Chapter 88 – Special Song
Gran waited until they were almost to the side by side before she stopped her husband.
"Do you think things will be okay?" Gran asked.
"Yes." James said. "People have been assigned to clean up. Kathy will be back in the morning to get her equipment. People will pick up the tables and chairs tomorrow. The benches will be moved back where they belong. Everything will be packed away as usual. I will stop down tomorrow to make sure that everything is cleaned up. But I trust the people that I have hired to do their job. They know that the fire needs to be out and the electricity off before they leave."
"Thank you." Gran said. "But that is not what I meant. I was talking about Charlotte and her children. I have never seen JP push back, like this. From what I have seen and heard, I don't see JP backing down. Char has pushed too far this time. I am also worried that they won't be able to get Tommy under control and we will lose him. What is happening with our family?"
James turned and pulled his wife into his arms. He kissed her temple. He slowly walked them to the side by side as he thought about what to say. He got them both seated before speaking.
"All we can do is pray and support them." James said. "Honestly, I am not surprised that JP pushed back. It was long overdue. Char has pushed him one too many times. I thought that she had learned her lesson after the whole jumping thing, but apparently not. Yes, I am worried about them also, but there isn't much we can do. We let them know how we feel, but they must work it out themselves. Just like we had a hard time as the children got older, Thomas and Charlotte are learning that you don't always have a say.
Don't get me wrong, I love Molly, but she is not who I would have chosen for Chris. Elizabeth is a lovely young woman, but I know that she is not who Char had in mind for JP. The problem is that she didn't think that JP would fall in love with someone and he did. I am glad that he is happy. When he was up there singing and looking at Elizabeth, I saw the love in his eyes. There is a spark that I haven't seen in years. Elizabeth has brought us some of the old JP back. He will never be like he was, life changes people, but she brought that spark back to his life and for that I am grateful. If Char can't see that, then it is her loss."
"I agree." Gran said. "Watching JP and Elizabeth together has been a joy. And you are right, she is a lovely young woman. I don't understand Char sometimes, just because Elizabeth doesn't come from a wealthy family doesn't mean that she isn't a good person. Where did we go wrong with her? I thought we taught her better than that? The kicker is that Elizabeth didn't even know about JP's money and he doesn't care about it."
"Honestly." James said. "I think she has spent too much time with those society friends of hers. When she is here, I see glimpses of the old Char when she is here working in the office or with the horses. Then she acts like she is better then others because of the money that they have been able to accumulate and the place that it has given them in the cities society circles. I am not saying that money is evil, but when you forget your roots, it is not good. There are times that I think the only reason that Char still has anything to do with this place is because it is a status symbol to those society snobs that she is always trying to impress.
I think that is why they are having so much trouble with Tommy. They didn't invest time in him like we did with our children. From what I could see Tommy was left to nannies and the staff most of the time. He learned that he could push people and get away with it. I feel bad that they are having trouble with him, but they created that problem themselves and they need to fix it themselves. I only hope and pray that they get through to him, because I don't know what will happen if they don't. Father Mark told me that it wasn't right for Thomas and Charlotte to put Nathan in the position that they have with Tommy. It is not his job to discipline Tommy. If he posed an actual threat to someone then that would be different. If Thomas and Charlotte can't get Tommy under control, you know we have one last thing we can try, but I hope that it doesn't come to that."
"You're right." Gran said. "It is not easy to watch the discord and feel the tension in the house, but you are right. All we can do is pray for them and offer our support. I just hope that we are able to continue to support them both. I don't want to choose, but you know what will happen if Char continues to force things. I agree about Nathan as well, it shouldn't have been his job. I don't know what happened with him, but whatever it was shook him to the core and that is why I encouraged the conversation with Father Mark."
"I know." James said. "I doubt that she realizes just how much she is risking. We have made a commitment to JP and the future of Coal Creek and we are going to honor that. Don't get me wrong, Char and Thomas will always be welcome here as long as we are alive. But there are going to be conditions to that. You were always so good about that, I am glad that Nathan spoke to Father Mark, because whatever they talked about made a difference."
"I agree." Gran said. "I don't know how much more tension that I can take. I love JP and his friends. I enjoy having them all here and am glad that they are staying longer than originally planned."
"Me too." James said. "With any luck, we might get to see JP's engagement."
"Don't push him." Gran said. "As much as Elizabeth loves him, she is struggling with something. I am not exactly sure what it is, but I have a feeling that it has to do with her family."
"I won't push." James said. "But I see the way that they look at each other, they will be engaged and married before we know it. Besides, I saw Bill talking to her. If there is something, Bill will get to the bottom of it and you know Bill. He will work it out."
"Don't say that to Char." Gran said. "Yes, I know Bill, but I don't know if she would open up to him."
"I won't." James said. "But you have to agree, they will be married sooner rather than later. I saw Bill and Elizabeth talking while JP was playing. He said something that got through to her, I know it."
