Chapter 273 – Supper and a Plan

Father Mark and Emily had gone upstairs, Jack looked at Elizabeth.

"Are you really okay with this?" Jack asked.

"Sort of." Elizabeth said. "I am worried, because the first thing she wanted to do was text some friends, but Gran took her phone. It is just your grandparents have been so welcoming and I am trying to be welcoming to your family, but she comes across as spoiled to me and I don't want to deal with that."

"And you shouldn't have to." Jack said. "If things become a problem, then we deal with it. I have never known her to be spoiled, but it has been a few years since I spent any real time with her. The last time she was home was over two years ago, maybe closer to three. I know that she was home the Christmas after Laura got hurt. Gran demanded that all of her family be home for Christmas. I think she might have been here for a few days since then, but I am not positive. I am just going to hope for the best. I also think that Father Mark is going to get to the bottom of why she just showed up without a word. It isn't like her to do this and I could see the worry in his face."

"Then I will leave things to him and try to make everything else work." Elizabeth said.

"Just continue to be yourself." Jack said.

Jack leaned in and gave her a kiss. He pulled back before it got too intense and gave her a grin.

"I love you." Jack said. "I know that the next few days are going to be busy, but I will try to spend as much time with you as I can."

"You do what you need." Elizabeth said. "Especially if you don't want to lose to Nathan again."

She smiled at him and Jack shook his head and stole another kiss before leading her upstairs. Elizabeth knew that Jack was being a gentleman and didn't want to push things, even if she saw the fire in his eyes. She had wanted to sit down and talk to him, but wondered if that wasn't going to happen until after the show was done.

… … … …

Emily walked up to her grandmother, but she only had eyes for Nathan.

"So who are these two?" Emily asked, extra sweetly.

"They are JP's friends." Gran said. "This is Frank Hogan and he will be living and working on some new property that JP bought. Until that is ready, he is staying here."

"Nice to meet you." Frank said. "I look forward to getting to know you."

"Yeah, nice to meet you." Emily said, without taking her eyes off of Nathan.

"And this is Nathan Grant." Gran said. "He will be returning to the city with JP and Elizabeth when they leave in August."

"Hi." Nathan said, softly and barely above a whisper.

"Hi." Emily said, batting her eyes.

"Nathan." Gran said. "Can you please go downstairs and get me two red and two white wines, plus a few ciders. I think we will have those for supper. Pick what you want."

It took Nathan a moment to gather his thoughts and realize that Gran had asked him something.

"Yes, ma'am." Nathan said, shaking his head.

"I told you to call me Gran or Margaret." She said.

"Yes, Gran." Nathan said, giving her a kiss on the cheek before going downstairs.

Emily turned and watched him walk away. She sighed as he disappeared from sight. Father Mark had watched the whole exchange and knew he was going to have to have a conversation with Nathan, but at the moment he was more worried about having one with his sister.

"Break his heart and Jack will break you." Father Mark whispered in his sister's ear.

She turned and looked at him. Father Mark just raised an eyebrow at her.

"I saw the way that you looked at him." Father Mark said. "Keep it G-rated and we won't have a problem. He is not here to flirt. He is here to ride and help keep Jack and Elizabeth safe."

"So he works for JP." Emily said, disappointed.

"I told you before." Doug said. "We all end up working for Jack. And yes, Nathan is working, but he is truly a friend and we care about him, so don't break his heart."

Emily just stuck out her tongue at Doug. Doug just shook his head and laughed. He wasn't sure what was going to happen, but he also wasn't going to say anything else. He was, however, going to keep a closer eye on both Emily and Nathan. It wasn't Nathan so much he was worried about doing something, but more of him getting hurt. Doug knew that Emily had always flirted and never was that serious about things, including life.

