Chapter 254 – Fourth of July part 2
It wasn't long after Jack had gone in to shower that the Thompsons arrived. They joined everyone relaxing. Their kids joined Becky and the twins in playing the games setup. Major Thompson made a point of introducing his wife and kids to Elizabeth and Caitlin. Kathy decided to join them in sitting out in the shade. The youngest of the Thompson kids, joined Cody in playing with the horses. He had brought some of his GI Joe toys. The two were quick to play with both. They also pulled over the tote of Cody's blocks.
"So what are you ladies talking about?" Kathy asked. "Moreover, where is Charlotte? Surprised she isn't here, she is always up for a party. Then again, this is more lowbrow as she would say."
"I won't get into details." Elizabeth said. "You can ask Gran for those, but Charlotte has been banned from the property because of her actions. As far as what we were talking about, we were talking about Jack's and my wedding."
"Oh, I heard you were together." Kathy said. "I didn't realize you were getting married, it was only announced that you were courting."
"Because we are not going public with our engagement." Elizabeth said. "We have a right to privacy and because of other people, we have had to deal with more press than ever. Jack doesn't want to be in the spotlight, outside of jumping and we neither do I. Jack's grandparents agree that we have a right to keep our personal life private and we are going to do that."
"No, I agree." Kathy said. "You have a right to privacy. I was surprised that there were as many press out there as there were when we came in today."
"From my understanding." Elizabeth said. "Today was much better than it has been. I think that John's press conference the other day helped to thin out a lot of them."
"I am sure it did." Kathy said. "John as a way of getting a point across and those you dare to cross him don't fare well. So when are you guys getting married?"
"We are going to get married on August seventeenth." Elizabeth said. "The ceremony is going to be small and family and close friends only. We are going to have a reception here at the farm later that evening that will be larger. Gran, Trish Burke and Abigail Stanton have been helping me plan. Like I said, we want to keep things as quiet as possible. We haven't told either set of our parents that we are getting married, though they know that we are engaged. Neither set of parents supports us."
"Oh." Kathy said. "I am sorry about that. Jack is a great young man, I can't imagine a father not approving of him."
"My father was set on me marrying a slightly older man." Elizabeth said. "He pushed the man on me despite my objections. The college age man and his friends assaulted me in broad daylight and it was fortunate that Jack and Doug stepped in to help. They chased the young men off and then helped me when my father got angry. My father refused to believe that the young man he was pushing hurt me and was demanding I apologize and go with him."
"That is awful." Kathy said. "I can't imagine what Marcus would do if a young man laid a hand on our daughter."
"He would probably arrest him." Caitlin said.
"If the young man made it that far." Elizabeth said. "I saw how angry he got when he saw Charlotte slap Jack. I can't imagine if that would have been a young man and his own daughter had been hit."
"You are probably right." Kathy said. "He would not react well. Marcus doesn't like people who are bullies and think that they can do what they want because they are older or bigger."
The ladies had a laugh at something Cody did. He was still playing with AJ near where the women were sitting.
"So tell me about the wedding." Kathy said.
Elizabeth proceeded to tell Kathy about the wedding and the things that she wanted. Kathy made a few suggestions which Elizabeth noted on her Ipad. She showed both Caitlin and Kathy the dresses that she had picked out and the flowers. The ladies had fun talking about the wedding and Elizabeth ended up making the last of the decisions that needed to be done with the help of Caitlin and Kathy. Elizabeth then sent the information to Gran and Trish so they could take care of things.
At twelve thirty, Chief and Frank turned the grill on and helped get things ready to grill hotdogs and burgers with large tomato slices, lettuce and slices of sweet onions for the burger. There was chopped onion, chili and sauerkraut. There was also the bacon jam that Nathan had made. They were going to have fresh fruit and veggies along with corn on the cob. There was potato salad and two different pasta salads. They also had several types of chips, so there was plenty of food with something for everyone.
As Frank and the Chief manned the grill, Elizabeth, Caitlin and Kathy went to help get the rest of the food out as well as setting the table. While that was happening, two of John's business associates along with their wives and kids showed up. John had let Gran know and she was fine, since they had been out to the ranch before. Elizabeth was getting nervous with the extra nine people. The kids joined right in on playing the games with the others. Abigail saw Elizabeth's face.
"Elizabeth." Abigail said. "Can you help me in the kitchen?"
Elizabeth followed Abigail into the kitchen.
"What do you need?" Elizabeth asked.
"I just wanted to give you a second to step away." Abigail said. "You were looking pretty nervous out there."
"I wasn't expecting the extra nine people." Elizabeth said.
"Understandable." Abigail said. "I don't know them well, but I have met them a time or two in the past. I know that they are local people that John works with, which was why they were invited. Normally in the past, a day like today the ranch would be open for people to come and go as they wanted, with food out most of the day. Even then a lot of the employees would keep to themselves and maybe just drop by for a few minutes to say hi when they were done with work."
