Chapter 210 – End of Another Long Day
Elizabeth was glad that she could have that effect on Jack. She knew that she had pushed things a little too far with Jack, but she needed the release as well. Not only had she turned Jack on, but she had started her own fire. She knew that they would wait and Jack would be a gentleman, but she realized that she was hoping things came together for an August wedding. She didn't even care about getting pregnant at that moment, though it was a thought in her head, she just wanted to be able to be with Jack. She stopped on the stairs for a moment and thought. It was the first time that she had felt that way that she didn't fear what would come. Elizabeth knew at that moment that she was ready to marry Jack and all that it would bring. Did she still have some concerns? Yes, but she felt that those were normal, given her age.
When she got downstairs, she saw that Nathan and Father Mark were involved in a deep conversation in the far corner. She knew that Nathan had been upset and that it was probably a good thing that he was talking to Father Mark. She didn't want to bother them, so headed straight to her room. Elizabeth figured Rosemary would be down fairly quickly, so she just took a seat on the bed. She looked around and saw her journals still laying out, so grabbed them and put them in the safe. At that point she didn't trust Rosemary that she wouldn't try to read them. She was so glad that Jack had put her thumbprint in the system and she was able to use the safe in her room. She knew that Jack was placing a lot of trust in her. When she had first opened the safe, she found a journal from Laura. She just pushed it to the back and made a note to talk to Jack about it when things calmed down. She didn't want to invade her privacy, even at that point.
When Rosemary got downstairs, she went straight to the room where Elizabeth was staying. She didn't bother knocking, but went in and slammed the door behind her. Elizabeth just looked at her.
"What the hell was that in the kitchen?" Rosemary yelled.
"A little demonstration that I am with Jack and we are committed to each other." Elizabeth calmly said. "So don't get any idea about trying to come between us, because you will lose."
"For someone claiming that she doesn't sleep around." Rosemary huffed. "You act awfully familiar with all those guys. If we were in the city I wouldn't be the only one to think …."
"You are gross." Elizabeth interrupted. "Nathan, Doug and Lee are like brothers to me. Frank and Father Mark have been nothing but supportive. So get your mind out of the gutter. Men and women can be friends and be close without having a sexual relationship. I thought that it was made clear to you that Jack wasn't like that. We agreed to wait until we were married. That doesn't mean that we won't kiss and hold each other.
I realize that I pushed it a little in the kitchen a little bit ago and I will apologize to Jack later. But I am not sorry that I showed Jack that I love him. I will never be sorry about expressing my love to Jack. What I am sorry about was pushing the boundaries that we had agreed to follow until we were in a place, i.e. married, to be able to fully express our love for each other.
Besides I know that Jack is a gentleman and would never do something he felt was wrong, I respect his grandparents enough to follow the rules that they have put forth about unmarried couples while under their roof. And even though Jack and I own this property, as long as she is still breathing, this is Gran's house and under Gran's rules. I would never do anything to intentionally upset her, like breaking one of her cardinal rules."
"I still can't believe that you are giving up everything to be with him." Rosemary said.
"I thought I made it clear." Elizabeth said. "I am not giving anything up. Jack and I will go far in this world. So you can either change your attitude and join the ride or you can watch from the outside as we take over the world."
Elizabeth stood up and grabbed her pajamas.
"Now." Elizabeth said. "It has been a long day and I need a quick shower before I head to bed. If you want to shower, you can after me. I have set up the other bed for you. Do what you need. I am going to shower. However since this is not my room, please respect it. Even if she isn't here, this room still belongs to Jack's cousin Laura. So please don't start going through things that are none of your business."
Elizabeth walked over to the bathroom and got the shower running while she took a moment to catch her breath. Elizabeth quickly stripped out of her clothes and jumped in the shower. She washed her hair and let the hot water wash over her. She finished up, got dressed and then brushed her teeth. Her hair was still wrapped in a towel when she came out. As soon as she came out, Rosemary headed into the bathroom.