Jack and Elizabeth had come upstairs just as Nathan headed down. Jack saw his face and wasn't sure what happened, but he knew he was going to ask about it later. When they got to the dining room/kitchen area, Jack saw Emily acting weird and realized what happened. He let out a deep sigh. Elizabeth looked at him questioningly and he just shook his head and mouthed 'later'. Elizabeth nodded her head and knew she needed to sit down with Jack and have a conversation later.

"So what still needs to be done?" Jack asked.

"Supper is almost ready." Gran said. "How about you do your time at the piano? We are at a point where Trish can step away."

"What are we having anyway?" Jack asked.

"I have pork chops in the slow cooker." Gran said.

Jack smiled and went to the piano. Trish washed her hands and went over as well. Abigail finished the tray she was filling and then said she was going to get Cody and head home. She promised to be back in the morning to help with some more baking, so if they needed anything to just text her. Gran promised to let her know.

As Abigail left with Cody, Gran got the others going on the other things that needed to be done. There were cookies to put away and dough to finish. As well as water and soda to put in the fridge and dishes to be done. Everyone was working when Nathan came up and he put the wine and cider away and jumped in to help. Before long, they had the table set and most people were sitting around listening to Jack play through the piece for the second time.

Supper was ready and all they needed to do was put the food on the table. They were waiting for James to come up and it didn't take long and he walked in the back door. As he washed up, Gran and the rest got the food on the table. Once everyone was seated, James led them in a prayer and they started eating. James had nodded to Emily, but not said anything other than hi when he had come in. She was keeping an eye on Nathan. Father Mark and Doug had worked it so they were on either side of Nathan and Emily was forced to sit further down the table on the other side. James noticed that Emily was watching Nathan and he shook his head. James looked at his wife and she slightly shook her head. The conversation over supper was about what needed to be done for the show. Father Mark and Frank volunteered to go into town and get the stuff that needed to be picked up. Frank said he wanted to go because he wanted to pick up some more drops.

"I might have a list of things for you to pick up." Gran said. "When we are done eating, I am going to see what is left to do. We are done with jam, at least for now. We will be making salsa and tomato sauce next week. I have over two hundred pounds of tomatoes coming over three days starting Monday. Trish agreed to do the pick up as needed."

"That is good." James said. "We ran out of salsa early this past year."

"I might get more, but right now." Gran said. "I am going to do half and half. I can get more to make more salsa, but I only ordered enough to make salsa with half. There will be a second crop of tomatoes later in summer."

"If you could, that would be great." James said.

Gran smiled at her husband. Her homemade salsa was the only salsa he would eat and she knew that he loved it because it was a bit sweeter.

"Then I will make some more calls." Gran said. "Don't forget I will be making peach salsa later this month when we get the shipment of peaches from John."

"I like the peach but not as well." James said.

"Fine." Gran said.

"What needs to be done tonight?" Jack asked.

"Why?" Gran asked.

"Because I know that it is going to be busy over the next few days." Jack said. "And there are some things I need to sit and talk to Elizabeth about. I was hoping that Father Mark could sit in on that conversation and we could use the library."

"You can do that." Gran said. "There are plenty of other people to help. I want to make some more cookies this evening. I also want to get a count on the water and sodas in the fridge and what we need to pick up. I also need all the coolers cleaned out and ice bagged and moved from the ice maker to the freezer. We are going to need as much as we can this weekend. There should be plenty of freezer room in the two extra uprights that were added in the garage.

I also will need some help putting together a shopping list. We might need to have someone run into the farmer's market on Friday morning. I know that we have stuff, but I don't think it will last through the weekend and into next week. I prefer getting as much as we can at the farmer's market then the grocery store. I also want to get some bread going, since we cut the last loaf for supper."

"We will help." Doug said.

"Yes." Nathan said.

"We should spend some time on homework." Maddie said.

"Then please do that." Gran said. "I don't want you to get in trouble, the older kids can help."

"Yes, Gran." Missy said.

