Chapter 105 – Jack Checks on Elizabeth

After Jack left, Gabe looked at Nathan.

"Should we be worried about him?" Gabe asked.

"Nope." Doug said. "Charlotte said some really awful things about Elizabeth and she was already struggling with how she was feeling because of everything with the Kensingtons and her own family."

"Okay." Gabe said. "I am still concerned about how all of this is affecting her, but I will leave it for now. She is young and a lot has happened. I also am concerned that they appear so dependent on each other. It is not good at their age or the situation they are in."

Doug and Lee exchanged a look and knew that they were going to have to be careful around Gabe until he proved that he could be trusted. He may be a friend of Nathan's, but at the moment, he was rubbing Doug and Lee the wrong way. Gran picked up on the looks between Doug and Lee.

"And she is stronger than you think." Gran said. "Don't ever underestimate a woman or the power of love. We have talked and she understands that it will take time for her to feel better, but she also knows that there is no way that she can go home as long as her father sides with the Kensingtons. She also knows that if she wouldn't have gotten away when she did, that her fate would have been much worse than a bruised wrist. They depend on each other because they are in love. It is not a bad thing with all that the two of them have been through in the last week. I expect that they would lean on each other. For me, it also shows that they will be there for each other no matter what happens in the future. I think that is a very good thing. It has been said before, but I will say it again for you – they are very good for each other."

Gabe looked at Gran.

"Don't look at me like that Gabriel." Gran said. "I know more than you think about being strong when you don't feel strong. I also know about surviving horrible things."

"Okay." Gabe said.

"I know that you don't know us." Gran said. "But I know my family. I don't approve of the way that Charlotte is behaving. I also know that I have never seen JP so happy and that happiness is in large part to Elizabeth. When his cousin Laura was injured three years ago, I thought we were also going to lose JP. He took it very hard that he couldn't save his cousin and training partner. Despite the fact that Laura was the older cousin. After a few months, JP started slowly coming back to us. The sparkle in his eye never returned and he was even more withdrawn and quiet then he had been before. Laura was the one that pushed him to be outgoing. She knew that he didn't like to be in the spotlight, but he competed because Laura convinced him that he was just as much a natural as she was. JP competed for Laura. When his mother and to a lesser degree his grandfather, my husband, pushed him to jump that following season, JP was miserable. He withdrew again like right after Laura. He was angry and would occasionally lash out, especially after a show because all some people could do was complain about the little things.

JP talked to his grandfather and James told him that he would never force him to jump, but asked him to finish the season. When the season was over JP yelled at both James and Charlotte. It was months before he even got back on a horse. When JP agreed to jump tomorrow and then was excited to do more shows, well we were all excited. The thing I will never understand was Charlotte's need to push JP. No matter how well he did or what he accomplished, it was never enough for her. I am not surprised that JP pushed back.

Now Gabriel, you were welcomed into this house at the request of Nathan who we have come to love and respect. I understand that as part of your job, you need to be suspicious of people, but please don't think that JP doesn't love Elizabeth or vice versa. They love and care about each other. They also want the best for each other. Elizabeth has been through a lot and JP just wants to make sure that she is okay. That is what we have been dealing with today and this week, Elizabeth and JP have been dealing with even more. Cut them slack and just get to know them without preconceived ideas. Am I clear?"

"I will try." Gabe said.

"Gabe." Doug said. "We have known Jack for years, Gran is right. This Jack …."

"What Doug is saying." Nathan said. "This is a different Jack, but we all agree a better Jack. We have been through a lot this afternoon about things that Charlotte and Thomas have done and said. We have also covered several business decisions that Jack made. Gabe, look at me."

Nathan waited until Gabe looked at him.

"I have never lied to you." Nathan said. "When I say that the only thing that we have to worry about when it comes to Jack and Elizabeth, other than keeping them safe, is making sure that they hold to the promises that they each made to themselves and each other.

