you want to get a shower while we wait, he said. She gets up and grabs her head and sits back down quickly. He sees her and rushes over to her after he says, Beth Sweetheart? He kneels in front of her. He reaches for her purse and gets her mini snickers out, takes the wrapper of and hands it to her. She says, thanks Love! She eats it and waits for it to raise her sugar. She laughs and says, I guess that will teach me to skip breakfast! He smiles and says, all that love making didn't help on your empty stomach! They both laugh. About that time there was a knock on the door. He stands and goes to the door. He grabs his robe on the way. He tips the room service man and brought her food to the bedroom. He pushed the cart in front of her. He pulls a chair up to sit across from her. They say their prayer and eat their lunch.

After lunch they took a shower and took the elevator down to the lobby. She takes his elbow and he puts his other hand on top of hers. They walk outside and down the sidewalk. They slowly made their way to the shops. They browse in and out of quite a few shops. In the souvenir shop the clerk hears him call her Beth. When they get to the checkout counter the clerk asks, excuse me ma'am but did I hear him call you Beth? Beth shakes her head yes and says, it's short for Elizabeth. Why? The clerk replies, we have a bay that's named Elizabeth Bay. Maybe you might want to visit. It's really nice especially on a cruise up to it from here. Beth looks at Jack and asks, do you think we could do that before we go home? He replies, for you anything! The clerk asks, where is home? Jack replies, Aspen, Colorado! Wow you all are along way from home. Jack says, we came here 2 years ago for our honeymoon and wanted to come back! Jack pays for the gifts for the family and walks out. She grabs his elbow and they make their way back to their room.

When they got back to their room he asked Beth, how about we call Uncle John and Aunt Evelyn to let them know we are here? She replies, that would be great! You know Love, I think we should bring the family in 2 years. The little ones will be 3. I think they will be old enough by then. What do you think? Well...I guess we could do that, he replies. He pulls out his phone and calls his Aunt Evelyn. It's ringing he says. Evelyn answers, hello? Aunt Evelyn, it's Jack! Jacky! It's so nice to hear from you! Yes ma'am! I was calling to let you know that we are here in Sydney! She yells to John. John they are back! He asked, who's back? Jacky and Elizabeth! John comes in and Evelyn puts her phone on speaker. Hey Jack how are you both doing? Good Uncle John! When did you both get in? We got her yesterday evening! How long you here for? A week, we fly home next Saturday morning! We will have to get together before you leave! Yes sir! Hey Jacky why don't you all come for dinner tomorrow night? He looks at Beth and asks, they want us to come for dinner tomorrow night? Beth shakes her head yes! Beth says that's fine! Well you all come when ever you get ready, ok Jacky? Yes ma'am! We'll let you know when we are on our way! Sounds good Jacky! See you tomorrow! Ok by Aunt Evelyn! Bye Jacky!

The next day Jack and Beth spent the day sightseeing! The took the boat to Elizabeth Bay. Jack got the captain to take their picture in front of the sign. Jack text it to his mom to show Jarrick. Then he sent it to Grace. Charlotte let Jarrick text back: dad this is Jarrick. That is so cool that mom has a bay named after! I love you. Tell mom I love her too! We love you to Bud! Grace text immediately: you both look so happy! I'm glad you are having a good time! Lizzy is royalty... haha! Jack text back...don't I know it!

They walked around the bay for awhile. They went to Fitzroy Gardens. They went to the El-Alamein Memorial Fountain. They ate at Dumplings Beer. Jack's phone rang. He said, hello. Jacky where you at today? Well hello to you too Aunt Evelyn! Hello Jacky, where are you at? Aunt Evelyn, is everything alright? Yes Jacky. Why would you ask that? Because you keep asking where we are. Well the reason I'm asking is that Daniel is playing at the Hayes Theatre tonight. I know you said you were going to Elizabeth Bay today and then coming out here. Well as it stands we are sitting here at Dumplings Beer having lunch. Great, she said! I thought you might want to catch his concert instead of coming out here. Are you sure Aunt Evelyn? I'm sure Jacky! You all can come here tomorrow evening if that's ok? Hang in a minute Aunt Evelyn let me ask Beth. Sweetheart, Daniel is playing at the Hayes Theatre right down the street tonight. Would you like to go see his concert and go out to Aunt Evelyn and Uncle John's tomorrow? Beth got all excited and shook her head yes! Ok, Aunt Evelyn, she wants to go to the concert instead. We'll see you tomorrow! Alrighty then, she said! Tomorrow it is. I call Daniel and let him know you're coming! Thanks Aunt Evelyn, you're the best! Jack hung up his phone and laid it back on the table. Beth was on her phone searching for what time the concert starts. Love, it starts at 8:00. What time does the last boat leave so we can get back to our room? I think it's midnight but I'll call to be sure. About that time his phone rang again. Hello, this is Jack Thornton. Hey Jack, this is Daniel. You have put my number in your phone yet? I will now Daniel, he said! What are you and Beth doing? We're at the Dumplings Beer having lunch. Where are you at? I'm on my way there now. Don't leave there. I'm 5 minutes away. Alright we'll wait for you. He hung up his phone and laid it down. Sweetheart? Yes Love? Daniel is on his way here. He said he was 5 minutes away! Love that's awesome!

