Chapter 53

Anniversary Trip

Part 3

Back at the hotel Daniel asked, hey cuz I need you to keep my visit hush hush! I'll be on vacation and I don't want people coming to the house asking for autographs. Jack replies, man you'll be so far out of town no one will know you're there. We live 10 miles out of town and on 250 acres with the mountains at the back of the property! It's real quiet. The only visitors we get is family. Our driveway is the only one on our road. If you need anything just let us know and we'll pick it up when we go into town or mom can pick it up and bring it out! But you know if you don't want to be noticed, you better not use a limousine to bring you to the house. I'll come pick you up on the tarmac! Yeah that'll work! Nadia says, Dan I think I'm going to go lay down. I'm really tired. Beth speaks up and says, I remember those times. I was tired all the time. The bigger I got the more naps I took! Daniel stood and offered Nadia his hand. She reached for it and he helped her to stand. They said their goodbyes and left. Beth and Jack went to their room and got ready for bed.

The next morning Jack woke her up before the sun came up. He gently kissed her cheek, then her temple, then her nose, as he went for her lips she smiles and whispers, what a way to be woke up! She opens her eyes to find it was still dark outside. She asked, what time is it, Love? Almost sunrise! Is there a reason for waking me so early? He kisses her lips gently and replies, I thought we could catch the sunrise! How long do we have,Love? About 15 minutes,Sweetheart! I figured I'd give you enough time to get some clothes on! Give me a few minutes and I'll be ready. While she was in the bathroom he called down for room service in about an hour. He tells them they are stepping out to catch the sunrise. We should be back in an hour or so. He gives them their order and says thank you before hanging up the phone. He steps to the coat closet and retrieved a light sweater for her. As she was coming out of the bathroom he holds her sweater to place it over her shoulders. He grabs the room card and placed it in his back pocket. He opens the door and they head for the elevator. He pressed the "L" button and the door closed. She run her hands around his elbow and says, this is nice. We haven't got to catch a sunrise since we've been here! He gently kisses her temple and says, that isn't all! We are going to catch every sunset for the rest of our time here! Oh Love that sounds wonderful! They grabbed a blanket on their way out of the hotel. He walked her out to their same spot. He opened the blanket and spread it out. He sat down and reached for her hand. She took it and sat down in front of him. Leaning back against his chest, he put his arms around her. He gently kisses her cheek and says, Beth Sweetheart? She say umm? Have I told you how much I adore you? Not in the last little while, she replies. He hugged her and says, you are the sun, the moon, and the stars to me! She turns her head up to look at him and kisses his chin and say, you are my eternity! They kissed and turned back just s the sun was beginning to make its appearance. He wanted to make a mental note as to all the different colors that the sun was making.

Back at the room Jack put the key card in and opened the door. He let her walk in first. As they got around the corner she noticed the table was set. She says, what's going on, Love? Nothing, he replied. Something is because the table I'd set. Oh that. I ordered room service and they must have set the table for us. At both their places at the table was a covered dish. They each had a tall wine glass with orange juice, coffee, and water in steamed water goblets. There was even 2 long candles already lit. Wow, she said. They must have known we we on our way back up. Well I did tell them how long we would be gone! He pull out her chair as she sat down. He sat next to her. They asked the blessing and took the cover off their dishes. As they sat there eating, Jack asked, what would you like to do today? I think after we finish this wonderful breakfast and after we let our food settle I would like to go for a swim. Then maybe take a nap. How about you Love? That sound like a great plan Sweetheart!