As a young man, you and I both know what I am talking about. If Jack chooses to share other business things with you, then that is on him. I have promised Jack that things we talk about are between us. I am not going to betray his trust. He has not only given me a job, but he has opened his home to me. He has included me as a friend. I can't explain it very well, but Doug said it best earlier. I am an older brother to them and they are the younger brothers that I never had."

"You don't have to explain." Gabe said.

Doug came over and wrapped his arm around Gabe's shoulder.

"Look." Doug said. "Just because we come from money, doesn't mean that we don't have our problems. It doesn't mean that we don't have unrealistic parents. Jack just wants to be a normal guy. He doesn't treat people differently because of the size of his bank account or who you work for. We just want a chance to be people and do what we want to do, no different than any other person."

"Okay." Gabe said. "I am sorry. I have read a lot of reports and heard a lot of things, sometimes it is hard for me to not revert back to my training. I am here to keep Nathan safe, since the Kensingtons have made threats against him since it has been rumored that he was/is sleeping with Elizabeth by other security members. Those are accusations that have to be taken seriously since it could compromise his ability to keep everyone safe."

"Former security members." Nathan said, flatly. "Seriously Gabriel Matthew Kinslow. You know me better than that."

Gabe shrugged off Doug's arm and turned to square off with Nathan.

"What I know, Nathaniel Declan Grant …." Gabe said. "What I know is that accusations have been made and I have heard them from several sources. Part of me keeping you safe is also investigating those accusations. This whole situation smells of rotten fish to me. I don't care who you are friends with, any of you. Part of me being here will be getting to the bottom of the accusations and rumors that are floating out there from several sources."

… … … …

Jack stopped at Elizabeth's door and waited a moment while he caught his breath. Once he felt he had better control, he would knock on her door. Jack took one more deep breath before knocking on Elizabeth's door.

"Elizabeth." Jack said. "Are you alright?"

Elizabeth came to the door and when she opened it, Jack could tell that she had been crying. It tore at his heart. Jack reached for Elizabeth and pulled her to him.

"I am sorry that you are upset." Jack said. "I can't believe the way that my parents are behaving."

Elizabeth wrapped her arms around Jack and buried her face into his chest.

"It is not your fault." Elizabeth mumbled into Jack's chest.

"I still feel bad." Jack said as he stroked her hair.

Jack just held her for a few more moments. He wasn't sure that there was anything that he could do or say to make Elizabeth feel better at the moment. After a few more minutes, Jack moved them to the sitting area. Once they were sitting on the couch, Jack looked at Elizabeth. He then took her left hand, raised it to his lips and kissed the ring that he had placed.

"This." Jack said. "This ring is a promise that I will always be there for you. It hurts me to see you so upset. I am sorry that my mother is behaving like she is, but it doesn't change what I feel for you. I love you and want to spend my life with you. Nothing is going to change that."

"I am sorry that I am the reason that you are fighting with your family." Elizabeth said through the tears.

Jack lifted Elizabeth's chin so she was looking at him.

"They wouldn't have accepted my choices whether you were here or not." Jack said. "Like I said, this isn't because of you. This is because I have decided to stand up to them and not let them push me into things anymore. Several of these changes have been months in the works as you heard with the plan to take over Coal Creek. It just so happens that everything has come to a head when you were here, so therefore my mother thinks you are to blame.

I promise you, whether you would have been here or not, I would have still taken over Coal Creek. I would have still bought the Miller property. I would have still had a show and named it for Laura. The only difference is that I have you by my side. I don't have to worry about walking through all these changes alone. We will face things together, side by side. I know that I can face anything as long as I have you by my side."

Elizabeth looked at him for a moment. She closed her eyes and let out a deep breath to try and stop crying. When she opened her eyes again, she looked intently at Jack.

"You really mean that, don't you?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes." Jack said.

"Thank you." Elizabeth said. "It has just been so hard with all the tension in the house. Not to mention the yelling."

