Chapter 52

Anniversary Trip

Part 2

The next morning Beth rolls over to reach for Jack but finds a cold spot where he laid. She stretched and rolled over to sit up on the side of the bed. Jack heard her stir from the balcony of their bedroom. He gets up and joins her on the bed next to her. He wraps his arms around her and kisses her temple. Good morning Sweetheart! How did you sleep? Undoubtedly great because I didn't feel you get out of bed! She place both hands on the sides of his face and kissed him softly and gently. He wraps both arms around her and leans her back on the bed. After about and hour of making love they part to breathe! She says, that was the best wake up I've had in a very long time! I know Beth but you've been sick and the little ones. I know Love but I good now! YES YOU ARE, he replies! They lay in each other arms and catnap.

About and hour or so later they were in the shower. He says, I'll wash your back if you'll wash mine? She giggles and replies, you and I both know what will follow! He smirks and says, you read my mind Mrs. Thornton, you read my mind! Why Mr. Thornton are you making a pass at me? After a not so quick love making they both got their shower. He dried her off and she dried him off. She wrapped a towel around her head and body. He wrapped a towel around his waist and they walked out of the bathroom. In the kitchen she grabs a cup of coffee and some fruit. She sits down at the little table and he joins her with the same. Sweetheart how are your dizziness? I was a little dizzy when I got out of the shower but this fruit will do the trick. I'm sorry Sweetheart, I couldn't help myself. I know Love, me either. Lets just rest here in the room until this afternoon. That way you'll have time to get your sugar under control. That sounds great Love! Snuggling with the man of my dreams is a perfect solution! Jack smiles and says, you are the woman of my dreams! A few minutes later she gets up slowly and heads to the bedroom. He followed. They get dressed in some comfy clothes and make their way back to the living area. They take a seat on the loveseat and snuggle. She picks up the remote and turns the TV on to watch. He laughs and says, why is it every time you turn the TV on there is a Daniel Lissing movie on? She laughs and replies, I don't know but God must be looking out for me! It was "December Bride". After the movie was over he got up and grabbed the house menu. He brought it back and they both looked at it together. She says, I think I'm going to have the grilled chicken salad with a piece of peanut butter pie. Really he said, Beth that don't even sound good and laughs! Love I need something sweet to keep my sugar up and that has peanut butter in it to. So just killing 2 birds with 1 stone! He says, I guess so. I think I'm going to have the same but with a slice of chocolate cake! Woo that does sound good! He laughs and says, if you're nice to me I just might share! She replies, oh you think so do you! He picks up the house phone and puts in their order but adds ice tea. He hangs up the phone and says, it'll be about 30 minutes. She reached up and kissed him softly and passionately! She backs away and says, is that nice enough or was you making another pass at me Love? He gently raises her chin with his finger and gently brings her lips to his. He whispers before kissing her, I was thinking of something else but this is a great start. He gently kisses her until their breathing was uncontrollably fast. They must have lost track of time because all of a sudden there was a knock on the door and someone says, room service. They both jump back and giggle. Jack got up to answer the door. He tipped the man from room service and said, thank you! The man said, your welcome and if there is anything else we can help you with, please don't hesitate to call. The man stepped back out of the room and closed the door. Jack pushed the cart over to the balcony and set the table. He put the small vase of flowers in the center of the table. He pushed the cart back out of the way and went over to her. He put his hand out for her to take. She takes it and says, gladly. He wraps his arm around her low back and leads her out onto the balcony. He pours her a glass of sweet tea as well his. He pulls out her chair for her to sit. She sits and says, why thank you Mr. Thornton! My pleasure Mrs. Thornton! He turns to sit across from her. They ask the blessing and proceeds to eat. They talk while they ate. So Love, when do we go home? Sweetheart we still have 4 days left. We fly out Sunday morning at 5:30. So Love, why don't we stay here today and go visit your Aunt and Uncle tomorrow? That sounds great to me, Sweetheart! I'll call Aunt Evelyn after lunch.

After lunch and his phone call to Aunt Evelyn it was decided that they would get up in the morning and head out to his Aunt and Uncle's. They meander back to the couch after putting their dishes back on the cart. Neither could eat their dessert so they opted to save them for later. Jack pushed the cart back out to the hall and met her on the loveseat. She leaned over and rested her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into him. He reached for the remote and was thumbing through the channels when he came across the music channel. He stopped and they both sat up and watched. It was Daniel's concert from last night. They both look at each other and laughed. She says, I've never been on TV before. Jack pulled up the channel on his phone. He found the video and hit record. After recording it he sent it to Charlotte and asked her to play it for Jarrick and the little ones.

