Chapter 269 – Out to Dinner to Start a New Week (long)
Gran was sitting at the table with a book and a cup of tea when they walked in.
"Did you have a good evening?" Gran asked.
"We did." Frank said. "We talked and shared. It was great, especially with me going to be living up here."
"Where did you go?" Gran asked.
"Applebee's." Father Mark replied.
"And you got everything for tomorrow?" Gran asked.
"Yes." Father Mark said. "I also got the message about the video from Jack. We looked at it and overall it was a good video. How is Jack doing with it?"
"Surprisingly." Gran said. "He wasn't all that bothered by it. At least he tried to make the best of it. He said they didn't technically say anything that wasn't public knowledge and they didn't lie. So he seemed okay."
"I will check in with him." Father Mark said.
"I agree." Frank said. "It was a well put together video. It was about the jumping and when I looked for the original creator, it appears she is a huge fan of Jack's. Her page has lots of his jumping photos and stuff."
Gran raised her eyebrow and looked at the boys.
"She is fourteen." Father Mark said. "And her older sisters jump as well. One of them jumped at the show in the other class today."
"Okay." Gran said. "I am just worried. Some of the girls over the years have been very stockerish, you know."
"If I am correct." Father Mark said. "The girl who posted the video is Callie and Lexie Trenton's little sister, Ava. You remember them, they were between Jack and Laura."
"I know the family name." Gran said. "The dad is a preacher over at the Abundant Life Church."
"Yes." Father Mark said. "That is the family. They have five kids, the older three girls all jump."
"Why not the other two?" Frank asked.
"I am not sure about the boy." Father Mark said. "But if I remember correctly, the girl was born with a mild case of cerebral palsy. I know she loves to cheer her sisters on and take lots of photos. Her page is covered with photos of different jumpers, mainly her sisters. Callie, Lexie and Mia, but there are plenty of Jack and Doug as well. It appears she likes Nathan as well, now. She had pictures of Mia who finished fourth today as well as many of the guys."
"Well." Gran said.
"Gran." Father Mark said. "She is harmless. I know her father. Just because we have different views, doesn't mean he is evil. If anything he is overprotective of Ava."
"I think it is sweet." Frank said. "She posted how she was looking forward to the show here so she could see all of her sisters jump and her three favorite guys as well."
"Maybe mention something to JP." Gran said. "Have a good night and what time were you thinking for Mass?"
"There will be twelve of us." Father Mark said. "Well, thirteen with me. So maybe we can set up here in the front room or we can make the library work."
"I will ask James." Gran said.
"Either way." Father Mark said. "Let's aim for nine."
"We will let the others know." Frank said.
"I am going to leave everything in the library for now." Father Mark said.
"Sounds good." Gran said.
Frank and Father Mark left the Mass kit and vestments in the library and then headed downstairs. They let everyone know that Mass would be at nine. Father Mark then pulled Jack aside and talked to him about the music. Lee agreed to be the server if neither of the girls wanted to. Father Mark appreciated that. Once they had everything worked out, Father Mark excused himself to say his prayers and head to bed.
The rest of the group finished watching the game and then also headed to bed. It had been a long day and there were more ahead.
… … … …
Sunday morning turned into a bit of chaos as people were tired from the day before. Jack, Nathan, Doug and the twins headed out to take care of the horses, while Frank, Elizabeth and Lee started breakfast. Trish helped Father Mark set up things for Mass. They were going to use the front room, since it would be easier at the moment. Everything was ready and all they had to do was move the chairs over.
While all that was going on, the three grandparents were in the office going over some things. John wanted to keep James and Margaret in the loop about the things happening with Charlotte and Tommy, as well as the search for Jack's twin. Beyond that, John wanted to talk to James and Margaret about his idea for the wedding reception. It was decided that the ceremony would be at 4:30 on that Friday afternoon and only specific people would be told and asked to keep it a secret. What John wanted to do was invite everyone else to a formal party celebrating Jack and Elizabeth's relationship, but they would be told that it was a party to celebrate Jack's achievements and welcome Elizabeth into the family before they went to school. It would only be once they were there they would learn about the wedding, that way they could invite extended family and not have to worry. James and Margaret were open to it, but wondered about the deception. John said he would take responsibility and explain things before the reception got started. James and Margaret reluctantly agreed, as long as Jack and Elizabeth were on board as well.
Breakfast was a nice spread of scrambled eggs, toast, bacon and fruit. They talked about the plan a bit for the day and everyone was informed that they had reservations at Morton's for six so they needed to be ready by five fifteen. Gran informed them that polos or button up shirts were expected, ties not necessary. An appropriate semi-formal dress was encouraged for the girls, but not required as long as they were dressed appropriately.