"You're right." Gran said. "I just hope that they don't make the same mistake that Chris and Molly made. Elizabeth has dreams and I don't think being pregnant before she is twenty is one of those. I will trust you about Bill, I wasn't paying attention."
"Understood." James said. "Again all we can do is pray."
"Let's head home." Gran said. "Maybe you can have a conversation with your daughter and remind her how much she is risking by pushing things."
"I will try." James said.
James leaned over and kissed Margaret on the temple. He then turned the side by side over and headed back to the house through the woods and trails on the property.
… … … …
After leaving his grandparents, Jack walked Elizabeth to a group of hands to introduce her. Elizabeth's head was swimming with names. As they walked away from another group, Elizabeth leaned over to Jack.
"I am never going to remember everyone." Elizabeth said.
"No one is expecting that of you." Jack said. "It is more that they want to meet you. You are important to me and therefore, you are important to them. Many of our employees have been with us for years. We have little turnover in staff. Most stay until they retire. The exception to that is some of the trainers and those that we take on as interns. We also have many second generation employees. I am proud of the group of people that we have working for us."
"That alone." Elizabeth said. "Shows that you are a wonderful person. Most companies, even the best have a turnover rate in the double digits. The fact that you have people that don't want to leave and then also encourage their children to work here shows that you treat them as you want to be treated."
"I have never treated them like I was better than them." Jack said. "I know that some people treat employees and staff as less, but I have never done that. To me they are people and that is the important thing, it just happens that they work for us."
"Because you are a wonderful and thoughtful person." Elizabeth said.
Jack leaned over and kissed Elizabeth on the cheek. He led her to another group and introduced her to more people. Elizabeth was a bit nervous meeting so many people, but she did it for Jack. Jack trusted these people, so she would trust them. At one point, a couple of people asked for a picture with Jack and Elizabeth. Jack looked at Elizabeth and saw she wasn't happy.
"Not today." Jack said. "It is not that we don't trust you. It is just that Elizabeth is dealing with a few things back in the city and we need to try and keep a lower profile."
"Understandable." Miguel said. "I will spread the word that anyone who shares any photos will have to deal with me and Ed."
"Thank you." Jack said. "I promise you a picture before we leave this summer."
"Thank you." Miguel said. "I wanted to show my sister. The kids have been talking about you for days and she wasn't able to come tonight."
"Bring her to the farm some time." Jack said. "Don't forget that we have a show coming up in a couple of weeks."
"I will do that." Miguel said. "She would like the show, I will let her know."
"Have a good night." Jack said.
"Nice to meet you." Elizabeth said. "I look forward to meeting the rest of your family some time."
Miguel nodded. Jack and Elizabeth walked away. When they were out of earshot, Elizabeth leaned over.
"Thank you." Elizabeth said. "It was like you said, it isn't that we don't trust people."
"No problem." Jack said. "I never want you to be uncomfortable. You never have to consent to a posed picture if you don't want to."
"Thank you for understanding." Elizabeth said.
Jack leaned over and gave her a kiss on the temple. As Jack and Elizabeth were walking, Doug came up to them with a grin on his face. Jack looked at him with a questioning look.
"What?" Jack asked.
"Come with me." Doug said.
"What are you up to?" Jack asked.
"Just come with me." Doug said.
Jack looked at Elizabeth and she just shrugged.
"Fine." Jack said. "We were just talking to people. So what is going on?"
"Nothing is going on." Doug said. "I was asked to bring you to Bill."
Jack rolled his eyes and then squeezed Elizabeth's hand.
"Whatever happens." Jack said. "I didn't plan it."
"Why do you say that?" Elizabeth asked.
"Doug and Bill are up to something." Jack said.
"We are not." Doug said.
"Like I believe that." Jack said with a grin.
"It will be alright." Elizabeth said. "Whatever it is, we are together."
Jack smiled and followed Doug while holding Elizabeth close. When they got up near the stage, Jack saw Doug nod to Bill and then he knew that something was up. After a moment, Nathan rejoined the group on stage and Bill and Doug soon joined them. With Bill and Nathan seated near the front, Doug stood back some until they were ready.
"I want to thank everyone." Bill said. "We have had fun playing for you tonight. There are some that will continue to play, but before I go, I have one more special song that I want to do. As most of you know, Jack is my godson and I love him dearly. What most of you don't know, is that for the last several months it has been on my heart to pray for him. I have dedicated a part of each day to pray for Jack and whatever was going on in his life. I thought maybe it had something to do with him graduating high school and figuring out what he was going to do with his life, and that may be true. But after tonight, I am convinced that part of it was that he was open to an opportunity that came his way and from what I can see he has been.