"So they changed things for me." Elizabeth said.
"I don't know if it was you in particular." Abigail said. "But I am sure that the press hounding you had something to do with it. I am sure that Thomas and Charlotte not being here is another part of it. Either way, I don't want you to worry about things. Just have a seat by Caitlin or Jack. Don't be rude, but you are not required to participate in conversation if you don't want to."
"Thank you for giving me a minute." Elizabeth said.
"If you need a moment." Abigail said. "Just excuse yourself to the house for a moment. You don't need to say anything else. I doubt that John's associates will stay long after we eat and if they do, I am sure that James, Margaret and Gran will sit with them to visit. You can always play with the children or in the pool."
"Again, thank you." Elizabeth said. "I am not used to being around a lot of people. In the past, the holidays were usually just my immediate family and maybe Rosemary and her parents."
"I am not going to tell you to get used to large groups." Abigail said. "But being around Jack and his family tends to draw larger crowds. You always have the right to excuse yourself if you are getting overwhelmed. Even if it is just to take a few minutes to regroup by yourself."
"I will keep that in mind." Elizabeth said.
Abigail and Elizabeth brought out the last of the items that had been planned for lunch. The plan was to set the kids up one end of the table, the young adults in the middle and the rest at the other end. With the extra folding tables and chairs set up, there was room for everyone. The food was mainly set up on other tables along the wall of the house. People would make their plates and then have a seat. The only things on the table were drinks and smaller bowls of chips. When they had enough burgers and hotdogs ready, Gran got everyone to gather around.
"Before we make our plates." Gran said. "I have asked Father Mark to lead us in a short prayer."
"Thank you." Father Mark said. "Let us bow our heads. Heavenly Father. Thank you for this day and all the friends and family gathered. Be with our family that has been unable to join us. Please keep everyone safe as we continue to celebrate the independence of our great country. Please bless this food to our bodies and bless the hands that prepared it. Amen."
"Amen." Echoed from several people.
Parents and the young adults each helped a child make a plate and get seated at the table before getting their food. The teens were able to get their plates and settled once the young kids were seated. The last people to make their plates were Frank and the Chief. They had continued to make sure that the last of the hotdogs and burgers were cooked on the grill in case people wanted seconds. Once they had put the last of the burgers and hotdogs in the warmers set up for them, they made their plates and joined everyone at the table.
Conversation around the table ranged from the races across the country and various horses to sports to current events. John and his associates talked a little business, but mostly horses and sports. There was also a conversation about the city and how nice it was to get away at times. The kids were talking about the games and what they wanted to do that afternoon. They were also talking about how they were looking forward to the fireworks.
Jack and Elizabeth were seated next to each other, with Cody on one side of Jack. Caitlin had sat on the other side of Elizabeth as a buffer from the conversation at the request of her aunt. It turned out that James and Trish sat near Caitlin as well. So Elizabeth only had to talk to the people around her. She focused on engaging the kids and that kept her from having to be part of the conversations going on at the other end of the table, unless she was asked a direct question. Gran saw that Elizabeth was uncomfortable, so steered the conversation away from Elizabeth and her relationship with Jack.
Lunch took over an hour as people sat and visited and were not in a hurry to move along. As the kids were finished, they cleared their plates to the garbage and then went back to playing the games. As they finished, the teenagers and young adults were also excused.
"Jack, Doug, Lee." Gran said.
"Yes, Gran." Jack said.
"Please check the ice on the cold food and add some if needed." Gran said. "Then you are free to play with the other kids or take them riding. Either way, please be back here at four. I want you to play for everyone."
"Yes, Gran." Jack said.
Jack and the guys checked the food and added more ice to the various containers as needed, including the coolers. They also added more water and soda to the coolers. Elizabeth and Caitlin made sure that the plates and cups used were cleared and then Doug took the full garbage bag and put it in the garage. Lee put a new bag in the can. Between the giant Jenga, connect four, corn hole and the ladder game, everyone was having fun. The guys were also tossing the frisbee around. Overall it was a nice time and everyone burned off some energy. People took a break in the shade and grabbed a drink as needed.
It was about forty minutes after they had been excused from the table that the twins and Becky sought and received permission to play in the pool. Hannah and another girl wanted to join them. They all headed to the twins room to change. About the same time, Doug and Nathan took Peter, Cody, AJ and another boy down to go on a ride. Cody and AJ were overjoyed about getting to ride a horse. While the girls were changing and just after Doug and Nathan took the kids down to go for a ride, Ed showed up to the house. The thing was that Ed wasn't alone, he had Blaine and Tommy with him.
"James, Sir." Ed said.
"Yes, Ed." James said.
"Tommy here was wondering if he could join you for the afternoon." Ed said. "I said I wasn't sure, he hasn't exactly been following all the rules. He still has been trouble at times."
