Thank you all who are reading. This one has some more tough times for Frank and a tissue warning for some. I hope you enjoy!
July 25th, 2015 – Frank and Charlotte's Ranch
Charlotte stood on her front porch, a coffee cup in hand, watching Bandit as he sniffed across the grass. She lifted her gaze and looked across the yard, scanning the buildings and calves. Her eyes stopped on the machine shed, and she could see the door was opened slightly.
She set the mug on the railing and started toward the building. As she neared it, her heart began racing, remembering the sight of the tractor the last time she had been inside. Charlotte gripped the door and slid it open just far enough to step through. As she entered the building and her eyes adjusted to the darkness, the vacant space of the tractor came into view. Jack and Tom had already removed the wreckage from her sight, and an overwhelming relief flooded through her, and she began to cry.
Charlotte pressed her back to the door, rested her hands on her knees, and let the tears flow. After several minutes of purging her emotions, Charlotte straightened, wiped her face, and headed to the house. Just as she reached the steps, she heard a truck pull in and turned to find Jack. She wiped her face again, walked up the steps, and picked up her coffee cup.
"Good morning, Ma," Jack said, stopping at the bottom of the front stairs. "What's wrong?"
"I just needed a good cry," she said and took a sip of her coffee.
Understanding, Jack nodded and gave her a small smile. "Did you have one?"
"Yes, I sure did," Charlotte replied.
Jack understood the necessity of a good cry. He had seen Elizabeth go through it multiple times, and if he was being truthful, he'd had a few himself.
"Are you ready to head to the hospital? I was going over there myself and thought I'd see if you wanted to ride along."
Charlotte took another big drink of her coffee, then dumped what little was left onto the bush below. "Give me five minutes," she said, then stepped into the house.
…..
University Hospital
Jack and his mother were walking toward Frank's room when they saw Sam emerge and hurried toward her.
"How's Pops this morning," Jack asked his sister-in-law.
"He's in good spirits...for now. Rebecca will be in shortly."
"Oh," Jack said and looked at his mother. "Let's just say hello, then go for a walk."
"No, Jack. If Frank can go through this pain, then so can we. Anything we hear doesn't even come close to what he's experiencing," Charlotte replied, her eyes locked on his.
"You're right, Ma."
"He was asking for you," Sam started. "Rebecca should be in any minute."
"Thank you, dear," Charlotte said and hugged Sam.
Jack and Charlotte hadn't been in Frank's room long when Tom arrived. And shortly after Tom, Rebecca entered the room.
"Good morning, everyone," she said and moved to Frank's side. "How's my favorite patient doing?"
"I don't know. Are they in the room?" Frank asked jokingly.
"Good to see your humor is as strong as ever. Now, let's work on getting your body strength back."
The smile on Frank's face faded, knowing what was to come. He moved his hand around until he found the button and held it in preparation.
Rebecca lowered the back of the bed, already causing the pain to take over Frank's emotions. She dropped the side rail, moved to his feet, and lifted the sheet. After directing him through the foot extension exercise, she moved to his leg and began the knee bend. Rebecca pushed the sheet back, tucking it around Frank to keep his waist covered, and pulled up behind his knee. After three rounds of the usual, she lifted his foot while bending his knee and slowly shifted his leg toward his torso.
Frank cried out once more as the stabbing and heat resonated through his whole body. Rebecca was speaking to him, trying to comfort him, but Frank's ears were ringing, and he could hear nothing but his own pain.
"Frank?" a voice said in his ear. "Frank, how are you doing?"
Frank opened his eyes to find Rebecca only inches from his face.
"How are you doing, Frank?" she asked again.
He closed his eyes and shook his head, still reeling from the pain washing up and down his body.
"Push the button, Frank," she said, laying her hand on his. "I can't do it for you."
With a shaky hand, Frank pushed down on the button and waited for relief.
"That was a tough one," Rebecca said, still leaning over him. "I'll give you a minute, but then we have to move on to the next exercise."
"Okay," he said, his eyes still closed.
Rebecca pulled the sheet over Frank's quivering leg, walked around the bed, and lowered the second railing. With the bed prepared, she messaged Trace and returned to Frank's side.
"Are you ready to continue, Frank?"
"I guess," he replied, opening his eyes only slightly.
"Okay," she said, rubbing his arm. "Let's get this over with."
"Please do."
Jack, Tom, and Charlotte stayed back and watched. Sam had returned just before Rebecca lifted Frank's leg and stood with her arm through Tom's. The family felt as if they were watching a loved one being tortured to death, unable to do anything to save them, unable to put an end to it. It was apparent that Frank was trying even harder to hold back and remain silent, but again, he was unable to as he lifted his butt off the bed and held it for four excruciating seconds. After doing this two more times, Rebecca allowed him to rest while she and Trace prepared for the next round.
"We're going to roll you the other way today, Frank. So, if the pain is different or worse than yesterday, please, let me know."
Frank nodded.
"Let me know if you feel pain in your leg. Are you ready?"
Frank nodded, then held his breath.
Jack's eyes remained on his father-in-law as the man called out in pain. He wanted to turn, but his mother's words resonated with him. If Pops can endure this pain, I can watch and be here for him. Jack's chest hurt as Frank continued to cry out. They had done one roll and still had two more to go. Jack swallowed hard and glanced at his brother and Sam. Tom looked at Jack, and the same anguish that resided in Jack's eyes lived in his. The brothers returned their gazes to Frank and silently counted down with Rebecca for the end.
"Very good, Frank," Rebecca said as she took his hand. "You are doing just wonderful." Rebecca rubbed Frank's arm with her free hand while Trace pulled the sheet back over the man's legs. "Use the button, Frank," she said and placed the button back into Frank's hand.
He had dropped it when they rolled him and regretted not having tried it first. Frank pressed the button repeatedly as soon as it was in his hand.
"I'm sorry I can't raise the dose," she stated as she watched Frank's face relax slightly. "We will be replacing the morphine with a different medication. We've kept you on this as long as we can."
Frank's eyes opened, and he looked up at Rebecca. The pleading in his gaze tore at her heart, and she wished in her whole being that she could take his pain away. Frank reminded her of her father, whom she'd lost two years ago, and each time he called out in distress affected her more than usual.
"Where are we today? Zero to ten," she asked.