5 minutes later on the dot a limousine pulls up and a very big and tall man got out and looks around. He then goes to the back door of the limousine and opens the door. Out steps Daniel. Beth says, he must be by his self because Nadia didn't get out. The big man walks in front of Daniel and opens the door for him. Some young girls were sitting just inside the door and sees him. They jump up and run over to him and asks for autographs. Daniel doesn't hesitate. He pulls a pen from his pick and signs the back of their T-shirts. They giggled and said thank you and went back to their seat. There were several others that did the same thing before he got to our table. He sat down and the waitress came over and asked him if she could get him anything? He says, the usual will be fine. Yes sir she said right away! He looks at her and says, hey Candy what have I told you about the sir thing? Just call me Daniel, ok? Yes si..Daniel! She goes and puts his order in and tells the cook that it's for Daniel Lissing! A few minutes later she comes back with a big plate of dumplings and a beer in a frosted mug and sets it down. Beth asks, you eat here enough to ask for your usual? Yes, I eat here every time I come home. I love this place. Besides I'm playing at the Hayes tonight. Daniel looks at his bodyguard and says, you have the passes I asked you to pick up for me? The bodyguard reaches into his jacket and pulls out 2 passes and hands them to Daniel. Daniel says, thanks and hands them to Jack. Jack says thanks but you didn't have to do that. We can pay for our own passes Daniel. I know but I get about 10-15 passes to give away. It's ok! Please be my guest? Jack looks at Beth. She shakes her head yes. Daniel says, done. Now let's eat. They sit and have lunch. Beth speaks up and says, hey Love don't forget to call about the last boat. Daniel interrupts and says, don't worry about it. You can take the boat back with me. I'm staying at the Park Hyatt. Really, Jack asked? Yeah, why. That's where we are staying. Cool so you can take the boat back with us! Beth speaks up and asks, where's Nadia, Daniel? She's at the hotel taking a nap before tonight's concert. She does that now that she's pregnant! Jack says, congratulations man! That's great! Yeah we're having triplets just like you and Elizabeth did! Really, Beth says! Yeah I think you jinxed us! How's that, Jack asked? Well when mom told me that you had triplets I laughed and made a stupid joke about better you than me. Then mom says that I had better watch what I say or it will come back and bite me! Well it came back and bit me alright. We're having a boy and 2 girls just like you cuz! Wow Daniel, congratulations! It was a rough go at first but they are all doing good now. Yeah mom told me about them when they were born. We're hoping that she can carry them to term. Is Nadia having them here or in California, Beth asked? Hopefully at home in California but she has a doctor here just in case. When are they due, Jack asked? Next month on the 23rd! Wow I bet she's miserable, Beth says. She is,Daniel replies. She thinks she looks like a beached whale even though I keep telling her she looks beautiful! Yeah Beth said the same thing.

After they finished eating the checks were brought to the table and Daniel swiped them up before Jack could say anything. Daniel says, it my favorite place to eat so it's my treat! Jack just shakes his head. Ok but if and when you come to Aspen it's my treat! Daniel says, deal because I'm booked there in December just before Christmas! Really Beth day! Daniel shakes his head yes and says really! Jack says, man that is so cool! You're going to love Aspen and you all will be staying with us. We have a huge 5 bedroom ranch style house! So we have plenty of room. Beth asks, will you be staying for Christmas? Daniel replies, I don't know yet. I'm leaving that up to Nadia. She can't decide if she wants the triplets to have their first Christmas at home or not. I told her that they won't know the difference this year but it's still her choice. We'll let you know before we come though. Oh and I'll let my agent know that we are staying with you guys. Jack says, you're bodyguard is welcome to stay in one of the other bedrooms. Daniel says, thanks. I'll tell him. They leave the restaurant. Jack shakes his hand and says, we'll see you tonight. Daniel says, be there about 7:00. That way it won't be so hectic. Jack replies, cool see you then! Beth hugs him and says, say hello to Nadia! Will do, he says, Daniel gets into his limousine and Jack and Beth wave just as the limousine pulls away.