They finished up eating and then Missy and Maddie went to get their homework. They came back up and settled at the table. Everyone else, except Gran, James and Trish started to help clear the table. Emily sat there until Gran gave her a sharp look and she picked up her dishes and took them to the sink.

As soon as the table was clear and the food was put away, Gran called everyone back to the table.

"I just want everyone to sit down for a moment." Gran said. "The next couple of days are going to be busy and I want everyone on the same page."

As people settled back at the table, Gran pulled out her list.

"Okay." Gran said. "First, just so everyone knows we will have at least two additional house guests who should both be arriving tomorrow. John should be here by suppertime, at least according to the last communication from him this morning."

"Who is John?" Emily asked.

"My other grandfather." Jack said. "He is coming to see me jump and also because he is the majority owner of Thornton Thoroughbreds and they are tied to Coal Creek. He will stay all weekend and then head back to Albany and then be back for the first weekend of races next weekend. If he goes back at all, he talked about bringing enough stuff to just stay as long as he could be out of the office."

"That is what he said." Gran said. "He asked if he was welcome to stay next weekend as well."

"And you told him he was welcome anytime, right?" James said.

"I did." Gran said. "He still had some concerns about the security, especially given the video from this past weekend. He wants everyone to be aware and keep their eyes open. He is sending additional security who will be helping during the actual show and they will head back to Albany each evening. This is an addition to the security that is already here and staying here."

"Thank you." Nathan said. "I have already spoken to Greg and they will do anything that they can to help, even if that means cleaning up after the horses. He said they all know how much work a show is and they are here to help, even the older of the kids will be available to help. I explained the security concerns and he promised that everyone would be safe as long as their group was around. There are many former military and a few active law enforcement in the group. I can't tell you if they will be armed, but I know most carry most of the time."

"Did you get a final head count?" James asked.

"There are fourteen families coming up." Nathan said. "So with children, they number closer to forty-five people. There are sixteen or seventeen children coming. The age range will be age two to fifteen. The youngest three will be at home with grandparents and the older ones will be staying home to work and take care of animals."

"Thank you." Gran said. "Please remember to thank them from all of us. So are we still planning on going over tomorrow and sharing supper and music with them?"

"Greg said that would be great." Nathan said. "He said we didn't have to bring anything, but I said that was unacceptable and you are insisting. He then suggested something easy for you with some fruit and veggie platters, or something like that."

"We can do that." Gran said. "Especially if Frank and Father Mark are willing to run into town in the morning. I will also have a couple platters of cookies and bars made up. We will also bring a cooler with water and soda. I was thinking of a crate of cider as well."

"Thank you." Nathan said. "Greg said they will be grilling burgers and homemade hotdogs and figured us into what they would need. I told him we could be up to twenty people and he was fine with that. He said we are all welcome to come be with them and he will make sure that we are kept safe."

"We will make sure we have plenty." Gran said. "I am not worried, as I know it will get eaten this week, especially with extra family in town and they might all be here for supper on Sunday night after the show."

Elizabeth's eyes got huge and Jack took her hand.

"It will be okay." Jack whispered. "If you get overwhelmed, you can always go to your room or up to the music room. It will be okay. I can even let you up into the small room above the music room."

Elizabeth nodded, but still swallowed hard. Jack continued to hold her hand. She was grateful that Jack was looking out for her, but for some reason, she was still worried about the large crowd of mostly his family.

"I will talk to Chris and Molly as well as Conrad and Heidi." Gran said. "I will get an idea of what the plans are, especially with them both having housefuls. I know that both Heidi and Molly thought it would be nice to have a large family meal at some point this weekend."

"Friday or Saturday might be easier." James said. "I have a feeling that everyone is going to be exhausted by Sunday night."

Gran nodded.