"Nine," Frank answered, barely able to speak.
"I'll be back," she said tenderly and left the room.
When she returned a few minutes later with Dr. Legum, the family was surrounding the bed, and Sam was at Frank's head, talking to him.
"It's not subsiding," she told the doctor as she moved out of his way.
"Good morning, Frank," Dr. Legum said as he glanced at the monitors. "I hear the therapy has been kind of rough on you."
"Yes...sir," Frank struggled to say.
The doctor said something to Rebecca that the family didn't understand, but Sam clearly had. They watched Rebecca retrieve a small bottle from a locked medical cart, stick a syringe into it, draw out the allotted number of CCs ordered by the doctor, then return to Frank and insert it into the port of his IV.
"This will help you sleep, Mr. Hogan," Dr. Legum said to Frank as he watched the man's face.
Almost immediately, the family could see Frank's twisted expression relax, along with his tensed body.
"Very good," the doctor said as he patted Frank's arm, then turned to the family. "This is going to knock him out for a little while. Unfortunately, his pain will worsen for a bit before it gets better. This will help him relax so his body can recover."
"Thank you, Doctor," Sam said as she moved in beside Frank.
The doctor and nurse left the room as the family rallied around Frank's bed. He was asleep, to the family's relief, and his relaxed expression did not go unnoticed by them. Charlotte led them in prayer as they prayed over the man that held her heart. Praying for healing, relief, and peace was all they could do for him.
…..
Hope Meadows Ranch
"Thank you, Rosie. I really appreciate this."
"Liz, you don't need to thank me. I told you, I'm here for whatever you need."
"Well, thanks all the same," Elizabeth said. "I'll see you shortly."
"Okay, Liz. Love ya."
"I love you, too, Rosemary," Elizabeth replied with a chuckle.
She set her phone down and went upstairs to find the children. They were in Peyton's bedroom, sitting around her table, each with a coloring book in front of them.
"Aunt Rosie is coming over to stay with you for a few hours today."
"Are Noel and Autumn and Stetson coming, too?" Colton asked as he jumped to his feet.
"Yes," Elizabeth laughed. "They are coming, too."
"Yay!" the three children shouted as they closed their books and began putting their crayons away.
"I want to play princess with Noel and Autumn. These guys won't let me ever play princess," Peyton said with a scowl.
"I'm sure the girls would love to play princess with you."
"What? No. I don't want to play princess," Colton protested, crossing his arms.
"Colt, don't you know that princesses need princes and kings?" Elizabeth stated, crossing her arms in return.
"Oh, ya," he said, his eyes growing wide. "Or a knight. I can be a knight with a sword."
"That's right," Elizabeth said. "Now, finish putting your things away. They'll be here soon."
As the kids buzzed around their rooms and put their toys away, Elizabeth went to her bedroom to feed Brianna. The baby girl was awake in her crib, blabbering to a horse in the mobile that hung above her.
"Hello, sweet girl," Elizabeth said as she lifted her daughter.
Brianna stuck her fist in her mouth and began sucking on it while drool ran down her chin.
"Are you hungry?"
Elizabeth carried Brianna to a chair in front of the fireplace and sat in the one nearest the window. She situated her daughter until she quickly latched on and leaned back into the chair to watch the mares in the pasture just past the studio.
The ranch had invaded her life to such a degree that Elizabeth felt as if it had always been a part of her. The views of the valleys, forests, horses, and even the cows, were the best she'd ever seen. She had fallen in love with Jack's ranch the first time she'd ever seen it, and now, living here with him and their children, it was Heaven on earth for her.
Elizabeth heard the front door open and the sounds of little footsteps running up the stairs. Elizabeth fixed her shirt, moved Brianna to her shoulder, then headed downstairs to find Rosemary. She was in the kitchen, unloading a bag of groceries and stocking their already full pantry.
"What are you doing, Rosie?"
"Oh, I had these extra groceries, so I thought I'd just bring them over."
"Extra groceries, huh?" Elizabeth asked, giving her friend the side-eye.
"Yep," was all Rosemary would offer on the subject.
"What are those?" Elizabeth pointed at four more bags of food sitting by the front door.
"Those are for Charlotte. Can you please make sure they get taken to her house?"
"Of course. She will be very appreciative of them."
Rosemary finished her task, picked up Stetson, and sat at the island. "How are Jack and Tom doing?"
"They're hanging in there. It's been rough. Frank has started therapy, and I guess it's just overwhelmingly painful. Jack told me last night that they are having a hard time staying in the room while they are doing it."
"Bless his heart," Rosemary said. "I feel for him and Charlotte. Oh, poor Charlotte."
"I know. This has been very trying on her. I can't even imagine how awful it would be to lose a husband. I can't imagine a life without Jack. But then, to find love again and see him lying helpless in a bed. I honestly don't know how she's held up as well as she has."
"Well, we are all here for them. Anything they need, please let us know."
"Thank you, Rosie. We all appreciate you and Lee so much."
Rosemary stood, crossed the room, and placed Stetson on a blanket she'd already spread on the floor. "Let me see this precious girl," she stated as she held her hands out for Brianna. "And you go be with your family."
"Thank you, Rosie," Elizabeth said as she handed her daughter over. "I don't know how long I'll be."
"Take all the time you need. Lee and Dalton are over at Charlotte's taking care of the calves, and then they're coming here to chore. We'll also help with some of that food in the fridge."
"Okay. I'll let you know when we're coming home."
"Okie dokie," Rosemary replied, in between making faces at Brianna.
…..
University Hospital
Elizabeth found Jack in the waiting room, his phone in front of him, lost in whatever was playing on the screen. Jack hadn't heard her enter and continued watching the video as she walked to his side. Elizabeth looked over his shoulder and saw someone in a chute on the back of a bull, preparing his bull strap. He slid forward, pulled his hat down tight, and nodded.
The blonde-colored bull leaped from the chute, causing the rider to lose his balance, and after only two bucks, sent the cowboy face-first into the dirt. Jack slapped his leg and made a grunting sound, then began watching the next rider prepare.
"Miss it?" Elizabeth asked, practically sending Jack out of his seat.
"Beth," Jack started, holding his hand over his heart as he stood and stared at her. "My heart cannot take much more after that scare with Ma."