"Hopefully." Jack said. "Hopefully that will be better now. I know that Gran was getting sick of the tension and yelling as well. I think that is why she forced everyone to deal with things. I have no doubt that if Ma can't hold her tongue, that Gran will not allow her to be here."

"You really think so?" Elizabeth asked.

Jack nodded.

"Yes." Jack said. "I have seen Gran mad, but this … the way that she spoke to Ma, I have never seen that before. I heard a few stories from long term guys like Ed, but even this it seems is worse than the stories. One thing that I have learned, the hard way, is don't cross Gran, especially when she lays down the law."

"Okay." Elizabeth said. "So what did you do?"

Jack gave her a dimpled grin.

"Changing subjects." Jack said. "What color dress are you wearing tomorrow night?"

Elizabeth shook her head. She realized that she wasn't getting the story at the moment. She also knew that she was going to talk to him about it at a later time.

"Why?" Elizabeth asked.

"So I know which vest to have Gran steam." Jack said. "I have two different ones."

"Katie said that either of my dresses would go with your vest." Elizabeth said.

"True." Jack said. "But Grandpa John ordered each of us boys a vest in the color of our family tartan. The other boys have decided to wear theirs. It sounds like Gabe is going to wear a gray plaid one. I mean if you don't want to tell me, I can wear the silver one. I also can't pick cufflinks until I know which vest I am wearing."

"I wouldn't mind you wearing the silver one." Elizabeth said. "Unless you want to wear one similar to the others."

"I don't mind, either way." Jack said. "I doubt that Dad is going to wear a tartan plaid vest. I am sure that both Grandpa John and Grandpa James will."

"Okay." Elizabeth said. "I have three dresses in two styles. One is almost an emerald green. The other two are shades of sapphire."

"Either blue would be fine." Jack said. "I think that the green could be tricky since the green in my vest is kind of weird."

"Then I will wear one of the blue ones." Elizabeth said. "I won't tell you which style, since I am not sure. I was going to talk to Gran and Abigail when she gets here."

"Okay." Jack said. "I will let Gran know that she only has to steam one of my vests, as long as she thinks the tartan will match your dress."

"Thank you for checking on me." Elizabeth said. "I would however like to try and get a short nap in before Abigail comes over."

"I will let you go." Jack said. "I want to check on the horses and also show Gabe around. Us boys have boots that need to be polished as well."

"Have fun." Elizabeth said.

"Don't forget." Jack said. "Gabe needs to talk to Nathan, you and I."

"Can you talk to them?" Elizabeth said. "Then let me know what is going on. I just can't take anything else right now. I need a break and need to recharge. As much as I want to know what is going on, I just can't at the moment."

"I can do that." Jack said. "Just remember, I love you – no matter what."

"I love you too." Elizabeth said.

Jack stood and pulled Elizabeth up. He then wrapped her in his arms and kissed her. Before the kiss got too intense, Elizabeth pulled back.

"We need to be careful." Elizabeth said. "Now go. I need a nap."

"Yes, ma'am." Jack said, giving Elizabeth a dimpled grin and mock salute.

Jack watched as Elizabeth walked back to her room and closed the door. Jack stood there for a moment to calm his body and say a prayer for both of them.

… … … …

Gran stepped between the boys.

"Nathan." Gran said. "Go get Jack and wait for me in the library."

Nathan looked at Gran, but she gave him a nod and he headed downstairs. Gran then turned to Doug and Lee. She didn't have a pleasant look on her face, Doug and Lee knew that Gabe had crossed a line and he was about to get an ear full from Gran. Both Doug and Lee knew that Gran was already upset and having Gabe push her was not a good thing. Doug had seen Gran angry so he wasn't sure what was going to happen, but he knew that Gabe was going to be on the receiving end of a tongue lashing.

"You two." Gran said. "Please stay here as witnesses."

Both Doug and Lee nodded, not wanting to upset Gran any further. Doug also knew that he wanted to hear what Gran said, because even Doug wanted to lash out at Gabe. Doug didn't like the way that Gabe was speaking to them and he didn't want him to be there if he continued to speak the way he was. Doug also knew that he needed to talk to Jack about what Gabe was saying.