Jack and Beth walk around until it's time to go to Daniels's concert. Jack looks at his watch and says, it's about time we head over to meet Daniel. We have our passes so we won't have to wait in line. They walk towards the theater. The parking lot was filling up already. She holds his elbow as they walk up to the back stage pass both. He shows his pass and the woman standing behind the glass says, you must be Jack and Elizabeth Thornton? Jack laughs and replies, yes ma'am we are! She picks up the phone and calls for a security guard. She hangs up and says, if you'll both stand over by the 2 post right over there to your right, someone will be right with you. Jack puts his hand on top of Beth's while she was still holding his elbow and moves over between the 2 posts. Just as he let go of her hand he slid out of her hand and put his arm around her waist a security guard pulls up and say, Good evening Mr. and Mrs. Thornton. They both say good evening. The security guard says, I'm Greg. I'll be escorting you both back stage. Please get in and I'll drive you around to the side entrance. Jack and Beth get in and the security shuts the door to the car. He drives around to the side entrance. He gets out and opens the car door for them. They step out and wait for him to punch in the code to open the entrance door. As the door opens they hear Daniel's band practicing. The security guard shows them to their seats just off stage. They could see Daniel from the side. After the set was done Daniel walks over and asks, do you both want to horse around? We've got about an hour and a half before the concert starts. They look at each other and nod. Daniel hands them both a Mike and asks, what would you like to sing? Beth speaks up and says, how about "Never Stop"? Daniel looks at Jack and says, she knows what she likes doesn't she? Jack just shakes his head yes. Daniel turns and tells his band, "Never Stop". Daniel counts , a 1 and a 2.

This is my love song to you

Let every woman know I'm yours

So you can fall asleep each night, babe

And know I'm dreaming of you more

You're always hoping that we make it

You always want to keep my gaze

Well you're the only one I see

And that's the one thing that won't change

I'll never stop trying

I'll never stop watching as you leave

RI'll never stop losing my breath

Every time I see you looking back at me

I'll never stop holding your hand

I'll never stop opening your door

I'll never stop choosing you babe

I'll never get used to you

And with this love song to you

It's not a momentary phase

You are my life, I don't deserve you

But you love me just the same

And as the mirror says we're older

I want to look the other way

You are my life, my love, my only

And that's the one thing that won't change

I'll never stop trying

I'll never stop watching as you leave

I'll never stop losing my breath

Every time I see you looking back at me

I'll never stop holding your hand

I'll never stop opening your door

I'll never stop choosing you babe

I'll never get used to you

You still get my heart racing

You still get my heart racing

You still get my heart racing

You still get my heart racing

For you

I'll never stop trying

I'll never stop watching as you leave

I'll never stop losing my breath

Every time I see you looking back at me

I'll never stop holding your hand

I'll never stop opening your door

I'll never stop choosing you babe

I'll never get used to you

You still get my heart racing

You still get my heart racing

You still get my heart racing

You still get my heart racing

For you

You still get my heart racing

You still get my heart racing

You still get my heart racing

You still get my heart racing

For you.

Daniel says, man I can't believe how good you sound together! How about you both sing that tonight? Beth asks, all 3 of us? Daniel replies, no, just the 2 of you! Jack looks at Beth and says, I'm game if you are Sweetheart! She nods and says, we'll ok then. I guess we are doing a duet in front of thousands of people! They horse around a little while longer until it's time to leave the stage. Daniel says, it's time to get off stage because they are fixing to open the doors to let everyone in. They follow him back to the dressing room.

Over a loud speaker a mans voice say, The Hayes Theatre proudly presents Daniel Lissing! The lights were swirling all over the curtains. The curtains open and Daniel steps up to the mike and takes a seat on a stool. Daniel sings several of his greatest hit. After about an hour he says, I have a treat for you all this evening. I would like to introduce my cousin and his wife. I guess she's my cousin too now. Give it up for Jack and Elizabeth Thornton. Jack reaches for Daniel's guitar. The crowd just listens. Jack and Beth take a seat on the stools behind the mikes. Beth says, I hope you all like this. We don't sing in public. The song is " Never Stop". The crowd went wild. Jack say, I guess they've heard of it. Jack starts play the intro. Jack sings the first verse. Then Beth joins him on the chorus. Then Beth sing the second verse. Then joins her for the chorus. They crowd stood and applauded for several minutes. Daniel came back on stage and joined them. He said, a standing ovation! Daniel took a seat next to them. He reached for his guitar as Jack handed it to him. Daniel says, how about we sing one together? Here's an old one, I hope you know this. "Smoke on the Water" Jack and Beth both say yes!

We all came out to Montreux

On the Lake Geneva shoreline

To make records with a mobile

We didn't have much time

Frank Zappa and the Mothers

Were at the best place around

But some stupid with a flare gun

Burned the place to the ground

Smoke on the water, fire in the sky

Smoke on the water

They burned down the gambling house

It died with an awful sound

Funky Claude was running in and out

Pulling kids out the ground

When it all was over

We had to find another place

But Swiss time was running out

It seemed that we would lose the race

Smoke on the water, fire in the sky

Smoke on the water

We ended up at the Grand hotel

It was empty cold and bare

But with the Rolling truck Stones thing just outside

Making our music there

With a few red lights and a few old beds

We make a place to sweat

No matter what we get out of this

I know we'll never forget

Smoke on the water, fire in the sky

Smoke on the water

The crowd goes wild, whistling and clapping. The sing the chorus twice. When they finished, they stood and took a bow and Daniel says, we're glad you came out tonight. We'll see you back here tomorrow night! You all have a good night! Daniel, Jack, and Beth leave the stage.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I know it took me awhile to get it up. I'm hoping to get the next chapter up by next week.