"I'm sorry," she said with a grin as she walked around the chairs and sat down. "Miss it?" she asked again, pointing toward his phone.
Jack returned to his seat and held his phone up just in time to see the next rider get bucked off. "Yes, at times," he answered, his voice low.
"I take it this is one of those times."
"I guess." Jack stared at his phone as the next rider situated his bull strap.
"What brought this on?"
"I don't know. A lot of time on my hands, so I've been watching this a lot," he said, waving his phone in the air. "And the Ford Truck Series is going on right now, so I started watching it."
"Have you ever thought about coming out of retirement?"
Jack's gaze shot to his wife and his brow furrowed. "No. Why would you ask that?"
"Just curious. I know you loved it. And now, with Jackson wanting to ride, I'm sure it has you reminiscing a lot."
"Some," he said as he looked at his phone. "But no, I have never thought about going back. I can't do that to you and the kids. I've seen what it does to a wife and child when things go wrong."
Elizabeth laid her hand on Jack's arm. "Yes, you have."
"Hey, what are you doing here?" he asked, looking back at Elizabeth.
"Rosie is watching the kids so I can be with you and your mom."
Jack put an arm around her and drew her in against him. "Thank you," he said, then kissed her.
"What's happening with Frank right now?"
"He's sleeping, and Ma is in there with him. Sam is on break, so she and Tom went to get a bite to eat."
"Have you eaten?"
"No. I'm not hungry." Jack turned his phone off and held it between his hands.
"What's going on, Jack," Elizabeth asked, laying her hand on his thigh.
Jack turned in his seat to face her and laid his hand over hers. "It's hard seeing Pops like that. And Ma...this is too much for Ma. I feel so helpless and worthless at times. I want to take his pain away, and I want to ease her fear."
"You're a good man, Jack. You feel everyone's grief, and you take it on yourself. Simply being here for Frank and your mom is much more than you think. You're here every day, you're taking care of things at your mom's, and you're praying. That's all you can do."
"It still doesn't feel like enough," he replied sullenly.
"It's enough, Jack."
Jack looked at his wife, his eyes searching her face, and squeezed her hand. "Thank you." Jack felt his phone vibrate and flipped it over to read the text. "Frank is awake. Tom and Sam are in there."
"Let's go see him," Elizabeth said, stood, and held her hand out.
Jack got to his feet and weaved his fingers with hers. They walked the hall leading to Frank's room, seeing a family weeping over a body in one room and a woman laughing with an older patient in another. The stark contrast between the two rooms was determined by one difference...life.
Jack felt his heart breaking for the family in the first room, and he said a quick prayer. Then, feeling a tinge of selfishness, he was thankful the mood in Frank's room was as it was. Frank was alive, and they should celebrate that.
Entering the room with a different outlook, a smile crossed Jack's face when he saw Frank awake and talking with his mother. Tom and Sam stood on the opposite side of his bed, and they were all laughing about something.
"What's so funny?" Jack asked as his steps lightened and tightened his grip on Elizabeth's hand.
"Beth!" Frank exclaimed when he saw her, and he held his arms out.
Elizabeth moved into them and carefully hugged him, but Frank's embrace was stronger than Elizabeth had expected.
"Looking good, Pops," Elizabeth said, flashing her tooth-filled smile.
"I'm feeling pretty good...for now. Until Rebecca returns, anyway."
Elizabeth held Frank's hand and squeezed it. "Goals," she said with a grin. "Just think about getting home."
"Thank you, Beth," he replied with a grin. "I need to keep things in perspective."
"So, what was so funny?" Jack asked again.
"We were just telling Sam about that story of Lee walking through the forest naked," Tom replied.
"Oh, yes, Lee and his skinny dipping gone wrong," Elizabeth laughed.
As the family shared more stories, Rebecca entered the room with Trace, showing up earlier than expected.
"Hello, Frank," she said as she moved in next to the bed after everyone backed out of the way. "Are you feeling better than the last time I saw you?" Her smile would ease the troubled soul of anyone she shared it with.
"Much," Frank replied with a grin. "But I have a feeling that it's not going to last much longer."
"I'm sorry, Frank. We are adding more exercises, and we'll be doing them three times a day. We need to get your strength up. Dr. Legum wants you sitting up in six more days. So, we have a lot of work to do."
Everyone could hear the air deflating from Frank's lungs, clearly thinking about the added pain he was about to endure.
"But, good news. We will give you some pain meds before we begin to make it more tolerable for you to continue."
"That is the best news I've heard in a while," Frank said with a smile. His expression had transformed at the news, and he appeared ready to tackle the day.
Once Frank felt the medication passing through him, Rebecca began with the exercises they'd been doing: the toe pointing, the pelvic lift, and the knee flexes. But then she introduced a new one that had Frank worried.
"Keeping your leg straight, I want you to move it outward to the side. So, lift it just slightly," she explained as she assisted him. "Now, bring it out toward me," she continued and took a step back.
Everyone watched with bated breath as Frank's face pinched into a clear sign that he was in pain. But he wasn't calling out, which had the family releasing the air they held, relieved about the help of the medication.
"Perfect, Frank. Now, let's do that two more times."
Frank obeyed and could feel the pain growing slightly with each movement.
"Good," Rebecca said and patted Frank. "Now, the other leg."
Frank's eyes widened, having not expected this. His left leg was still in the cast, and it had been the left side of his pelvis that was fractured.
"It will be okay," Rebecca assured him. "The pain might be a bit worse than the right side, but the medicine I gave you will keep it down to where you can tolerate it."
Frank nodded and relaxed his tensed muscles. He followed her guidance as Trace helped Frank by holding his leg, taking some of the weight of the cast. And as Frank had expected, the pain was much worse than the right. His eyes were squeezed shut, and a slight moan escaped his lips, but his reaction had been nothing like that morning.
"Wonderful, Frank," Rebecca remarked. "Now, on this next one, you're going to help us." Rebecca pulled the rail up on her side of the bed. "I want you to grab this," she said with her hand on the railing, "and you will pull yourself over. We'll help you, but I want you to start doing the heavy lifting now. Do you understand?"
Frank nodded.
"Okay, place your right hand here, like this," she began and moved his hand to the bottom of the two rails. "Now, reach across your body and grab the top one with your left hand."