After breakfast she walks into the bedroom to change into her bikini. Jack followed to put his swimming trunks on. She had bought them matching suits. He takes one look at her and says, whoa! Beth Sweetheart, you aren't wearing that out there are you? Why Mr. Thornton, are you jealous? No, but that body is for my eyes only! Well then you better check out your match suit! He pulls out all his shorts but finds nothing that matches hers. Sweetheart, I don't have one that matches yours. She walks over and reaches into the top drawer and pulls out a speedo. She hands it to him. He took it and held it out to look at it. He says, and just what am I supposed to do with this, with a smirk! Well Love, you wear them! I know that but I'm not wearing them out in public! Why not? Because this ( he runs his hand down his body) is for your eyes only! Just try them on, please? He takes his shorts off and steps into them. She walks over and runs her hands over his butt and says, oooh Live that has got to be the sexiest butt I've ever seen! He dimples shine and says, just how many butts have you seen? She laughs and replies, oh a few down on the beach! Ooh so you've been looking at others and laughs? Well you can't help but notice as they walk by us! You know I'm not blind! He grabs her and start tickling her and says, I'll give you something to look at alright! She start giggling and says, Jack stop! No not until you promise to stop looking at other men's butts! Ok, ok, ok I promise! He stops tickling her and the drop to the bed. She stops giggling long enough and says, but you still have the cutest butt to me! He kisses her and asks, so you still want me to wear these out in public? Yes I do Love! I'm not going to talk you out of these matching suits am I? Sweetheart you're suit leaves very little for the imagination! There isn't much material there. Love I'm covered for the most part but if you don't want me to wear it out in public how about I wear it just for you? That I like better! Did you bring us any other bathing suits? Yes Love I did. She got up and walked over to her luggage and opens it. She pulled out his swimming trunks and her one piece. She tossed his to him and then took Er bikini off and proceeded o put her on. He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her cheek and said, thank you Sweetheart! I don't like the idea that other men are looking at you with their dirty minds. How do you know they have dirty minds? Well let's just say I'm a man and the thoughts of you wearing that suit...well. Why Mr. Thornton what am I going to do with that dirty mind of yours? He turns her around and whispers, let me show you what to do with it! He picks her up and she wraps her legs around his waist. He carries her over to the bed. Gently lays her down and straddles her. He kisses her gently on her neck. She says, sooo...I...guess...we...aren't...going...swim...ming? He mumbles no as he continues to kiss her lips! She rolls him over and takes his speedos off and let them fall to the floor. She straddles him and begins to kiss his neck up to his lips. After about 2 house they come together and she rolls off and rests her head on his chest. They both try to catch their breath.

Beth gets up and goes to take a shower, joins her. After their shower she puts her robe on and goes into the kitchen to see what is in the fridge. She pulls out the orange juice and pours her a glass. She puts the lid back on and walks out to the balcony. He grabs a bottle water and follows. He asks, is your sugar alright? Yes Love but I have those butterflies I get when it's starting to drop. So this juice should do the trick. Are you hungry yet? No not really, she replies. Alright, just don't go to long. I won't Love. He sits down next to her and puts his hand out for her to take. She puts her hand on top of his, he starts rubbing it with his thumb. He says, you know you mean everything to me. I just worry about you! I know Love and it means the world to me that you love me that much!

After they get lunch they decided to go for a walk on the beach. They walked for a while just holding each other when they both noticed that hey were alone on this stretch of beach. They looked around to see if they were somewhere that they weren't supposed to be. He says, I don't see any signs saying private. She says, I don't either. They see a bunch of boulders and decided to go sit down. He wraps his arm around her shoulder and kisses her temple. She places her hand on his leg and says, it's so peaceful her. Just the waves hitting the shore and those rocks out there. He says, it's a nice sound. After a while they decided to make the walk back towards their hotel. As they all hand in hand he asks, what do you think about bringing the kids next year? The little ones will be 2 by then and they would be able to enjoy it by then. I think that would be a great idea Love! I'll make the reservation before we leave but we will have to get a bigger suite. That's doable Love! They won't want to leave when it's time to go home! I know the feeling!