Elizabeth grabbed the door and went down the hall a bit and saw that Father Mark and Nathan were still talking. Frank, Doug and Lee were sitting there as well, but she didn't see Jack.
Frank saw Elizabeth and nudged Doug. He jumped up and went to Elizabeth.
"Jack was showering in the gym." Doug said. "Was there something that you needed?"
"I was just wondering if he would braid my hair tonight?" Elizabeth said.
"Grab what you need." Doug said. "Also maybe grab a robe and then come out. Jack should almost be done."
"Thank you." Elizabeth said. "I will be right back."
By the time that Elizabeth got back, Jack was sitting with the guys. He was wearing basketball shorts and a tee shirt. Elizabeth immediately noticed his finger combed wet hair and how his tee shirt was a little snug across his chest. She shook her head and smiled at Jack. He stood up and motioned to the ottoman in front of him.
"You wanted your hair braided?" Jack asked.
"Yes, please." Elizabeth said. "I just thought it would be easier. It is supposed to be hot tomorrow and that way it is back and I don't have to worry about it."
"Do you want a single braid down the middle or do you want me to split and do two braids?" Jack asked.
"A single braid down the back and then I can always wrap the end into a bun." Elizabeth said.
Jack took the brush that Elizabeth held out and brushed through Elizabeth's hair. He then took a deep breath and tilted her head back. He quickly set about braiding her hair.
"Let me know if I am pulling too much." Jack said. "I want to make sure that it stays."
"It is fine." Elizabeth said. "I am used to having it pulled back tightly from when I danced."
Jack smiled and continued to braid her hair. It didn't take long and Jack was lost in the motion of his fingers through Elizabeth's hair. He wished and prayed that they had a bunch of little girls, so that he could braid their hair. He knew that not many fathers could do that, so it would be something special with his girls. Jack also looked forward to braiding Elizabeth's hair for years to come.
Elizabeth was lost in her own thoughts. She was enjoying the feeling of Jack running his fingers through her hair. She hoped that he would continue to do it for years. She also thought that maybe he could teach her how to braid better so that when they had little girls, it would be something that she could do. She could braid, but had quickly realized that Jack was much better at it. Then she thought that maybe it would be special if Jack spent time braiding his daughter's hair. Elizabeth instinctively smiled at the thought of Jack with their daughter.
Everyone else in the sitting area watched as Jack braided Elizabeth's hair. Each was in their own little world, but yet they were in perfect sync. Rosemary had come out there in some skimpy pajama shorts and top. She stood there slack-jawed as she watched Jack braid Elizabeth's hair with ease. From the look on her face, Rosemary could only wonder what Elizabeth was thinking about. If she had to describe the look, she would call it one of ecstasy. When Jack was down to the bottom, Elizabeth handed him a rubber band without having to be asked. When he was done, Jack leaned down and kissed the top of her head.
"All done." Jack said. "I guarantee that it will stay or I will rebraid it for you."
Elizabeth turned to look at Jack.
"I trust you." Elizabeth said. "Thank you. It will be so much easier for tomorrow. Have a good night and I will see you in the morning. If I don't see you before the press conference, good luck and you will do great."
"Thank you." Jack said. "I hope to see you before that, but thank you for saying it. Goodnight."
Jack leaned in and gave Elizabeth a quick kiss before pulling back and sitting down with the guys. Elizabeth waved to the rest of them and then turned to see Rosemary standing there. With a smile on her face, Elizabeth walked right past her and to her room. Rosemary quickly followed and shut the door behind her.
"If you are going to be outside of this room dressed like that." Elizabeth said, waving her hand. "I would suggest that you wear a robe. If Gran catches you like that you are likely to get a lecture."
"Seriously." Rosemary said.
"Seriously." Elizabeth said. "In this house we take into consideration that there are other people around, including young men. Not to mention that we also now have two young girls around and there will also be several other children around over the weekend. We dress appropriately and try not to make other people uncomfortable by dressing like a floozy. So I hope that you brought a one piece swimsuit or a cover-up you can swim in, otherwise Katie can take you into town and get you something appropriate."