Frank did this and could already feel the pain spreading through his pelvis.
"Now, Trace will help you, but I want you to pull yourself onto your side."
Frank did, and as the pain worsened, he started to give out and return to his back.
"Don't stop, Frank. It will only get worse. Push through it."
Frank did and made it onto his side. Trace held the leg with a cast, keeping it straight with his body, relieving some of the stress it would cause on his hip. Rebecca was counting now, and Frank closed his eyes and counted with her.
"Very good. Now, slowly return to your back."
Frank eased back, his expression showing just how painful it was, and he released a breath when he was on his back.
"Breathe through it, Frank," Rebecca said as she waited for him to relax a bit. "Okay, let's do it again."
With her hand on Frank's shoulder, she guided him to his side as Frank pulled with shaking arms. After her countdown, he lowered to his back and closed his eyes.
Having not seen any of this before, Elizabeth was gripping tightly onto Jack's hand and felt a stinging at her eyes. She quickly wiped the moisture away before it found its way to her cheeks, and she laid her head against Jack's arm. Moving his arm around her, Jack held her against him and rubbed her back.
Rebecca and Trace traded places where she raised her side rail and Trace lowered his. They adjusted the bed sheet again, keeping Frank from being exposed, and she lowered her face near his.
"We need to do the other direction now," she said softly, knowing this was the side that caused the most pain for him.
Frank opened his eyes and nodded, then reached for the railing. For the first time during that therapy session, Frank cried out in pain as he pulled himself over. Not wanting to drag it out, he suffered through it and lay on his side as a thousand knives were shoved into his left hip and down his leg.
Charlotte pressed into Jack's side, and he stood with his arms around his mother and wife. Sam moved into Tom's side. Being a nurse does not prepare anyone to see a loved one in this kind of pain.
A tear slipped down Frank's cheek as he held his position, listening for Rebecca to end her countdown.
Two more sets of this had Frank entirely spent by the time he'd finished, and he lay on his back, his arm covering his eyes, praying to God to take the pain away. Rebecca let the family know that she'd be back near the end of her shift for his final session of the day, and she quietly slipped out of the room.
Elizabeth walked up near Frank's head while the family stayed back and talked. She laid her hand on Frank's arm, and he lowered it to see who was there. He moved his arm from his face, and Elizabeth took hold of his hand, covering it with her other.
"Everything will be okay," she said softly as she leaned above him. "God is with you."
Frank, always trying to stay strong, could not contain the flood of tears that broke loose.
"It's alright, Frank," she said as she rubbed the top of his hand. Elizabeth reached up and brushed his hair back, repeating this over and over, soothing him until the tears had cleansed his pain away.
The family remained back, watching Elizabeth as she seemed to have an angel's hand on Frank, their own tears beginning to flow at the sight. Charlotte laid her hand over her heart and tipped her head against Jack's chest, and they watched in silence as Frank's pain dissolved.
Charlotte moved forward, taking Frank's other hand, and bent down to kiss him. "How are you doing, sweetheart?"
"Better," he answered.
Charlotte reached across the bed and took Elizabeth's hand in hers. She squeezed it very tightly and mouthed the words 'thank you' to her daughter-in-law.
"I have to get back to work," Sam stated, then said her goodbyes to everyone.
The family remained with Frank, enjoying his pain-free time of alertness. It seemed like they had just settled in when Rebecca returned for the day's final therapy session. They moved out of the way and let the nurse and her assistant put Frank through yet another ringer of exercises and pain. With another dose of pain medication administered before starting, Frank did well until he had to roll onto his left side. The motion triggered wave after wave of pulsating pains through his pelvis, and when it was over, he laid back and waited for the surge to recede.
With his morphine pump removed earlier that day, Frank depended on the medication given to him before each physical therapy session, hanging on to the lingering effect in hopes it would keep the pain at bay.
…..
Hope Meadows Ranch
After a long day at the hospital, Jack and Elizabeth drove home. As they began to pass the barn, Jack noticed a light on, pulled up to it, and stopped.
"Wait here," he said as he started to get out of the truck. "I'll be right back. I think Lee left a light on."
"Okay, Cowboy," she replied with a smile.
Jack entered the barn, glanced around, then reached up to flip the light switch. Hearing a sound, he started toward the horse stalls to see what it was. Inside the ponies' stall was Dalton, spreading around the fresh bedding.
"What are you doing here so late?" Jack asked. He pulled the stall door open, not realizing the manure fork was leaning against it, and the wood smacked against the concrete, creating a loud bang that echoed through the barn.
Startled, Dalton hit the floor and scrambled to the wall, kicking wood shavings as he pushed against the dirt floor of the stall.
"Dalton? Dalton, are you alright?" Jack asked, rushing into the stall.
The ponies pushed each other into the corner, trying to escape the man still on the ground, scared and unsure of what to think. Jack carefully approached the man and could see that he was somewhere else. Jack knelt, keeping a safe distance between himself and Dalton, and waited for a brief moment.
"Dalton?" Jack asked softly.
Dalton looked around, seeming not to know where he was until his eyes locked on Jack's.
"Jack?"
"Hey, Dalt. You alright?"
Dalton looked around, then scrambled to his feet and dusted himself off. "I'm sorry about that," he said in a tone full of embarrassment and red-faced.
"Nothing to be sorry for," Jack replied as he stood. "I'm the one that's sorry. I should have been more careful."
"No, sir. This is your ranch. I shouldn't have left that leaning on the door."
Dalton followed Jack into the alley, picking up the manure fork as he passed by it, and Jack closed the stall door. He turned and rested his arm on top of the wood and looked at Dalton, who was gently kicking a bale of hay with his old worn boot.
"How are you doing?" Jack asked.
Knowing what Jack was referring to, Dalton rested against the wooden wall and faced Jack. "I have good days and bad days. Thankfully, the good outweighs the bad."
"That's great," Jack said.
"Yes. But the bad days...can get pretty scary."
"Are you still seeing a therapist?"
"Yes. I go to one on base once a week. But to be honest, working here has helped more than anything."
"We're happy to have you here. You are a hard worker and a great man."
"Thank you, sir." Dalton picked at the bale beside him, pulling out a few pieces of dried hay and twisted them. "Can I ask you something, Jack?"