Once breakfast was done, Trish, Gran and Father Mark worked to clean up as everyone else either got cleaned up from morning chores or otherwise ready for Church. James and John set the chairs up and then took a seat in the library.
Mass at home was wonderful with Jack playing the piano and Nathan doing the readings. Father Mark had kept his sermon short but meaningful, especially since the gospel was about not being accepted where one grew up. Once Mass was done, everyone worked to put things away. Jack, Doug, Nathan and the twins then headed out to work with the horses. Everyone else took the chance to relax and do what they wanted. Gran fielded a few phone calls about potentially getting strawberries, blackberries and raspberries to make jam. She had put in several calls and they were getting back to her. It was decided that Trish would go pick up the berries the next morning and despite it being a busy week, they were also making jam. Gran messaged Abigail and she agreed to come over as long as no one minded she had Cody.
Overall it was a nice late morning and afternoon. A break had been taken and sandwiches were done for lunch. Jack and Doug were able to work with Wex and the girls had gotten a good lesson jumping Bubbles and Squeak under the watchful eye of Nathan. They had also all been able to get a workout in. Elizabeth was able to get some reading done and was able to find answers to many of her questions. Lee had spent the time working on something on his laptop. Frank and Father Mark had also spent time on their laptops as well as reading. John and James were able to relax in the library and catch up on non-work reading, including reading the Sunday paper that had been delivered. Gran and Trish had spent the time planning out meals, baking and jam making for the week. They had also worked on grocery lists and what else they would need for the weekend. Gran had also spent quite a bit of time answering the phone as there had been over two dozen calls, especially since they hadn't been in church.
By five o'clock everyone was ready to head out to Morton's for supper. John had packed up his stuff he needed to take back and Gran had assured him he could leave his clothes since he would be back on Thursday by supper. The guys all had on black dress jeans or khaki colored dockers (James, John and Frank). John had on a polo in almost a bronze color with an American flag on the sleeve. Peter and Andrew each had a black and charcoal polo to go with their black jeans. Jack had a blue polo while Doug had the blue polo from the Toronto trip. Lee's was in burgundy while Father Mark wore a black one. Frank had gone with the heathered red one from the Toronto trip while Nathan had taken the heathered green one from the trip. They all looked nice with their black jeans and boots. James had chosen a deep sea navy gingham button up with his khakis.
Gran had a white and black floral print dress and a black lace scalloped shrug. Her dress was a cotton/jersey knee length dress. Trish wore a black dress with white dots. It was a nice retro a-line dress with short sleeves and was about knee length. The twins came up in white skorts with a brown belt. They each had a square neck flutter sleeve shirt on. They were identical except that Maddie wore olive green and Missy had mint green. They even had matching white and beige sandals.
The last up was Elizabeth. The twins had spent part of the afternoon with her going through Laura's closet and had chosen a dress for her to wear, knowing pretty much what everyone else was wearing. They had picked a nineteen fifties swing dress. It was white with black floral details on it. They paired it with Elizabeth's strappy black sandals and white shrug that Jack had gotten her. They also suggested that she wear the white gold pearl set that Jack had gotten her. When she got upstairs, she realized that Gran had chosen a similar pearl set and Trish had a gold and black set of earrings that went with her dress. Trish's earrings were black onyx and eighteen carat gold. They went with her black dress very nicely.
Once they were all upstairs, they got ready to leave. John went with Peter and Andrew who would be leaving from the restaurant. Nathan drove Doug, Lee, Jack and Elizabeth. James drove another truck with Margaret, Trish and the girls. Frank rode with Father Mark. They were picked up by Chris, Katie and Rob as they came into town. They had already informed Andrew that they wouldn't be joining the group in the restaurant, but keeping watch outside. That was why Andrew had discreetly asked Nathan and Frank to be armed. They only had to wait a few minutes to be seated. They had several tables together to make a large table, it was quite the sight as there were fifteen of them.
John started them with four orders of oysters on the half shell. That would give everyone at least three with a couple extra. He got them lemon and hot sauce to have with the oysters. Everyone started with water and then made drink selections from there. Frank, Nathan, Father Mark and Trish had agreed not to drink since three of them were carrying and all but Frank were driving home. So they stuck with sodas, along with most everyone else.
John chose the fourteen ounce dry-aged ribeye cooked medium rare with a loaded baked potato. He ordered a Manhattan to drink. James joined him in getting a Manhattan but chose the sixteen ounce prime cut pork chop. For his side, James chose the grilled asparagus. Gran chose the Maine lobster ravioli and sautéed Brussel sprouts. She decided against a drink and stuck with just water. Trish decided on the miso marinated sea bass and sautéed spinach and button mushrooms. The girls chose to split the sixteen ounce New York strip medium with onion rings. Nathan chose the sixteen ounce prime ribeye with sautéed onions and mushrooms. Frank decided on the lamb chops, since he hadn't had those in forever.