"I will wear what I want to swim." Rosemary said. "I have always worn a bikini. I am an adult and can wear what I want. If anyone has a problem with it, too bad."
"Your funeral." Elizabeth said, softly.
"What?" Rosemary said.
"Good luck with that." Elizabeth said. "It is late and we have an early morning tomorrow."
With that Elizabeth turned out the main light, but left the desk light on and crawled into bed.
"I thought we were going to talk?" Rosemary said. "Like old times."
"I told you morning comes early." Elizabeth said. "If you want to talk, we can find time tomorrow. As it is, the alarm will be going off at six and you will get up or you won't eat."
Elizabeth then rolled over and made a show that she was done talking for the night. Rosemary huffed, but laid back on her bed. She decided that no matter what time the alarm went off, she wasn't getting up.
… … … …
Jack had felt better after his shower, but then braiding Elizabeth's hair had lit his fire again. Not that he minded doing it, it was just he was having an issue controlling his feelings. He knew that he couldn't act on his feelings yet, but then again he had never felt what he felt when he was near Elizabeth. In Jack's mind, August couldn't come soon enough. Even then Jack knew that he was going to have to take it slow with Elizabeth, but he still couldn't wait. He knew that it would be better than he could even imagine.
The other guys gave Jack a moment, because they knew that he was struggling with his feelings. They were all young men, so they understood. They also knew that Jack had made a pledge to not act on his feelings until marriage. They knew that as his friends, they were to help hold him accountable to that pledge.
"Hey Jack." Frank said. "Do you want to pray here or in the room? Either way, we should call it a night."
Jack shook his head when he heard his name. He knew that they needed to get some sleep.
"Let's pray here." Jack said.
The guys got into a circle.
"I thought we would keep it short." Frank said. "But I also felt that we needed to end the night in prayer given everything that happened."
Father Mark, Nathan, and Doug nodded.
"In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit." Frank prayed. "We come to you tonight and ask for Your protection on this house. Be with each person as they sleep. Give them rest to face tomorrow. Be with us all as we go about our tasks tomorrow. Give us open, humble hearts to those around us. Protect all the individuals who are working with the horses and keep them safe. Protect the security here and give them wisdom to know how to act and react to changing circumstances. Be with Jack and his grandfathers as they give the press conference. Give them comfort and the words You want them to say."
After Frank spoke, it was quiet for a moment and then Doug spoke up.
"Heavenly Father." Doug prayed. "Please be with everyone that needs to come and go from the ranch. Keep them all safe. Be with my sisters as they adjust to a different schedule. Please be with Dad as he works in the city and bring him here safely for the Fourth."
"Lord." Jack prayed. "You know what we each need and I just ask that You soften Rosemary's heart to see what is before her. Give Elizabeth strength to stand her ground and not to be pushed around. We all know how hard it is to be challenged, by someone that you thought was a friend. Show Elizabeth that she is where she belongs and on the path You have made for her. Give us all the words You wish us to speak to get across to Rosemary that we are not the enemy. I also ask a special prayer for my grandparents as they struggle with the news that Devin brought. Give them comfort and let them know that You are in charge."
It was quiet again after Jack prayed. When no one else spoke up, Father Mark took that as his signal to close out the prayer as he and Frank had talked about.
"Father God." Father Mark prayed. "You know the prayers of our hearts and those of the others in this house. I echo the prayers for safety and comfort for those in this house and who work here. As we head to bed, I just pray that You give us all a good night's rest to face tomorrow. Hail Mary …."
The other guys joined Father Mark in praying the Hail Mary and then the Our Father. After they prayed, they straightened up the sitting room and then headed to bed. They quickly took turns getting ready for bed. Nathan set an alarm for five to get up and make breakfast. Jack was the last one to climb in bed after he shut the lights off. Jack closed his eyes and immediately thought of Elizabeth and their future. He drifted off to sleep with thoughts of horses, mini cows and curly-headed little ones running around.
… … … …