"Of course."
"Please let me know if I'm being too nosey."
"Ask anything, Dalt."
Taking a deep breath, Dalton began. "Is it true that you...went off the deep end after your father died?"
Not expecting this, Jack hesitated before answering. "Yes, it's true."
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked that."
Jack stepped toward Dalton and laid his hand on the man's shoulder. "I'm an open book. What do you want to know?"
"How did you move on after his death?"
Jack glanced through the door and saw Elizabeth watching him from the truck. "Beth is outside. I'll tell her to go to the house, and I'll be right back."
"Oh, no, sir. I'm sorry. We can do this some other time."
"No better time than the present. I'll be right back."
After a quick explanation to Elizabeth, she slid into the driver's seat and drove around to the house as Jack returned to Dalton.
"Let's go in here," Jack said, pointing to the tack room. After they were seated across from each other, Jack began sharing his story of turmoil, trainwrecks, and the turning point. "Are you struggling with losing your mother?"
Dalton nodded and wiped a small tear from his cheek. "I was deployed when she was diagnosed. She went downhill so quickly, I wasn't able to make it home to tell her goodbye."
"I'm so sorry, Dalton. We didn't know."
"I know. I don't like to talk about it. I would video call her when I could, but in her final days, she was too weak to speak. I never got to hold her again," he said with choked words.
"I didn't tell my dad goodbye until eleven years after his death. I know how hard it is to let some things go," Jack replied.
"Yes, they are," Dalton agreed.
"How's your dad doing?"
"He's good. He tries to stay busy."
"Idle hands?" Jack asked with a grin.
"Yes, sir. Idle hands. I learned that from him."
"He sounds like a good man. Hey, please let him know that he is invited over here for lunch tomorrow. We would love to meet him."
"Thank you. He'll love that."
"How are you feeling now? Are you good?"
Smiling, Dalton answered, "Yes. I'm good. It's just certain...sounds get me. They catch me off guard."
"I understand," Jack said. "I'll try to be more careful."
"Sir, please. I don't want anyone walking on eggshells around me. I need to learn to deal with my issues."
"But we don't have to make them worse," Jack assured him.
"I don't want anyone to change their routines or habits or...anything because of me. I'll deal."
"Dalton..."
"No. That will make me feel even worse. Do you stop making noise around a horse that spooks by every little thing?"
"Well, no. We make more noise until they learn it won't hurt them."
"Okay, then think of me like that. But please," Dalton said with a grin, "don't make more noise than necessary."
"Okay," Jack chuckled. "Deal."
Dalton shifted on the bench and looked at the clock. "I'm so sorry. I've kept you out here so late. I should get home," he said and got to his feet.
"It's fine, Dalt. Hey, would you like to come inside for a little while? Lee and Rosie are still here. We can have a drink and visit."
"That sounds great. Thanks."
…..
"Wait. He did what?" Dalton asked as he wiped away a laughter-induced tear.
"Hey, hey, hey," Lee stated with his hands out. "That is not how that went down."
"Oh, really?" Jack asked, barely able to breathe. "Then how do you recall that night?"
"I...may have...had a little too much to drink. But I did not slap that bull's ass."
"Then who did?" Jack asked.
"Well, Ja...no, Ste...wait, it was To... Well, hell. I don't remember."
Laughter erupted even harder from the group.
"That's because it was you," Jack insisted. "You marched right into his pen, slapped him square on the ass, then turned around and shook yours at him."
"What happened?" Elizabeth asked.
"Well, that bull did what any bull would do that got rudely awakened from a deep sleep. He spun around, hooked his horn right between Lee's legs, and flipped him clear over the gate."
"Oh, my goodness," Elizabeth exclaimed as she held her stomach and laughed.
"Well, maybe that is how it happened," Lee conceded.
"Yep. And that's how you broke your arm," Jack added.
"It's a wonder you didn't break your skull," Rosemary stated, shaking her head. "How did you two survive your early twenties?"
"By the grace of God," Jack answered, then burst out in laughter.
"And I thought my family was crazy," Dalton stated, wiping his face. "Oh my. I haven't laughed this hard in a very long time. Thank you, everyone."
"I don't think any of us have," Elizabeth added.
After a few more beers and glasses of wine, a couple more stories at the expense of Lee, Lee, Rosemary, the kids, and Dalton said their goodbyes and left for home. With their own children already in bed and sound asleep, Jack and Elizabeth were tearing each other's clothes off as soon as they stepped into their bedroom. Trying not to wake Brianna, they moved into the closet and closed the door behind them.
…..
July 26th, 2015 – Crossroads Cowboy Church
"This place is great," Dalton stated as they walked into the church. His dad was by his side, and the two moved around the building, picking up pamphlets and reading the signage that hung on the walls.
"Hey, Dalt. Glad you could make it," Jack said as he approached the men. Peyton was on his hip, and Colton was holding his hand.
With Brianna in her arms, Elizabeth stepped in beside Jack, and Jackson squeezed in between his parents.
"Dad, this is Jack and Elizabeth Thornton and their children. They own the ranch that I've been working on."
Surprised by their young age, the man held out his hand.
"Jack, Elizabeth, this is my father, Wayne."
"Very good to meet you, sir," Jack said as he firmly shook the man's hand. "Dalton is a very hard worker and has become an asset to our ranch."
"Good to hear," Wayne stated and patted his son's back. "Thank you for giving him the opportunity."
"Of course," Jack stated.
"You've got quite the brood here," Wayne commented.
"This is Jackson," Elizabeth said as she put her hand on his head. "Little girl, here is Brianna."
"This is Colton," Jack continued. "And this sad little girl here is Peyton."
"Oh, why are you sad?" Dalton asked.
"I dropped my muffin," she answered with her bottom lip stuck out.
"Oh, no. Not your muffin," Dalton exclaimed. "I hate when that happens."
"Me, too," Peyton stated.
"We've got to get these kiddos to Children's Church. Dalton, would you like to take your dad up front where Tom and Sam are? We'll be right back," Jack stated.
"Sure thing," Dalton replied.
A few minutes later, Jack and Elizabeth returned with only Brianna in tow and were stunned to find Charlotte sitting in the front row.
"Ma, I didn't know you were coming today," Jack said as he bent down and hugged her.