Father Mark chose eight ounce cold water lobster tail with matchstick parmesan and truffle fries which he shared with Frank. Doug chose the fourteen ounce dry-aged ribeye done medium with sour cream mashed potatoes. Lee chose the jumbo lump crab cakes with mashed potatoes. Jack got the sixteen ounce New York strip medium-well with the fries which he shared with Elizabeth. Elizabeth chose the Caesar salad and lobster Mac and cheese, which Jack would have a couple bites of as well. Finally Peter and Andrew had each chosen the sixteen ounce cajun ribeye done medium. They also split a plate of the parmesan and truffle fries between them. John didn't care what people ordered as he wanted them all to enjoy their evening.
Overall, they all had a wonderful meal and John and James each had two Manhattans. And since neither were driving it was fine. The group sat and talked. They had toasted Nathan's win over the oysters. It was fun watching everyone eat the oysters. The girls didn't particularly like them, but each tried one with lemon and one with hot sauce. They agreed the hot sauce was better, but probably wouldn't choose them again. Which was fine by Nathan, Doug, Frank and Father Mark who thoroughly enjoyed the oysters. Elizabeth tried them and agreed with the girls that it was okay, but maybe not something she would choose on her own. However, the oysters were finished among the rest of them.
Everyone enjoyed their main dishes and it was agreed that the lobster macaroni and cheese needed to be shared, so a second order was added. Everyone loved it. Gran and Trish offered to look up how to make it and see what they could do. They took their time with the meal and enjoyed being out. They finished their meal by splitting several pieces of New York cheesecake.
Before he left, John insisted on covering the tab and left a very generous tip. Then he left with Peter and Andrew, promising to be back by Friday lunch at the latest. The rest of the group headed out shortly after John had left. They weren't surprised when there were several members of the media on the sidewalk. They had not been allowed on Morton property. It was agreed that Chris and Katie would follow the three trucks back to the ranch before heading back to town.
Once they were back on the property, Jack and Doug headed to check the horses for the night. The girls got ready for bed, since it was already pushing past eight o'clock. James, Gran and Trish settled upstairs while the rest headed downstairs. Elizabeth went to write in her journal while the guys decided to check out sportscenter and relax for a bit. Father Mark and Nathan each had gone to get their prayer books.
No one stayed up late because they all knew that it was going to be a long week, but it was nice to be able to relax just a bit after a busy weekend. It hadn't been an overly stressful day, but it had been busier than most Sundays. Elizabeth hadn't written in her journal the night before so she had plenty to write about. She wrote about the show, Jack losing, the video, staying home for Mass and then going out to eat that night. She realized that she had experienced more in the short time that she had been with Jack's family then she had in years with her family. She wrote about how she wanted to experience more with Jack and his family. She wrote about her hopes and dreams for them as a couple and a family. She still wasn't looking forward to being pregnant while going to school, but there was also a part of her that couldn't wait to be a mother and see Jack as a father. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but they were willing to do it so they could be together. She also was realizing that Jack wasn't going to go back on his word and make her stay home, especially when he had sent her a few links to different nanny services that they could start to look into thinking that they would need it within the next year.
As Elizabeth thought about having a baby with Jack, a smile came to her face and she had to stop and let her mind wander just a bit. But then she had to stop herself, because she started thinking about making the babies and her mind was straying into dangerous territory. So she jumped when there was a knock on her door. She took a deep breath and tried to compose herself.
"Yes." Elizabeth said.
Jack opened the door and stood in the doorway. She looked over at him and he was smiling at her sitting there at Laura's desk writing.
"I just wanted to say goodnight." Jack said.
Elizabeth looked at her phone and realized they had been home over an hour already. She got up and walked to the door to stand with Jack. She knew that he wouldn't come into her room, it was just too much of a temptation. Jack had watched her walk to him with a smile on his face. He saw that she was a little flushed and he wondered if it was because of him. There was something that told him it was definitely because of him.
"I didn't realize it was already so late." Elizabeth said.
"It is okay." Jack said. "Did you have a nice time tonight?"
"I did." Elizabeth said. "I was writing in my journal and I realized I have experienced more with you and your family in this short amount of time than I had in years with my family. I can tell you that my father would never have taken us girls to a place like that. I am sure he would have gone with clients, but he would have said the good food was wasted on children."
"I was taught if you don't expose children to those things." Jack said. "Then they won't know how to deal with it as adults. You saw Trish had no problem with the girls and they figured out how to share a meal, even though they didn't have to, at least cost wise. They realized that it was bigger portions and sharing was easier."