They get back to their room and look at the clock. She says it's to a rly to call them but I would like to call them this evening. How about we call them at 9:00 our time? It'll be about 11:00 am there. That sounds like a plan, she says! We have just 3 more days before we leave, she says. Yes we do. What would you like to about dinner tonight Sweetheart? Eat in or go out? How about we get dressed up and go down to the restaurant downstairs, she replied? That sounds great. They st and watched a couple of movies and then got up to get dressed. She decides to wear her midnight blue dress that had no back to it with a matching pair of shoes. He wore a midnight blue suit with a matching tie. She grabbed her clutch and matching wrap. He opened the door for her and they headed for the elevator. When they got down to the restaurant the maitre'd asked, reservation name? Jack replies, Thornton. The maitre'd looks and crosses out the name and says, Where would you like to sit, inside or outside? Jack looks at Beth and nods outside? She nods and Jack says, outside will be fine. They follow him outside. He pulls out her chair and sits next to her. The maitre'd says, your waitress is Rachel and she'll be right with you. Jack says, thanks you. Jack and Beth sit holding hands and staring out on the ocean. The waves made a beautiful sound sloshing up onto the shore. The sun was just starting to set. She whispers, I don't think I've ever seen such beautiful sunsets as they have here! He lens over and kisses her cheek and says, I don't think so either! Rachel walks up to their table and says, I'm Rachel and I'll be your waitress this evening. What can I get you to drink? Beth replies, I'll have a sweet tea please and Jack says, I'll have the same. Rachel says, 2 sweet teas. I'll be right back with them. They both said, thank you Rachel. Rachel came back with their drinks and sat them down in front of them. She asks, are you ready to order yet or would you like some more time? Beth says, I'll have the seafood platter and Italian dressing on my salad. Jack says, I'll have the T-Bone steak, medium rare, baked potato with everything, baby carrots, and Italian dressing on my salad. Rachel repeats their order back to them and asks, will this be all or will you be having dessert? We'll share a large piece of chocolate cake. Alright, I'll be back in a few minutes with your order. She walks away and Beth says, so we're sharing a large slice of chocolate cake are we? Yes we are Sweetheart because I know you, we get 2 slices Nd you wind up eating your and most of mine too! So I just cut to the chase and ordered a large slice this time! They both laugh and Beth says, you know me oh so well! They finished watching the sunset before their salads came out. Rachel sat their salads down and said, enjoy! A few minutes later she come back and took their empty plates. She came back and placed their dinner in front of them. She refilled their tea and said, I hope you enjoy it! Jack says, it all look delicious! They st Nd enjoyed their meal. They talked abou this and that. Great conversation! Rachel noticed that they were finished eating so she walked over and removed the empty plates. She skied, are you ready for your dessert? Would you like coffee with your dessert? Yes please and thank you! Rachel bought their dessert and coffee. After they were finished Rachel brought their ticket to the table. Jack signed it and put their room number on it. He added the gratuity to it. He left it on the table. He got up and pulled Beth's chair out for her to get up. She says, you're such a perfect gentleman Mr. Thornton! Why thank you Mrs. Thornton.

They decided to go for a walk while they were waiting to call the children. They walked on the sidewalk along the beach. She stopped to take in the scent of the ocean. She took a deep breath and said, I'm going to miss this! He wraps his arms around her and says, we'll be back next year Sweetheart! Yeah but that will be over 365 days away! Yeah but when we get home and fall back into our routine time will fly by quickly! I suppose you're right Love! I just enjoy our time here together! Me too Sweetheart! Well it's about time we get back. It's almost time to make our phone call! He put his elbow out for her to take. She run her hand through and they walked back to their room. Just inside she turns to him and kisses him gently and says, thank you Love for the wonderful dinner and walk! It was my pleasure Sweetheart!

After they changed into some comfy clothes they sat down on the couch and FaceTime the children. Charlotte answers the phone on the second ring.

C: hello.

J: hello mom! How are you doing?

C: we are good and you two?

B: having the time of our life!

C: I'm glad you called.

JB: is everything alright?

C: oh yes but Beckie has been fussy and asking for dada. Daniel and Charlie have been asking for momom. They don't really know what is going on. Jarrick tried to keep them occupied but can only handle it for so long.

J: mom, are they all around? C: yes son. They are in their high chairs. Hold on a minute.

JB: ok.

Charlotte walks back in the kitchen and moves their chairs closer together so they can all see at the same time.

C: son I'm going to switch to my iPad so I can sit it on the bar.

J: alright. We'll wait!

Charlotte opens her iPad and touches the screen a few times. Then all of a sudden they were on the screen. The little ones all screamed in excitement!

JB: both wave. Hello my babies!

J: hello little Princess! Daddy loves you all so much! We miss you all!

B: hello my sweets! I love and miss you all so very much!

The triplets all raised their hand toward the screen as if they could pick them up. Daniel and Charlie was saying, momomomomom! Beckie was saying, dadadadadada. Wan you!

J: I know Princess. I want you to. Mommy and daddy will be home in 3 days! I know you don't know the difference but we promise we'll see you soon.