"Frank insisted. And I needed to see my babies," she remarked and held her hands out for Brianna.
Elizabeth placed the baby in Charlotte's arms and sat beside her. Jack visited with Dalton and Wayne for a moment, then walked on stage to tune his guitar.
"He plays guitar, too?" Dalton asked as he sat behind Elizabeth.
"Yes, and sings," she grinned.
"Anything he doesn't do?" Dalton asked with a laugh.
"He doesn't play piano," she giggled.
"Oh," Dalton chuckled. "That's good to know."
Elizabeth stood and joined her husband and the praise band on stage. She took a seat at the piano and organized her sheet music in preparation for the first song.
"But she does," Lee pointed and laughed.
"Of course," Dalton said, still smiling.
"Dalton, is this your father?" Charlotte asked, looking over her shoulder.
"Yes, ma'am. Charlotte, this is Wayne. Dad, this is Jack and Tom's mom."
Wayne stood and reached across his son to shake her hand. "Very nice to meet you, ma'am."
"You, too, Wayne. I'm so glad to see you two here today."
"I'm very sorry to hear about your husband. I've been praying for quick healing," Wayne said as he laid his other hand over hers.
"Thank you so much. Frank can use every prayer he can get."
John, the associate pastor, stepped up behind the podium and set his Bible down.
"I'd like to do things a little differently today." John turned toward the praise band. "Sorry for not giving y'all a heads up." He laid his hand on his Bible and looked in Charlotte's direction. "As most of you know, our dear pastor, Frank Hogan, was in a horrible farming accident. His lovely bride and family are with us today, so I would love to pray over them." John moved to the front of the stage and held his hand out. "Charlotte, can you please come up here?" he asked softly. "The whole family, please."
Charlotte positioned Brianna on her shoulder and stood. With Tom by her side and Sam on the other, followed by Savannah, Luke, Lee and Rosemary, they lined the front of the church along the stage. Jack and Elizabeth stepped onto the floor, joining the family, and Jack stood on the opposite side of his mom from his brother.
"Please, everyone, let's surround this family, lay our hands on them, and pray for Brother Frank."
The entire congregation moved forward, encircling the whole family. Dalton and Wayne joined them, rested their hands on the backs of Sam and Tom, and bowed their heads to pray.
"Dear Gracious Father. We pray for Frank, our brother in Christ, and ask you for healing over his broken body. We pray for his doctors and nurses to have the knowledge and skill to do what is needed. We ask for your compassion to alleviate Frank's pain and lessen his agony. Heavenly Father, we pray that you give Frank's family strength as they help their loved one, this man who usually offers guidance and prayer. As Frank faces the many unknowns that lie before him, calm all doubts and fears with the promise of Your love. We pray for patience over Frank's healing, that everything will happen in Your time, and that we have the knowledge and vision to see what is Yours. We thank You that Frank belongs to You, that you are in control of everything, and that you are a loving God. Thank you, Lord, for sparing the life of our beloved brother. Thank you, Lord, for allowing Charlotte more time with her husband here on earth. We know we will be with You one day and see Your glorious face. Until then, we pray for this broken body to be healed so that he may continue to spread Your word and share Your love. In Jesus' name, we pray. And His people said."
"Amen," was spoken by everyone in the church, and many moved toward Charlotte and the family to engulf them in love and embrace. Once the congregation was back in their seats, John sat down, and the praise band returned to the stage.
…..
"That was beautiful," Wayne stated as he and Dalton followed the Thorntons outside. "I really like this church."
"Me, too, Dad."
"The Thorntons are a wonderful family. I'm very proud of you," Wayne said and placed his hand on his son's shoulder.
"Thanks, Dad," Dalton replied as his smile grew.
"What did you think?" Jack asked the men when he returned with the twins in tow.
"I think this is a great church," Wayne answered. "And you and your wife are both very talented.
"Thank you, sir," Jack replied.
Colton was tugging on Jack's jeans pocket, trying hard to get his daddy's attention.
"Yes, Colt?"
"I'm hungry. Can we go home?"
"We will leave in just a minute. Go with Mommy, and she'll help you in the car."
"Okay," Colton shouted and ran toward Elizabeth.
"Your kids are great," Wayne commented.
"Thank you," Jack said as he lifted Peyton into his arms. She laid her head onto his shoulder and began to twirl her hair. "They are such a joy," Jack added.
"Colton and this little one seem very close in age," Wayne mentioned.
"They are twins," Jack explained. "Jackson is five, the twins are four, and Brianna is four months. I hear you had quite the family as well. Five girls," Jack said and raised his eyebrows.
"Yes," Wayne let out a deep breath. "My wife and I wanted a boy, so we just kept on trying until we got this one," he said with a smile and laid his hand on Dalton's shoulder. "We thought we were done, but then his brother gave us one final surprise."
"Sounds like you were very blessed," Jack replied. "Well, are you two ready? The women have made quite the meal for us today."
"Sounds wonderful," Wayne stated, then started to his truck, followed by Dalton.
…..
The house buzzed with voices, young and old, as everyone filled their plates. The food had been set out buffet style, covering the island, and the adults made their way around it. With the kids' plates ready and at the smaller table, the parents began filling their own.
Another leaf had been added to Jack and Elizabeth's dining table to make room for their new visitors, filling the large dining room area to its max. Charlotte had called Frank to check on him after church, and he'd firmly insisted that he was fine and she should enjoy the meal with her family. So, with a tinge of guilt, she took her seat at the table next to Jack and Rosemary.
With everyone seated, Jack led them in prayer, mainly for Frank's quick healing.
As they enjoyed all the homemade food, Tom saw Savannah hiding her phone on her lap and appeared to be texting.
"Luke," Tom said flatly, getting his son's attention.
When Luke looked at his father, Tom pointed at Savannah, and Luke shoved his sister in the arm. When she looked at her dad, he signed to her to put the phone away, his face showing his disappointment. Savannah tucked it into her back pocket, picked up her fork, and continued eating, her cheeks revealing her embarrassment of being caught.
As conversations flowed through ranch and rodeo life, Frank's improved condition, and learning about Dalton and his family, Charlotte and Wayne discovered they knew some of the same families in the area.
"You know the Browns over by Clifford?" Wayne asked.
"I do," Charlotte replied. "Jim and Suzie."