"I guess you are right." Elizabeth said. "I never thought about it that way."
"I was going to ask you to make sure you help Gran this week." Jack said. "I know that you have been, but with the show it is going to be extra busy. When Doug and I came in from the horses, her and Trish were pulling canning jars so I have a feeling that they are going to be making jam this week. So there will be extra stuff to do."
"I will help where I can." Elizabeth said. "I have never canned or anything like that before."
"Ask Trish and Gran." Jack said. "They will show you, just like before, if you don't know, ask questions. No one will be upset. I also have a feeling that Abigail will be here at least part of the week if they are canning. Which could mean Cody will be here."
"What are your plans for the week?" Elizabeth asked.
"Riding, counselor appointment and getting ready for the show." Jack said. "There is a lot that needs to be done this week. We have to pull all the poles out, check them and make sure they are clean. Same thing with the standards that hold them. We also need to make sure all the stalls are clean and our horses are moved out of the arena. With the arrival of thoroughbreds this week for the races next weekend, we are going to have to figure something else out for five jumpers in the arena stable. They are coming ten days early, so it is also going to be busy over there and I might need to spend some time there."
"Will there be more people coming over?" Elizabeth asked.
"There will probably be a number of jockeys hanging around the track." Jack said. "They will arrive and figure out their accommodations for where they are staying for the season and then most will come hang out with Manny and them. He will have them help breeze the horses and maybe with all of them they will be able to figure out things with Irish Charm and also get Midnight's Run race ready.
Manny loves to spend time with the jockeys and it is easy for them to hang out over there because they don't have to deal with the people in town or press and they can let loose and not worry about things. The press have never been allowed over at the track and the jockeys all know they can come hang out with Manny, no matter who they ride for. He knows most all of the regulars. There are even retired jockeys who come back for the racing season at Saratoga. This is one of the oldest tracks in America so it draws quiet the crowd over the racing season. Manny has even invited some of the harness jockeys over because he thought it might be something we could get more into. We could, just have never really done it."
"Then it is a good thing they will be there." Elizabeth said. "I know that it will be a busy week, but I hope that we can spend some time together in the evenings."
"I do as well." Jack said. "Let's see how tomorrow goes, but we can plan to try and do a lesson or two a few nights this week. We only have six or seven more. So it will be okay. Also, I got an email from Peter that was forward from Grandpa John. I sent it to you, please look it over and let me know what you think or you can reply to Peter yourself."
"What is it?" Elizabeth asked.
"Grandpa John has come up with a way for us to have a larger party for the reception." Jack said. "We can still have the small ceremony like we want, but the reception would be different, we can invite my extended family and not worry about word getting out. We talked a little about it, but this more detail."
"I will have a look." Elizabeth said. "Do you like the idea?"
"I do." Jack said. "But I told Peter it was your call, I am okay either way."
"Then I will look at it and let you know and also send an email to Peter." Elizabeth said.
"Thank you." Jack said. "Anything else you can think of right now?"
"I realized tonight that I don't have a watch to wear." Elizabeth said.
"Then look online and pick out an everyday one and dressier one." Jack said. "I will order you a special fancy one for special occasions, I already have one in mind."
"Okay." Elizabeth said. "Peter told me how to order online or if there was something I wanted, how to contact Conner and let him know so he can order it and have it sent."
"Good." Jack said.
Jack then took Elizabeth's hand and pulled her closer to him.
"Forty more days." Jack whispered before capturing Elizabeth's lips with his own.
"Forty." Elizabeth whispered when she had pulled back. "I can't wait."
Jack smiled and stood there for a moment holding Elizabeth. She then pushed him back a little.
"Go to bed." Elizabeth said. "I still need to change and finish writing."
"Yes, ma'am." Jack said, giving her a dimpled grin.
Elizabeth watched Jack walk to his room and then she let out a sigh before closing the door. She then closed her door and went back to the desk to finish writing. She took a moment and closed her eyes. She could still feel Jack's lips on hers.
"Forty more days." Elizabeth whispered to herself.
She needed to take a moment and compose herself because she was letting her mind wander into dangerous territory. She couldn't believe what Jack did to her. No other man had ever affected her like Jack did. She loved and hated it at the same time. She loved to explore the new things she was feeling, but was left frustrated because there was a limit as to what she could do about those feelings. She knew it wouldn't be long and she wouldn't have to hold back and neither would Jack. She was looking forward to being wrapped in his arms as they laid together. She knew it was going to be a long month and a lot was going on, but Elizabeth was getting excited about the wedding and everything that would follow.
… … … …