"Gabriel." Gran said. "I am only going to say this once, so you better listen good."

Gran stared at Gabe until she was sure he was paying close attention. Gabe didn't move, but he looked at Gran. Doug flinched when he saw the look on Gran's face. He had never seen that look and if he was honest, he never wanted to see it again. It reminded him of when his father was dealing with police officers whose ego had gotten too big.

"If you are being disrespectful." Gran said. "You will be asked to leave. I don't care who you are a friend of, you will not be allowed to be here. You asked to be here and if you can't be civil, you will not be here. This is still MY house and MY rules are the law here. Nathan told us that he has known you for years and he trusted you implicitly. You are not acting like you trust him. I heard Nathan's explanation of what happened and more than that, I believe him. I also believe my grandson when he said nothing happened. Even more, I believe Elizabeth when she said nothing happened.

As a woman, mother and grandmother, I have learned when people are lying. Elizabeth is not lying when she says nothing happened. She also knows my views on sex outside of marriage. She also knows the rules that I have laid down for young people in my house. My grandchildren and their friends also know the consequences of breaking my rules, especially IN … MY … HOUSE. I doubt that any of them would want to cross me, especially this week."

"Gran is right." Doug said. "Jack and Nathan never crossed the line with Elizabeth. I would have kicked their ass myself if they had. With the exception of sleeping at night, alone in her room, Elizabeth has always been with one of us. Jack wouldn't allow Nathan to be here, nor would he trust Nathan to ride his prized horse if he thought he had done something with Elizabeth."

"Thank you, Doug." Gran said. "Now what is it going to be, Gabriel? Are you going to be civil and believe your friend of years or are you going to believe someone with an ax to grind because he got passed up for a job and then fired?"

"Let me ask you something." Gabe said. "At any point, has Elizabeth been alone with Nathan?"

"Absolutely not." Gran said. "She has been alone with me and alone with Jack for very short periods of time. She was with me on a trip to town with Adam and another security when we ran some errands on Monday. She was alone with Adam for about ten minutes while at Walmart. It was the only time that she was alone with any security member. Elizabeth rode with me while Nathan and JP jumped. Other than that, they have always been in a group. JP, Elizabeth and Nathan have been around myself and my husband or our staff. The three of them have been alone in a vehicle, but always within view of other security. Even on the property, they have never really been alone. There has always been someone around, even if just in the background."

"Has Nathan been alone with anyone else other than Jack?" Gabe asked.

"We were alone for a bit while working out on Wednesday." Doug said. "The only other person Nathan was with alone was Father Mark for a time Wednesday afternoon. Lee and I arrived with Mr Thornton late Tuesday afternoon and we have pretty much all been together since then."

"What was that about?" Gabe asked. "And who is Father Mark?"

"Father Mark is my grandson and one of the local priests." Gran said. "Nathan was upset. He had a private conversation with Father Mark at my urging. Neither will tell what was said, Nathan said it was a private conversation and we all respect him and Father Mark enough to leave it at that. Don't even think about trying to ask either of them about it. I will not allow you to try and pry into what they talked about. When I say it was a private conversation, I mean it was private. If I even hear you ask Nathan what was spoken about, I will turn you over my knee myself. Don't try me. I have reached my limit of disrespect that I will allow. The next person to cross me will be sorry. Either way, Nathan didn't do anything to or with Elizabeth. I would know, trust when I say that I know what goes on in my house. As I have said, my … word … is … law around here. If you are really his friend, you will believe him and support him. So drop the attitude and start acting like a friend."

Gabe didn't say anything, but Gran could see that he was thinking. There was a part of Gran that wanted to smack Gabe. She had taken a liking to Nathan and she couldn't believe that this person who was supposed to be his friend was acting this way.

"Then why would your sec … former security members say that it happened?" Gabe asked.

"I can answer that." Jack said.