"Yeah, that's right. Jim and I were next-door neighbors when we were teenagers. I've known him and his family for decades."
"Suzie and I went to school together," Charlotte exclaimed.
"Do you know the Irons family over on Highway 183?"
"No, I can't say that I do. Frank may know them, though. He lived over near there before we were married."
Charlotte and Wayne continued to visit while Dalton joined in on everyone else's conversations. The father and son fit in with the family as if they'd known them for years and enjoyed their time making new friends.
"How long has Savannah been deaf? If you don't mind me asking," Wayne inquired.
"Since birth," Sam answered.
"She's a very sweet girl."
"Yes, she is," Sam agreed. "She's had some rough times with her disability, but she's always found her way through them. She's resilient."
"Seems like this whole family is," Wayne observed.
"We learn from the best," Jack stated and laid his hand on his mother's arm. "The strongest one is right here."
…..
Charlotte left for the hospital as soon as the meal was over, as she didn't want to spend any more time than she had to away from Frank. Tom and Jack promised to stop by later that afternoon after they had spent a little more time with their families.
Savannah was sitting on the floor with Stetson, wiggling his feet back and forth, causing the little boy to giggle loudly. Sam held Brianna while the baby slept and watched as her niece's lips constantly moved in a sucking motion.
Elizabeth stood at the island, scraping leftovers into a plastic container while Jack passed by her on the way to the dishwasher. He brushed his hand up her hip and across the small of her back, something he did almost every time he walked by her. Tom approached Sam as she sat on the bar stool with Brianna. He ran his hands down her arms and bent over to kiss her neck.
"She's beautiful," he whispered into her ear. "So are you."
Sam tipped her head, bringing her mouth to his, and gently kissed him. "Does it make you want more?" she asked with a grin.
"Ummm...no. I love our little family just the way it is," he said, then kissed her again.
"I've been meaning to tell you something," Sam said and turned the stool around to face him.
"What?" he asked, cocking his head sideways with a pinched brow.
"Well, you see, I'm late," Sam said.
"Late for what?" Tom asked.
"Tom, I'm late," she said again, eyeing him.
"Late for...," Tom straightened and took a step back. "What?" he asked, his voice slightly louder. "But...how could that be possible?"
"Well, sometimes this can happen," she said and shrugged her shoulders.
Jack, Elizabeth, Lee, and Rosie all stood staring; mouths dropped and eyes wide.
"Are you serious?" Tom asked, looking at Brianna, then back to Sam. "Are you serious?" he asked again.
"No," she answered, then pinched her lips tightly closed, attempting to hide her grin.
"Samantha Jane," Tom exclaimed, holding his hand over his heart.
Unable to hold back, Sam began laughing and was joined in by Jack, Elizabeth, Rosemary, and Lee.
"Sorry, babe," Sam stated and held her hand to her husband. "I couldn't pass that up."
"You're lucky you have a baby in your arms right now," Tom said, shaking his finger at her. "Samantha, you're going to get it later."
"Hey, we don't need to know that," Lee exclaimed.
"Oh, my gosh, Lee," Rosemary said and playfully slapped his arm.
"What?" Lee asked as he wrapped his arms around his wife's waist. "Do you want me to tell everyone what we'll be doing later?"
"Keep this up, and it will be nothing," Rosemary answered with a smirk.
"Ohhhh," Jack and Tom exclaimed simultaneously.
During this typical family exchange of antics and teasing, Dalton and Wayne were still seated at the table, laughing right along with everyone. They sipped their coffee and listened as the men continued to torment each other. The children ran into the kitchen, begging for the cookies they knew Elizabeth had baked. She peeled back the cover from the plastic container, held it out, and each child snatched a mint chocolate chip cookie and ran from the room giggling.
"Are those what I think they are?" Jack asked as he pressed his body to her back and put his arms around her.
"Maybe," she answered with a grin, holding the container up within his reach.
Jack grabbed a cookie, placed it between his lips, then reached for two more. "My favorite," he mumbled, the cookie making it hard to understand him.
"Jack," Elizabeth said, shaking her head and patting the side of his leg. "You're just a big child."
Jack turned Elizabeth around, took the container from her hand, and placed it on the island. He removed the cookie from his mouth, wrapped his arms around her, and covered her lips with his. After a passion-filled kiss, he moved his mouth to her ear and whispered, "Would a child do that?"
After a wave of chills flowed through her, Elizabeth looked up at her husband. "Are you forgetting that we have guests?"
"He has seven children. I'm pretty sure he and his wife were the same way," Jack joked quietly.
"Jack," Elizabeth said in a low, shocked voice. "You're terrible."
"You didn't think so last night," he whispered into her neck.
Jack took a step back, shoved the cookie into his mouth, and winked at his wife.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes and returned to her leftovers, placing a lid on one of the containers.
"Mr. Fitzgerald, would you like a tour of the ranch?" Jack asked as he crossed the room.
"Yes, that would be amazing. But please, Wayne will suffice."
"Okay, Wayne," Jack said and clapped his hands together. "Let's get some fresh air. Who wants to go for a ride on the UTV?"
"Me!" shouted all seven children.
Jack tapped Savannah on the shoulder and signed to her. She jumped up, lifted Stetson onto her hip, and joined the family gathered at the front door.
"We won't all fit on Uncle Jack's UTV," Luke stated. "We'll have to take turns."
"Let's go see what we can do," Jack stated and opened the door.
"All of us?" Luke asked.
"Yep. All of you. Let's go out to the shed and see how many we can fit on it."
Jack, Tom, Lee, Dalton, and Wayne followed the children outside after Rosemary took Stetson from Savannah. The kids ran across the grass, jumping and skipping, a few doing somersaults until they reached the small building that housed the UTV. Jack opened the door as excited exclamations filled the air at the sight of two large side-by-side UTVs.
"Uncle Jack has new ones!" Austin shouted as he ran into the building and climbed onto one.
"Here, Tom," Jack said and tossed his brother the keys to one of them.
Jack, Dalton, Wayne, Jackson, and the twins climbed onto one of the six-seaters while Lee, Tom, and their kids got on the other. The men eased the machines out of the shed, then started across the lawn to one of the trails that led along the pastures.
