Chapter 56

The next couple of days were spent just hanging out at the house with the children playing and running around. Beckie was getting stronger and stronger all the time.

Beth had noticed Viola and Julie coming in with a lot of clothingboxes. She stopped themas she was coming down the stairs at the bottom. She asked, what is all this? Oh...well...father let us go shopping for some new outfits, Viola says! Why would he do that...unless you are going somewhere? Where is he takingyou? They both squeal with excitement! He's taking us on a 3 month vacation! That's nice, Beth says! She hugged them both and went into the study. She found her father sitting behind his desk. Father? Oh Lizzy come in! Father when do you leave on this 3 month vacation? Your sisters, he asked? Yes sir. Lizzy I was going to tell you next week before you left. Why father? Is it a secret? Well, not really. I just didn't want to ruin your visit with all the talk of leaving the country. What? Leaving the country. Yes we are going around the worldin 80 days. You are taking them on the vacation I begged you to take every year since I was old enough to read the book? You always said you couldn't take off work for that long so you always took us on a week vacation. It's ok father. I'm happy for you all! She reached up and kissed his cheek and left the room before he had a chance to say anything.

She walked up the stairs to find Jack. She found him in the Station. She walked up behind him and Jarrick. She run her fingers through Jarrick's hair. You really do love this room don't you, Sweetie? Jack wraps his arm around her waist and pulls her close. Jarrick replies, yes ma'am! I can go anywhere I want to go in my imagination! Where have you been, she asked? I've been to France, London, Ireland, Germany, Australia, Canada, California, Alaska! It's really nice to visit places I've never been. I looked them up on Grandpa's globe down in his study. That's a great idea, Bud! I'm proud of you for thinking of it! Yeah, but I really don't know what it really looks like! Maybe when the little ones get older we all can take a vacation to some of those places! Would you like that Bud? Yes sir!!!!

Jack and Beth leaves him to play with the trains. They go back into their room to check on the little ones while theywere napping. They pulled their blankets up on them and looks up at the clock.

Beth picks up the monitor, takes Jack's hand and leads him out and up another flight of stairs. They come to a door completely all by itself. Beth pushed the button next to the knob. The door opens. Jack is amazed as he follows her outside. He looks around and realizes that they are on the roof of the house. The balcony went the length of the back of the house. He follows her to the railing. She placedboth her hands on the railing and leans on it. She looks out over the property. You could see for miles. Jack walks up behind her and wraps his arms around her waist. He kisses her cheek and asks, what is wrong Sweetheart? You've never brought me up here before so this must be a special place for you. A tear falls down her cheeks. She tells him about the 80 around the world trip her father is taking her family on. She tells him the whole story behind her tears. He turns her around to face him. He wipes her tears away with his thumbs. Beth Sweetheart? Are you jealous of this trip? Yes Jack I am! I begged my father to take us on this trip every year ever since I read the book. He always told me he couldn't take off work that long. I even asked if I could go when I graduated but he said I was to young to go. Sweetheart, I'll take you around the world when the little ones get a little bit older. I meant what I told Jarrick! Really, Love? You will take us around the world in 80 days? For you Sweetheart, I would do anything and everything to make your dreams come true! She wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him passionately! When they break apart he asks, now are you going to tell me about this place? Well when I was about 7 or 8 years old I wondered up the stairs and came to that door but noticed that the door knob wouldn't turn. I knew it should open but I couldn't get it to open. I hit the door in anger and I must have hit the button because it opened. I came out here and looked all around. Then it became my thinking place. My brooding place. My anger place. Then when I was older it became my quiet place. I never brought my sisters up here and they never found it. One day my father found me out here writing in my journal. I asked him to leave it our secret. He told my mother but that was it. So from then on every time they couldn't find me in the house they knew where I was.