Charlotte heard a telegram sound coming from her phone. She walked over and pick it up. She looked at the time. It was 5:00 am. She says to herself, why are they texting me so early. She takes her phone into the kitchen and starts a pot of coffee. When her coffee is done she sits down at the bar and opens the text. She clicks on the link because it's to long for a text. She takes a sip of her coffee and just as it starts she sees Daniel her nephew in concert! She swallowed her coffee. She thinks out loud, why would that son of mine be sending me a link to watch Danny sing? I've seen him sing before. She takes another sip a few minutes later. Just as she went to swallow she sees Jack and Elizabeth singing on stage. She spits her coffee out across the bar. Just at that moment Tom came in just in time to see her spit her coffee out. He laughs and says, is the coffee that bad? She shakes her head no and waves him over. She says, you have to see this. She turns her phone for him to see. He laughs and says, we'll it's about time Danny gets him on stage! Jack has been avoiding it for years! They sound great together! Yes they do, Charlotte says! Do you remember their wedding? There wasn't a dry eye in the house sorta speak, Tom says! I remember Tom! They don't sing together anymore in front of the family. They compliment each other! Jack wants me to show it to the kids! Tom? Yes dear? Do you think we could get this put on a disc so the kids could see it better? I don't see any reason why not. Take it to the computer shop in town and see what they can do. If they can't then it can't be done. Thank honey, she said. I'll run into town after breakfast. Will you stay with the kids so I can run and do it? Of course I will Char! Beckie will be ok until I get back so I won't be gone any longer than I have to be. Jarrick is going to flip when he sees this! By the way Tom what time is it in Australia? I got this at 5:00 this morning. There's a 16 hour difference. They are behind us so somewhere around 3:00 yesterday, he said. It's Wednesday over there right now? Yes dear, it's Thursday here but Wednesday there. Ok Mr. Smarty Pants help me get breakfast started. Yes ma'am!

Back in Sidney Beth comments, hey love you do realize that you just sent that at 5 am don't you? Oh wow, I just got excited and forgot about the time difference! She's going to have your head when we get home! Nah, she'll forgive me just as soon as she sees it! You better hope so because I'm not taking the blame for that one! Don't worry your pretty little head! It's all on me since I sent it from my phone! Sweetheart, can you believe we are on national television? Yes I can because I see it for my own self! Jarrick is going to freak when he sees it. He's going to call to. If he don't call by 7:00 their time tonight then we will FaceTime them! Beth and Jack just stayed in and enjoyed each other's company and companionship. They just held each other and watch some movies. He was happy that she let him pick every other movie.

The next morning Jack was up before her. He had made coffee and had ordered room service. He ordered her favorite, 2 eggs over easy, hash browns, country ham, wheat toast, a tall glass of orange juice. He ordered the same for him except he had steak medium rare. He carried their breakfast in the bedroom to have breakfast in bed. He set the tray down on the little table. He sat down on the bed next her her and slid the hair back from her eyes. He slowly leaned over and kissed her gently on the cheek and said, good morning Sweetheart! She slowly turned her head to face him and opened her eyes slowly so they could adjust to the light. She smiles and says, good morning handsome! He places a kiss gently on her lips and says, breakfast is served my lady! Wow, I have a prince to serve me breakfast in bed! She pulled herself up in the bed to lean back against the headboard. He help to fluff her pillows before she leaned back. When she was settled he got the tray and brought it over and sat it across her lap. He went around to his side of the bed and crawl in next to her. He removed the plate covers and she smiles and says, oh Love! You got my favorite breakfast! He shook his head and said, yes because I want to to keep your sugar up for dessert, if you catch my drift and placed a kiss in her cheek. She giggles and replies, so you got me this breakfast for you and not because it's my favorite? He shakes his his head and say, that was the plan if I'm being perfectly honest! His double dimples was in full view. She reached over and placed her hand on his cheek, gently placed a kiss on his lips and whispers, I welcome my favorite breakfast anytime,Love! He smirks and says, I need you to keep your energy up! We don't need you wiped out so bad after! She gently backhanded him before picking up her fork. They ask the blessing and enjoyed their breakfast together! After they finished their Jack got up an put the tray back on the little table. She slides it of bd and head to the bathroom. She does her daily routine except she doesn't get her shower. He joins her. After they finished their routine he gently turns her to face him. She wraps her arms around his neck while he wraps his arms around her waist. He picked her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist. He kisses her all the way back to. the bed. He gently lays her down and straddles her. The passion was awesome between them. They couldn't seem to get enough of each other. After about an hour and a half he fall to her right and takes a deep breath. She rolls over and lays her head on his chest. Their breathing was labored. He wraps his arms around her and and kisses the top of her head. He whispers, I love you Beth with all my heart and soul! I know you do Love! I love you the same. I don't kn how I would get along without you! You are the beat of my heart! He pulls her in for a tight but gentle hug.