Tears started to form in his eyes so he handed the phone to Beth. He goes into the bedroom to compose himself.

B: how are you all been doing? Have you been having fun with Grammy? Where's Jarrick at? All 3 of them turn their head in the same direction and points. Jarrick came around the corner. He bent down so she could see him.

Jarrick: hi mom! Are you having a good time?

B: yes son we are but now I'm homesick for you all!

Jarrick: mom, where's dad?

B: He's in the other room composing himself.

Jarrick: hey dad? It's ok to cry in front of us, he yells!

About that time Jack came back to join her on the couch.

J: hey Bud! How are you doing?

Jarrick: I'm good! But it looks like you're not handling this to well!

J: I know Bud! I just miss you all so much. I didn't realize just how much until I seen you all!

Jarrick: it's ok dad. We all miss you too! The babies miss you both the most I think. They go around the house calling for you both! We tell them that you'll be home soon but it don't work for to long. We sound like broken records!(he laughs)

B: I just miss you all so much! I love you all to the moon and back!

She wipes a tear before it can fall.

Jarrick: it's ok mom. We live and miss you too!

B: when did you get so grown up?

Jarrick: I'm still only 7 mom.

B: I know but you sound so grown up!

The little ones start to cry so they decided to get off but first they blew kisses and said, we'll see you real soon! We love you so much! Beth pushes the end button on the phone. Jack took the phone and laid it down on the table. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close while she cried. There were no words spoke.

The next morning they woke up at the same time. Good morning sweetheart! Good morning Love! How did you sleep? Good and you? Good! Hey love how about we go shopping for gifts for the children? That sounds like a good idea!

At the gift shop the were browsing around. Then she sees some t-shirts. Hey Love how about we get them a t-shirt from here? That sounds like a winner! They got all 6 to match. They got her mom and dad a beautiful picture of a sunset. They got his mom and dad one almost like it. They got Julie and Viola a pair of earrings and Tommy a t-shirt different from theirs. They paid for their items and walked back to their room. She walked out to the balcony and leaned against the railing. He sat the package on the table and followed her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and asked, a penny for your thoughts? It wouldn't do to tell, she said. You want to leave for home don't you? I do but I want to be here with you at the same time. Does that make sense? It does Sweetheart because I feel the same way. It's only 2 more days so if you want to go home we can. Really Love? You wouldn't be disappointed? Not in the least. Ok then I'm ready to go home to our little family. Ok you go pack and I'll change our flight for in the morning, he said. She turned to face him. She gently kisses his lips and says, thank you Love! Anything for you Sweetheart! Now scoot! She left him to his business and ran into the bedroom to pack. She had everything pack except for the clothes on their back and the clothes for tomorrow. She brought out their luggage and placed them beside the door. Their carry on is where she would put their toiletries and the clothes they have on. That night while they were eating room service Jack's phone rang. It was the airlines confirming the change. He hangs up and says, Sweetheart, we leave at 8:00 in the morning. Ok Love! We need to call your Aunt and Uncle to say goodbye. He picks up his phone and calls. Hello Aunt Evelyn! Yes we're fine. We just wanted to say goodbye because we're going home in the morning. We miss the children something fierce! We'll see you in July. Yes Aunt Evelyn I won't say a word! Tell Uncle John we said goodbye! We love you too! By now!

The next morning Beth was up at the crack of dawn, showered and dressed before Jack woke up. She leans over and kisses him softly and says, it's time to get up Love! We leave in an hour! He rolls over and takes a deep breath. Oh how I love the way you smell after a shower! She kissed him once more and said, I know! You're clothes are on the chair. Get your shower. I ordered room service before we go. I don't know if they'll have enough on the plane to keep my sugar regulated. She left the room when he walked into the bathroom but before she left she swatted his behind. He jumped and said, Mrs. Thornton don't start something you can't finish and laughed. They sat down and had a hearty breakfast before they called for the bellman. There was a knock on the door. Jack opened it and says, we are checking out. There's our luggage. The bellman put their luggage on the cart and says, I'll meet you downstairs. Beth takes one more look around to make sure they didn't leave anything. She grabbed her sweater and purse and out the door they went. Downstairs at the front desk Jack signed the charge slip and made their reservations for next year. A cab was hailed and they left!