Again as most of you know, Jack has found someone special and brought her here to spend time with him. What most of you don't know is that Jack has never brought someone here other than his best friends who are up here with me tonight for this special song. All four of us can see how special Jack and Elizabeth are. We wish them nothing but happiness as they make their way in life together. So if you will please indulge us, please clear the dance floor for Jack and Elizabeth."
As people cleared to the edges, Jack led Elizabeth to the middle. Both were red with embarrassment, but in the dim light, no one could see it and for that both were thankful. That was when Jack noticed that Lee had joined Doug on the stage. Jack knew that Lee hated performing in front of people even more than he did, so it was truly special that he was willing to do that for them. Jack held Elizabeth close as they waited for the music to start. Elizabeth whispered to Jack that she was nervous with everyone watching them. Jack just held her close, kissed her forehead and whispered to just focus on him.
"When Bill approached me about a song." Nathan said. "This is the one that immediately came to my mind. Some of you may know this, others may not. It is a lovely country song from the early nineteen nineties. It is called Keeper of the Stars and it was sung by Tracy Byrd. Please enjoy. Jack and Elizabeth, this is for you."
Bill and Nathan started to play. Doug in his rich baritone started singing. As Bill played the first notes, Jack held Elizabeth even closer and started moving to the music. He was quietly singing the words to Elizabeth, but she was the only one that could hear Jack singing and she was enjoying the private concert that he was giving her. She loved to listen to him sing and it was so special as he held her close.
It was no accident me finding you
Someone had a hand in it
Long before we ever knew
Now I just can't believe you're in my life
Heaven's smilin' down on me
As I look at you tonight
Lee and Nathan in their complimentary tenors joined for the chorus. The three voices blended so wonderfully that people that hadn't been up near the dance floor, stopped to listen to the song.
I tip my hat to the keeper of the stars
He sure knew what he was doin'
When he joined these two hearts
I hold everything
When I hold you in my arms
I've got all I'll ever need
Thanks to the keeper of the stars
Bill joined the group for the second verse and they would all sing the remainder of the song. Bill had a wonderful voice as well that was a deeper tenor, but not quite a baritone and it worked so well with the other voices. Everyone was amazed as the group sang and few people were actually watching Jack and Elizabeth as they swayed to the music in the middle of the dance floor.
Soft moonlight on your face oh how you shine
It takes my breath away
Just to look into your eyes
I know I don't deserve a treasure like you
There really are no words
To show my gratitude
I tip my hat to the keeper of the stars
He sure knew what he was doin'
When he joined these two hearts
I hold everything
When I hold you in my arms
I've got all I'll ever need
Thanks to the keeper of the stars
It was no accident me finding you
Someone had a hand in it
Long before we ever knew
When they played the last note, the gathered crowd erupted into applause for those playing and singing. It was the applause that brought Jack and Elizabeth back to the fact that they were in the center of the dance floor. Jack still held Elizabeth close as he led her to the stage.
"Thank you so much." Jack said.
"Yes." Elizabeth said. "Thank you so much. I love the song and I love that you sang it for us."
"You're welcome." Bill said.
Jack let go of Elizabeth and she moved to hug Bill. For a moment, Bill was taken aback, but quickly returned the hug.
"Welcome to the family." Bill whispered. "I expect to sing at your wedding."
Elizabeth backed up a bit and looked at Bill with a puzzled look on her face.
"I mean it." Bill said. "You two better not go elope or nothing. I want to see you get married and I suspect it will be sooner rather than later. Please don't let others tell you otherwise. You two need to do what is right for you. But please let me be there, even if it is just a small thing. I want to be able to have that memory. Even though I have Peter, Jack, here will always be my first son and I can't imagine not being at his wedding."
"Thank you." Jack said. "I promise, you will be there, even if we don't have anyone else."
Bill smiled and clapped Jack on the back as he pulled him into a hug.
"Have a good night." Jack said. "Be careful driving home."
"I will." Bill said. "See you Sunday. Good luck on Saturday. I don't think I am going to be able to get away to see you jump. But I want to hear all about it."
"I promise." Jack said.
"See you Sunday." Elizabeth said.
"Please let me know if you need anything." Bill said. "I am serious. I still have many friends on the force and I will do anything to protect you and Jack."
"Thank you for that." Nathan said coming over to them. "Major Thompson was here today and said the same thing."
"Is he still trying to recruit people?" Bill asked.
Nathan laughed and shook his head.
"I take it you are the current focus of his intentions." Bill said.
"I am." Nathan said. "But I made a promise to my mother. She knows that it is my dream, but she is too afraid of losing me. I tried to tell her that I am in just as much danger in private security, but for some reason, she doesn't see it that way."
"Well, then." Bill said. "I will pray for both of you then. See you Sunday. I need to get Peter home and I have to work tomorrow."
"Have a good night." Nathan said.
Bill walked away to find Peter and then headed home. Nathan put his arms around Jack and Elizabeth as they watched Bill walk away.