After their morning nap they get up and get their shower. After more fooling around in the shower the got out and got ready to leave for his Aunt and Uncle's. Jack called down to the front desk and asked them have a cab waiting in about 10 minutes. The clerk says, yes Mr. Thornton. I'll have one waiting for you when you're ready! Beth picks up her purse and sweater. She goes into the bedroom on grabs her snacks from her suitcase. She placed them in her purse. Jack calls from the living area, Beth, Sweetheart? We need to hurry. The cab should be here! I know Love, I just need to get some snacks from my suitcase! Oh I thought you already had them. I'm sorry I shouldn't have rushed you. No it's fine Love. I had already put them in my purse.

He opens the door for her and joins her in the hall. He pulls the door to and they head to the elevator. He has his hand on her low back and reached to push the button for the elevator. The doors open and they step inside. The doors close and pushed the button for the lobby. She leaned up and kissed his cheek and says, to the moon and back! He turns his head and gently kisses her lips and says, heart and soul! She wrapped her arm around him and gently squeezed. He responded with the same. The elevator stops and the doors open. They step out and concierge says, good morning Mr. Mrs. Thornton. You're cab is waiting. Jack says, thank you. They step outside and the concierge nod to the cabby. The cabby opens the back door and they slid in. He closed the door and went around and got in the driver's side. He says, good morning! Where to? Jack gives him the address. The cabby reaches up and starts the meter. He pulls the cab into drive and takes off. About 20 minutes later they pulled up to their house. The cabby gets out and goes around to open their door. Jack gets out and puts his hand out for her to take. She says thank you as she gets out. The cabby closed their door. Jack pulls out his wallet to pay him but the cabby says, thanks but he's already been paid. Jack says by who? About that time Uncle John came out and says, by me. John pulls out his wallet and hand the cabby a 50 bill. Uncle John we can pay for our own cab. John says nonsense! John shook the cabby's hand and says, you have a nice day Alfred! He replies, you to Mr. John! He gets back in his cab and leaves.

Jack, John, and Beth walk in the house and was met by Aunt Evelyn. She reached up and hugged Jack and says, how have you been doing Jacky? I've missed you all so much! I've been good, he replies! She let go of him and went to Elizabeth. They hug and Aunt Evelyn says, how are you doing? Elizabeth replies, I'm doing good! Aunt Evelyn leans out while still holding her arms and just looks at her for a moment before saying, Elizabeth? I know about your health issues. Charlotte and I talk at least once a week. She's my sister. We have no secrets! Elizabeth steps away and replies, oh? She walked over to Jack, puts her hand through his arm and pulls him close. He reached up with his other hand and placed it on top of her hand. Jack gave her the dimples and says, Aunt Evelyn? She's just fine. It's hypoglycemia. She watches herself very closely. We don't have to make a fuss. She's not a china doll! Evelyn walks over and takes her by the elbow and leads her into the kitchen. She points to the barstool and says, sit! John and Jack walk past the ladies but stops behind Beth, kisses her cheek and whispers, I'll be right outside on the patio! She reached up and patted his hand on her shoulder and gives him a nod!