A few minutes later William came through the door. Lizzy? Can we talk? It's ok father. You don't have to explain. But I do Lizzy. Please? Jack kissed her cheek, took the monitor and went back downstairs. William walked up to her and put his arms around her. Father, really I understand. No I don't think you do, Liz. See when you were little I thought I had to work all the time or my business would go under. Since you got married I've learned that that isn't true. I learned that my business is strong and can strive without me. So you see Liz because of you I've learned a lot. I wish I could've taken you on your dream vacation. Yes I'm taking your mother and sisters because I don't want to miss out anymore. I've missed so much of you girls lives. I want to enjoy what time I have left with my family. No, I'm not dying Lizzy. Life is to short and I don't want to miss anymore. Father, I truly do understand. Am I jealous, yes I'm envious of the trip but Jack says he will take us when the little ones get a little older. Lizzy? Yes father? Can you afford that because it's costing me an arm and a leg for this trip? Yes sir. We are pretty well off. I came into this marriage with enough money to live the rest of my life and never have to worry. Jack came into this marriage pretty well off too. He works because he wants to not because he has to. Father I have my master in business and I have saved almost everything you sent me. Wow Liz. I didn't know. Well father I didn't want to spend time away from my family. I wanted to enjoy them. The triplets have taught me to live everyday as if it were our last because we aren't promised tomorrow! Lizzy I'm so proud of you and the woman and mother you have become! Thank you father, that means a lot to me! They hug and walk back downstairs. Julie asked, where were you? We've been looking for you. They just brushed her off by telling her they were talking. Julie says, I've looked in every room in this house. Julie we weren't hiding now get a hold of yourself, William said. He still wanted to keep Lizzy's secret.

In the sitting room Jack had all three of the little ones. They we're running around playing and having a grand ol time. Beth gave him a reassuring look to let him know she was alright. William kissed the top of her head and says, if you all will excuse me, I have a grandson that needs some of attention. He left the room and joined Jarrick in the Station. Jack just laughs and says, he is truly a kid at heart! Everyone laughs and agrees!

In the Station Jarrick and William was having the time of their life! Laughing and cutting up. William asks, have you figured out what is new? Jarrick laughs and replies, France, Germany, and UK. Very good my boy! One day this room will be full of different places to visit even if it is in our imagination! Do you know what the tall thing is over there by France? No sir, I just that it was a cell phone tower. William laughs and reaches under the table and brings out a book. He opens it to France. Points to the picture on the page. Wow you can really go to the top? Yes my boy, you can. It's called the Eiffel Tower. Your Nana and I and aunt Julie and aunt Viola are all going to France. We will be going to the top and looking out. I will send you pictures from the Eiffel tower and you will be able to see everything we can see. Maybe you can start a scrapbook or a photo album of the pictures that I will be sending you. That will be great grandpa. I can't wait to see everything that you see. Dad says one day he will take us to see all those places that you have on the wall here. We have to wait till the babies are older. Well son I really think you will enjoy it when you get a little bit older. William hugs Jarrick and says, Shall we get back to playing ? Jarrick and William play for the rest of the afternoon.

Downstairs in the study, Beth and Jack sat and watched the little ones play. Beckie is learning to walk a little better. Every now and then she would Bible and plops on her bottom. At first she would whine a little but when she she realized it didn't hurt her she began to giggle. Daniel and Charlie noticed and joined in. They all took a few steps and plopped, giggled. This went on until Charlie got a little to close to the hearth of the fireplace. Jack says, ok you 3 that's enough. One of you are going to get hurt or all 3 of you. They just stood there looking at him with a puzzled look on their face. Beth says, Love I don't think they know what you are saying.

The butler came in and said, lunch is served. Jack, Beth, and Grace helped the children into the dining room. Jarrick and William came down the stairs to join them. Jack put the children in their high chairs and buckled them in. Daniel didn't like it and started to fuss. Jack whispers in his ear. No one heard what he said but Daniel stopped fussing and sat to wait on his plate. William and Grace just looks at each other and smiles. Jack took his seat in between Beckie and Daniel. Beth was seated in between Beckie and Charlie. Jarrick was on the other side of Daniel. The butler came in with everyone's plate and placed it in front of them. Everyone joined hands as William asked Jack to ask the blessing. They bow their head and Jack says, kind Heavenly Father we come to you today to ask that you bless this food for the nourishment of our bodies. We thank you for all that you do for us and for protecting each and everyone of us. We thank you for all our family. We thank you for William and Grace for having us here to visit! In Jesus name. Amen!

All the children were eating with their fingers. They had soft baby carrots, soft baked potatoes. Beckie was saying nummm nummm nummm every time she put a little slice of carrot in her mouth. Beth looks at her and asks, is that good baby girl? Beckie just shook her head and kept eating. William speaks up and asks, do you have any plans for this afternoon, Lizzy? She looked at Jack and he just shrugged his shoulders. Beth replies, no sir. Did you have anything in mind? I thought we might take the children shopping if that's ok with you and Jack. That would give us time with them and give you and Jack time together. What about Vi and Julie? They will be coming with us. She looks at Jack. He says, thank you William. That would be nice. Viola and Julie asked, can we go down to the mall in Denver? Please Father? Jack was a little worries about them taking the all the children that far but said nothing, just gave Beth a questionable look. She gave him a look and it calmed him right down.