"One last thing." Gran said. "I want to remind everyone that I will be down at the show to see our jumpers – so Saturday when Maddie and Missy are jumping and then Sunday when the guys are jumping. Abigail and I were talking and thought we might otherwise stay up here. It will give the kids a chance to come up here and get away. It will also be a place if you, Elizabeth, if you need to get away from everyone as well. I called Katie and let her know so if Opal wanted to come up here that would be an option, especially since Katie has been busy, especially since she had been meeting with Manny to get up to speed on all the thoroughbreds. She also mentioned she signed up for a few shifts to help at the show, thinking that Opal would just want to be around everyone, especially if the twins and Becky were down there."

"Thank you for that." Nathan said. "I am sure that Opal will love to be around everyone, but it could also get overwhelming for her with so many people."

"She is a wonderful child and I have enjoyed having her up here." Gran said.

"Are Bill and Abigail going to be here all weekend?" James asked.

"From what Abigail said." Gran said. "They might not be here to see the jumping on Friday, but the plan is to be here early on Saturday and stay all day. Bill is working the booth part of the time. She was looking forward to seeing the twins jump. She also promised to help me make sure meals were ready."

"The kids coming?" Jack asked.

"At least Cody and Becky." Gran said. "Abigail was hoping that Peter would come for at least part of Saturday. He might come up here and work as she said he was working on something for his Eagle Scout badge."

"I am glad he decided to do something." Jack said.

"We will sit down Friday at breakfast and check in again." Gran said. "Now, who is helping me in the kitchen?"

"We will be in the library." Jack said.

"Fine." Gran said.

"Father Mark." Nathan said. "If it isn't too late, I would like to have a word with you later."

"We will make time before it gets too late." Father Mark said.

Nathan nodded.

"I will be around if anyone needs me." James said. "But I am going to try and catch up with the newspapers and other mail."

Gran nodded. Jack, Elizabeth, and Father Mark got up and headed to the library. Lee went and grabbed the laptops before they shut the door. He sat at the table and was making sure everything was in order for the weekend and that all shifts were covered. Trish, Gran, Doug, Frank and Nathan headed to the kitchen. Doug started on the dishes while Gran and Trish got the others working on other things. Emily had been sitting at the table trying to take everything in. Maddie and Missy went back to their homework. Emily looked at them and wondered what they were doing?

"You have school in the summer?" Emily asked.

"We are homeschooled year round." Missy said.

"That way we can take time for shows and recitals." Maddie said.

"Recitals?" Emily said.

"Piano recitals." Missy said. "We both play. We also both jump. Homeschooling allows us the freedom to work at our pace and take time when we are required to do other things. We have things that are due before Friday afternoon and then we won't get additional assignments until after the show is over. So Monday morning."

"So do you like being homeschooled?" Emily asked.

"It is great." Maddie said. "We can do things that interest us. We go on trips with other kids in our homeschool group. We have visited museums, Broadway shows, and many other special events. We spend at least one day a week doing something with our group during the normal school year. We also have riding practice year round and do a few shows a year, more this year being up here. We will be doing even more next year as we will be moving up a jumping level. We are hoping that we will get to spend most of the summer up here training and jumping next summer."

"We also have piano and art lessons." Missy said. "By September, we will be starting the equivalent of like, sixth or seventh grade. It is hard to explain where we are because we move at our pace and go all year."

"Though we are ahead of that in some areas." Maddie said. "Like we both read at a level that would be consistent with most high school juniors or seniors. I am doing seventh grade math and Missy is doing middle school history. If we keep it up, we should graduate roughly two and half years earlier than our peers who go to regular school. We will get to do some college locally and when we are eighteen, we will be able to go away to school if we want."

"Oh." Emily said.

"Girls." Trish said.

The girls looked at their mother and then went back to their studies.

"Emily." Trish said. "If you have questions, you are free to come over and ask me. Please let the girls get their work done so they can have free time and be able to do their chores. Those things need to be done for them to be able to jump."

Emily got up and left Maddie, Missy, James and Lee all working at the table. She settled at the counter in the kitchen.

… … … …