Aunt Evelyn asked her, have you 2 had lunch yet? No ma'am! We had a huge breakfast this morning! Jack ordered room service this morning and we had breakfast in bed! What time was that, Aunt Evelyn asked? Um, about 7:30 ish. Well dear it's almost 1:30 now. I'm making lunch and we'll eat out on the patio. Evelyn reaches into the bread box and pulls out a bag of wheat hoagie bread. She opened it and pulls out all 6 buns and proceeded to slice them open. Beth speaks up and says, oh Aunt Evelyn, we can't eat all that! Evelyn smirks and says, oh I'm sorry, no I didn't mean to imply you could! Danny and Nadia are coming for lunch to before they head back to California! Beth laughs and says, thank God! I didn't want to have to eat all that so you wouldn't have to throw it away! Aunt Evelyn laughs too! Beth asks, can I help you assemble them? Aunt Evelyn just gives her a look as if to say "are you up to it"? Elizabeth just give her a weird smirk and got up to help. She nudged her and said, Aunt Evelyn? I'm fine. It's been months since I found out about it! I have it under control. I carry a snack in my purse! So you really are ok, Aunt Evelyn asked? Yes ma'am, I am! Aunt Evelyn stopped slicing and turns to her giving her a big hug and whispers in her ear, I'm so glad. When Charlotte called me and told me, well, let's just say I haven't prayed so hard in my life, with tears rolling down her face. Elizabeth hugs her and says thank you! They let go of each other and said now these sandwiches aren't going to make themselves! After they finished the sandwiches Aunt Evelyn put long picks in them and sliced the sandwiches into 6 slices. Elizabeth put the slices on a platter that Aunt Evelyn had sat on the bar. Elizabeth grabbed the platter while Aunt Evelyn grabbed the tray with the glasses and pitcher of ice tea, and bowl of lemon slices. John noticed them at the door and got up to open it. Jack stood to help her set the platter on the table. He reached for her hand and gently squeezed. She nodded and gently kisses his cheek! The ladies walked back in to get the plates and silverware. Aunt Evelyn set them on the tray. She reached into the fridge and pull out the vegetable tray and set it in the bar. Then she got a bowl from the cabinet and opened a bag of chips and poured them into the bowl. She picked up the bowl and set it on the tray that Elizabeth was holding. They walked back outside to the table. They sat what they were holding down and joined their men. Jack and John stood to pull their chairs out to allow them to sit. They pushed their chairs in and took their seats again. Jack took Beth's hand and they all bowed their heads to ask the blessing. Just as they said Amen Daniel and Nadia came through the back door. Jack and John got up to greet them. They hugged and said good to see you! Daniel and Nadia stepped around the table hug Elizabeth and his mom. They took their seats and everyone helped their plates.

The conversation was nice and enjoyable. After laughing and having a great time Jack asked, when are you all coming to Aspen? Daniel looks at Nadia and then say, we'll everyone we have great news! Nadia is pregnant! Everyone clapped and said, congratulations! When are you due, Elizabeth asked? Nadia replies, December 22! Evelyn jumps up and hugs Nadia and Daniel! She's crying the most happy tears! She has waited so long to be a grandmother! John gets up and follows! Do you know what it is yet, Evelyn asks? But there's more, Daniel say. He reaches for nadia's hand. He brings it to his lips and gently kisses it! What is it Danny? Mom, dad, Jack and Elizabeth jinx us! No! You're having triplets? Nadia shakes her head and says, yes a boy and 2 girls! Wow just like us Sweetheart! Jack and Beth get up to hug them! Daniel says, man you better have just 1 the next time...as he laughed! Man ours is 16 months old. So it will be awhile! So maybe you should come before yours is here so you can get an idea of what it's going to be like? Then you can meet Jarrick to! Daniel says, well we were thinking of coming at the end of July if that's alright with you and Elizabeth? Jack looks at Beth and then tells him that will be just fine. You can stay with us. We have 3 extra bedrooms. Aunt Evelyn? You and Uncle John are welcome to come too! I know mom would love to see you all too! She looks at John with tears in her eyes and asks, do you think we can Honey? He replies, I don't see any reason why not! It's about time we go visit your family! Everyone hugs and is so happy! Jacky? Yes Aunt Evelyn. How about we keep this just between us? I want to surprise Charlotte! Mums a word he say as he acts like he locked his mouth and threw away the key. Daniel asks, when is good for you all, Jack? Well, we go to Estes Park the week after the 4th. We'll be gone about 10 days. So any time after the 15th. Daniel says, that's perfect because I took a month off starting the 15th. So we can fly here on the 16th. Mom when did you want to leave? As soon as you get here. So how about we fly out on the 17th! That's sounds like a plan to me. So I guess we will see you all on the 17th. Jack laughs and says, we'll technically we'll see you all on the 18th. Somewhere over the Pacific Ocean you will lose a day? We're a day ahead of you! Everyone laughs and say ok then!

Beth and Nadia helped Evelyn carry everything back in the kitchen. Nadia asks Elizabeth, how was your pregnancy? Well I was ok. I had a set back with dehydration once. I thought I was drinking the right amount of water but because I was carrying 3 I had to compensate. But other than that it was ok. I gain a lot of weight. That's to be expected though. Did you carry them to term, Nadia asked? No. I had them almost a month early. But you don't need to worry about that. Just take care of yourself and you'll be fine! They hugged and Nadia says, thank you Elizabeth! Your welcome! It was getting late by the time everything was cleaned up and put away. Beth walks out to Jack and says, hey Love don't you think we hound be going? It's getting pretty late. Yes Sweetheart, we should. I'll call a cab. Daniel speaks up and say, hey don't call a cab. You can ride back with us. We're staying at the same hotel! Jack says, that's right! I forgot you told us that. We are ready whenever you are! Lets say our goodbyes and we can go?