Blaine stood there behind Tommy looking annoyed that his father would even entertain the idea. Tommy stood there with his arms crossed and a look of victory on his feet.
"Thomas Andrew." John said. "Was this your idea?"
Tommy stood there, glaring at his grandfather and didn't answer him until Ed nudged him.
"It is only fair." Tommy huffed. "I am more family than others that have been allowed to be here."
"So apparently you still haven't learned anything." John said.
"What do you mean?" Tommy sneered.
"Please excuse me while I speak to my wayward grandson in private." John said, standing up.
The other adults nodded. James was right behind John as they walked over to Tommy and ushered the group off to the side of the house. They had barely got around the side of the house when Tommy turned back toward his grandfathers.
"It is not fair." Tommy whined. "I have slaved for you and I don't get anything in return. I am a Thornton, I deserve to be treated better."
John and James looked at each other.
"Ed." James said. "You are excused, please go back to whatever you were doing. Blaine stick around for a moment."
"Yes, Sir." Ed said.
Ed shot Blaine and Tommy a look and then quickly left as he could read that his boss wasn't happy.
"So you think that you deserve something just because of your last name." James said.
"Yes." Tommy said, straightening to his full height and being defiant.
A moment later while Tommy was still in a standoff with his grandfathers, Frank came around the corner.
"Sir." Frank said. "Do you need a hand?"
"Stay out of this." Tommy yelled. "This is a family matter."
Before either John or James could react, Frank stocked up and stood toe to toe with Tommy. Frank was several inches taller then Tommy and looked down at him like had a few mouthy privates when he had been stationed overseas.
"I know all about you." Frank said. "And for your information, your brother and grandfathers both consider me family. I like your brother, but that doesn't mean I have to put up with your outright disrespect of your grandfathers and the home that they provide."
Frank then looked from Tommy to Blaine.
"And as for you, Private First Class Marshland." Frank said. "I am disappointed in you. You call yourself a Marine but allow yourself to be pushed around by a mouthy teenager. No wonder you were encouraged not to reenlist. Yes, I know all about you. You were a mouthy troublemaker when we were in country and apparently you have gotten no better. I thought getting your ass kicked once would have taught you."
"Who do you think you are?" Blaine said. "And how dare you speak to me like that. You don't even know me."
"Let me refresh your memory." Frank said. "I am Captain Frank Hogan and I was attached to your Marine unit for a few weeks while in Afghanistan. I tore you a new one then and I will do it again. It was on my recommendation after you blatantly disregarded order and safety that you were rotated back home. I saw you in the stable and thought you looked familiar. I made some inquiries to make sure you were the same person and what happened to you. You have been out of the Marine Corp for over three years, so why are you making it like you just got out. I have proof when you were discharged with less than an honorable status. You might have been able to fool your dad and I am sure that you got whatever job you have because of the respect for your father, but from where I stand, you failed to retain the lessons that the Marines attempted to teach you."
"Frank, do you have proof of what you are talking about?" John asked.
"I can have it in your hand in less than an hour." Frank said. "It is all on my laptop. I called his former Commander personally to verify the information and had him send me a report."
"Blaine." James said. "Take Tommy back to the stable. I will be reconsidering your employment after I speak to John. As for you Tommy, the rules were clearly laid out and you have yet to learn that we don't owe you anything. If you want something, you need to earn it. JP has worked hard and earned everything that he has. His friends have worked hard, even when they didn't have to. So until you learn that lesson, you won't have anything other than what we are required by law to give you, which are clothes, food and a roof over your head."
"I agree with James." John said. "We don't owe you anything. Your mother and father aren't here and even if they were, they can't help you. You belong to us until a judge says otherwise. You are going to have a hard time when school starts in a little over a month if you don't start changing your attitude. Don't forget I can still send you to someplace worse than Catholic school in Rochester."
"I am sure that I can pull some strings and get him into a military type school for boys." Frank said. "I happen to know the director of the one in Northern Minnesota."
"If you could also get me that information." John said. "It might prove helpful."
"I will send it with the other information when we are done here." Frank said.
Tommy stood there, mouth agape. After a moment and realizing that his own job was in jeopardy, Blaine grabbed Tommy's arm. Tommy immediately pulled away and in the process hit Frank in his injured eye and broke his nose. Without thinking, Frank grabbed Tommy and put him into a restraint hold, all the while Tommy screaming and kicking. Blaine stood there dumbfounded. The yelling brought Marcus, Bill and Jack around the corner to see what happened. Seeing Frank bleeding, Marcus jumped into action.
"Give him to me." Marcus said.
Frank closed his eyes, but didn't release Tommy. Jack walked over to Frank, but didn't touch him.
"Frank." Jack said. "You are injured. Let Marcus and Bill deal with Tommy. It is okay, they won't let him hurt you anymore."
It was Jack's calm voice that snapped Frank out of it. He released Tommy with a push toward Marcus, who immediately pinned his arms behind Tommy's back.