Jack showed the men around his ranch and onto his mother's before returning to the barn. They walked down the aisles as the children took turns greeting every horse. Jackson and Austin pulled the ponies from their stall and led them around while the twins sat on one and Autumn and Noel sat on the other.
Jack brought Maverick out for Wayne to see, and the older man circled the horse in awe at the stallion.
"This horse is magnificent, Jack," Wayne said as he stopped at Maverick's head to pet him.
"Thank you, sir. He's definitely turned out to be a great investment so far."
"He's got it all, that's for sure," Wayne remarked.
Jack felt a tap on his arm and turned to find Savannah beside him.
"Can I pet Mav?" she signed.
"Sure," Jack answered his niece.
Savannah approached the stallion, and he lowered his head, pressing it into her hand.
"I think that's the calmest stallion I've ever seen," Wayne remarked.
"Yes, he has surprised us all. He's been this way since the day I brought him home."
"Great horse," Wayne said again, petting the stallion's neck.
"Daddy, look at us," Peyton shouted from the back of Daisy. "Noel and I are cowgirls."
Luke was leading the pony, and Peyton kicked her feet, trying to make Daisy move faster. Noel held her hands above her head, clapping them loudly and giggling.
"Giddy up, Daisy," Peyton called out, shaking the rope in her hand.
"There's my little cowgirl," Jack said and lifted his daughter from the back of the pony. "Are you having fun?"
"Yes, I love riding Daisy. Can I ride him?" she asked, pointing to Maverick.
"Oh, I don't know about that," Jack said.
"Pweeeeze," she begged.
"Okay. But I'm staying beside you, and we aren't going to lead him around today. You can just sit on him."
"Okay."
Jack placed his daughter on the back of the stallion and kept one hand on her leg at all times. The little girl leaned forward, laid her arms along the horse's neck, and gently patted him. Maverick turned his head, nuzzled her foot, and let out a low whinny that vibrated against Peyton's legs, causing her to giggle.
"Let's get going," Jack said, pulling Peyton off Maverick. "Uncle Tom and I need to get to the hospital and see Grandpa."
"Can I go?" Peyton asked.
"Are you sure?" Jack asked.
"Yes. I want to see Grandpa. I miss him."
"Okay. Go see if your brothers want to go," Jack said and lowered her to the floor.
Peyton ran past Daisy, Noel, and Luke to find her brothers while Luke began leading the pony toward her stall.
"We need to get going as well," Wayne said as Jack put Maverick away in his stall.
"It was great getting to know you," Jack said as he closed and latched the door. He took Savannah's hand in his, and the three started to the other side of the barn. "Thank you for joining us at church. I hope you will again."
"We'd love to," Wayne stated. "We really enjoyed it."
With the ponies put away and Dalton and his dad on their way home, they gathered all the children together and started toward the house. Once inside, Jack informed Elizabeth that their children wanted to see Frank, and they decided the whole family would go together.
…..
"Grampa," Colton shouted as he ran into the room.
"Be careful, Colt," Jack said, stopping his son just before he jumped onto the bed.
"Sorry, Daddy," he said, then eased to Frank's bedside.
"Hi, Grampa," Peyton said as she stretched onto her toes.
"Hi, kids. Oh, it's so good to see you," Frank said, reaching for them. "Can you sit them up here?" he asked Jack, patting the bed beside him.
"I don't know about that, Pops."
"Pweeze, Daddy," Colton begged. "We promise to be careful."
"Okay," Jack said.
He lifted Peyton and set her alongside Frank's right, then picked up Colton and walked to the other side of the bed. Frank had his arms around the twins and held them close to his sides. Jack ensured the fixator hardware was covered with a blanket to help mask it from the kids.
"Jackson, come here," Jack said and picked up his son. "Be very careful and try not to move."
"Okay, Daddy."
Jack dropped the side rail and placed Jackson on the edge of the bed. Frank reached out and patted his grandson's leg, enjoying the extended family he had been blessed with.
"How are you doing today, Pops?" Jack asked as he pulled a chair next to the bed for Elizabeth and then himself.
"Not bad," Frank answered as he looked over the drawings the children brought for him.
"How was therapy today?"
"Painful, but better."
"I see you're sitting up further," Elizabeth observed.
"Yes, that was...unpleasant, but better now," Frank replied.
"Do you still have an owie, Grampa?" Peyton asked.
"Yes, sweetie. I will have an owie for a very long time."
"Why?" Colton asked.
"Because I broke a bone that will take a long time to get better," Frank answered.
"Right there?" Colton asked, pointing at the shape of the fixator beneath the blanket.
"Yes, buddy. Right there."
"I'm sorry, Grampa," Peyton said and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Aw, sweetie. Thank you." Frank rubbed Peyton's back as the little girl squeezed his neck.
"I miss you, Grampa," she said, clutching onto him.
"I miss you, too, sweet girl."
"I miss you, too, grampa," Colton added as he laid onto Frank's shoulder.
"Me, too, Grandpa," Jackson agreed and laid onto Frank's chest.
With all three children's arms wrapped around him, Frank encircled them with his and held them close.
Jack looked at Elizabeth just in time to see her wipe a tear from her cheek, and he moved his hand onto hers. Charlotte moved to the edge of her seat and placed her hand on Frank's leg, rubbing it gently as he held the kids.
Tom and Sam arrived after dropping their children off at her parents' and moved in behind Charlotte when they saw what was happening with the children. Tom placed his hands on his mother's shoulders and squeezed them gently.
"Come on, kids. Let's let Grandpa rest," Jack said as he stood.
"No, Daddy. I want to stay here," Peyton pleaded.
"They're fine, Jack," Frank assured with a wide grin. "Really."
"Okay," Jack said and sat down. "Just for a little while longer."
The family visited while Frank held the kids. Peyton and Colton both fell asleep in his arms, while Jackson lay beside him, listening as everyone talked. They spoke a little about the upcoming rodeo the following weekend, Dalton and Wayne, and how the church service had gone that morning.
Frank was beginning to feel bad about all he'd missed already and all he would miss. He hated that he'd scared the twins and lost time with them but was thankful they had come to see him. The grandkids were precisely what he'd needed after the past few days. The pain from the exercises left him feeling down and lost, but the arms of these little ones had raised his spirits. For that, he was grateful, even if it was only for the day.