After lunch Jack and Beth got the children al changed and fresh clothes. They brought them back downstairs. George had put all the car seats in the limousine behind the front seat. That way if anything did happen they would be in the middle of the vehicle. Jack and Beth brought them out and buckled them in their car seats. Handed Grace the 2 diaper bags, one with extra clothes and one with diapers and sipping cups with water. Grace kisses them each goodbye and whispers in Jack's ear, thank you son for allowing us to take them off. George had put the triple stroller in the trunk that Grace had purchased before they all got there. Jack closed the door behind William. Jack and Beth wave at them as they pull off. Beth run her arm through his and says, Love? They will be fine. Sweetheart, it's almost 70 miles to Denver. It's already 1:30. Love, it's fine. Mother knows how to care for them. It's almost time for Beckie's breathing treatment, he says. I know. That's why she had George put an electrical outlet in. I put her breathing treatment in the diaper bag with their clothes. Hey daddy, you need to lighten up a little. We spent 7 days away from them last month. You can tolerate being away from them for the afternoon. Now come on in the house. She turned him around and went in the house.

She leads him upstairs to their bedroom and shut the door. She backs him up to the bed and gently shoved him on to the bed. He lands on his elbows and asks, now Mrs. Thornton what do you have planned to do now? His dimples just a shining! Well Mr. Thornton, I was thinking about tearing your clothes off and making mad passionate love to you but think I've changed my mind. I think I'll just go for a swim instead. She turns to walk away. Jack reaches out and grabs her hand, spins her around and says, I don't think so. Come here you! She giggles as he pulls her down on the bed with him! He wraps his arms around her and says, you just can't say something like that to me and walk away Sweetheart! She giggles and kisses his lips. I knew you would react like this! That's why I said it! His dimples in full smile! He leans over her and gently kisses her lips. I will never tire from your antics, Mrs. Thornton! I'll never stop, Mr. Thornton! For the next couple of hours they make love to one another then falling asleep in each other's arms.

When they woke up it was was 5:00 and there was a knock on the door. Jack says, yes can we help you? Dinner is served, sir. Jack says, thank you, we'll be right down. Beth says, we'll be having our dinner outside Lila. Yes ma'am, Lila replies. They both got up and freshened up. Got dressed and went downstairs. They were walking hand in hand out to the back porch. There were candles everywhere! Love? Yes Sweetheart? Did you do this? Now when would I have time to! Lila came out with their dinner and place it on the table. Lila? Yes ma'am? Who did all this? You mother called and asked if I would mind setting out a few candles for you. I told her I would take care of it! Oh Lila, thank you! It's beautiful! Lila says thank you ma'am! Enjoy your meal! There was music softly playing in the background. He put his hand out to her and says, may I have this dance? Beth puts her hand in his and replies, it would be my pleasure! They slowly sway to the beat of the music. Holding each other gently. He caresses her and kisses her gently on the lips and whispers, I love you so very much! She whispers back, I love you too! After a bit her stomach starts to growl. They both start laughing and he says, I think that's our cue! He let's go of her and pulls out her chair. She sits and he takes a seat next to her. They pull the top off their plates and he says, this smells wonderful! Steak, baked potatoes, steamed green beans, and a salad on the side with fresh baked yeast rolls! Wow mother out did herself with ordering our dinner! Yes she did. Remind me to thank her when they get home!

After dinner Beth call's Grace, hi mother. I was calling to check on the children. Oh Lizzy they are fine! What's that noise in the background mother? Oh the little ones are on a carousel with Viola, Julie, and Jarrick! Oh Lizzy they are having so much fun! Where did you find a carousel? They have one here at the mall! I got to go Lizzy! Mother! How much longer do you think you'll be? Oh probably another hour or so. Then we'll take them for ice cream. We should be home around 9:00. Ok mother kiss them for us! I will Lizzy! Bye now! Bye mother! She hangs up her phone and is a little sad. Jack asks, why such a sad face, Sweetheart? They are on their first carousel ride and having the time of their lives and we missed it. Well Sweetheart we can't do all their firsts. I know but a carousel ride? Father use to take us on them when we were little. I shouldn't have been surprised when he took them! I'm alright. What time did she say they would be back, Sweetheart? About 9:00, she replied. Wow that late, huh? Yeah! They will be asleep by the time they get back. How about we go sit out by the fire pit and enjoy what time we have left? I would love to, Love!

Beth and Jack hear the limousine pulling into the driveway. They get up and walk around to the front of the house. George had just opened the door and had handed William Daniel in his car seat. Next he handed Beckie in her car seat to Jack. He handed Beth Charlie in her car seat. They were sound asleep. They carried them into the house and upstairs to Jack and Beth's room. George put all the bags that had been purchased in the foyer along with the diaper bags. Jack came back downstairs to get the diaper bags. He asks Grace, did you leave anything in the stores? Yes, son we did! A little! Jack kisses her cheek and says, we'll be back down in a few minutes after Beckie's breathing treatment. Join us in the living room when you're done, she says! Yes ma'am and thank you for this evening! You are quite welcome, son! Now scoot! Yes ma'am and up the stairs he went. Beth had finished changing them by the time he got back. He got the machine out of the diaper bag and got it ready. He placed it on Beckie as soon as Beth put her in her crib. They stood and looked at them as they slept. Beth says, they must have had a great time. They were so exhausted that they never woke up while I was changing them. They look so peaceful. Beckie's machine started sputtering. He took it off and shut it off. The turned the night light on, picked up the monitor and left the room pulling the door almost to.

Downstairs Grace was pulling everything out of the bags. There was clothes, toys, shoes, and boots everywhere. Beth and Jack walk in and Beth asks, mother? What did you do? Surely you didn't buy all this for them and laughs? Yes Liz we did! Isn't it grand? Mother you and father are spoiling all 4 of them! Yes we are! That's our job you know! Beth and Jack just shakes their head and laughs! Well let's see what you got! William put his paper down and watched the joy unfold!

Grace starts, these are Jarrick's! He got all his school clothes! He picked them out! He got 15 suits of clothes, underwear, socks, 2 pair of tennis shoes, 2 pair of boots, 1 for winter, 4 train cars, several posters to go with his train set. One of which is Ireland! He says you are going to take him there one day when the children are bigger!

The children each got 5 new outfits (all matching of course), shoes to match their outfits, socks. Daniel picked out a ball, a plane, and that animal farm. It's so cute! It's called webble wobbles. Charlie picked out that my little pony farm, and a purple ball! Beckie chose a little raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, and a crib for them! Jack says, she sleeps with a raggedy Ann doll every night! Mother you out did yourself this time! It's a good thing you are flying us home because we couldn't get all this in our vehicle! William laughs and says, we would've got it home but you know our plane is at your disposal any time! Yes father, we know! Now did anyone take pictures or videos of them on their first carousel ride?

Well there's one more thing I want to show you, Grace says. She hands her and Jack a package and says, open it! Beth sits down in the chair next to her mother. Jack sits on the arm of the chair with Beth. Beth pulls out a black picture frame. She looks at her mother and says, I don't understand. Grace reaches over and says, push that button at the bottom. Beth pushes the button. The picture frame came to life. Beth put her free hand to her mouth! Her and Jack watched their children on the carousel! They were al 4 laughing and enjoying themselves! Oh mother, father, this is so wonderful! Thank you so much! Grace replies, you're welcome Lizzy! Jarrick told us that none of them had ever been on a carousel before. So I went across the hall and got this while Will filmed it on his phone. Then we went back to the store and they transferred it to the frame. We didn't want you to miss out on their first ride! How long is it mother? I believe it's almost an hour long! They didn't want to get off! Push the next button! Beth pushes the next button and all the sound came on. They heard every sound they made! Giggles, laughters, and every word they said! Beth started crying, tears of joy just watching their children all having the time of their lives! Jarrick was on a horse by himself! Julie stood next to Daniel on a horse! Viola had Charlie and Beckie on a horse together while she stood next to them holding on to them! The smiles on all their little faces was precious! Jack reaches up and wiped a tear before it rolled down his cheek! Grace looks at William and smiles! He smiles back and nods!

There is one more thing I need to tell you 2. Mother? What did you do? We bought all of them a hope chest and had them sent to your house. We wanted them to be able to keep a few things as they get older. Oh and Daniel got thus giant set of legos! He played with them at the toy store! We had a hard time getting him away from them! There will be a trunk delivered here tomorrow so you can pack all this stuff in it! Beth got up and hugged her mother and father and said thank you both for everything! Jack follows and says the same thing!

Grace asked, can we all take the children to the zoo in Denver tomorrow? Jack replies, mother I think that would be a great idea! We've never taken them to the zoo. So we would love to go with you! So what time do you want to leave in the morning, he asked? The zoo doesn't open till 9:00. So let's leave about 8:00. We'll make a day of it! William says, then it's settled! We'll have breakfast about 7-7:30. That should give you enough time to get them ready by 8:00! Yes sir Jack replies. It's getting late so we had better turn in, William says. I'll get this stuff in the morning, Love! He agreed and everyone went to bed!