Chapter 323 – Post Supper Conversations
Supper at Barnsider took a couple of hours and everyone had plenty. Marcus and Kathy, having been out for the evening, joined the group when John saw Marcus. Since they had already eaten, John took care of their bill and insisted they join the group for dessert since there was plenty. Marcus and Kathy were introduced to those they didn't know and easily joined in the conversation. Cody and Tyson both fell asleep, but that was fine, the guys just laid the two of them on a couple of the couches that were along the far wall. People were able to sit and visit. Dessert and after dinner drinks were shared among friends. Once the group started to break up, Connie and David made sure to thank John, James and Margaret for everything. They also promised to stay in touch.
"Thank you for inviting me." Cora said.
"You are welcome." Jack said. "I hope you had fun."
"I had a blast." Cora said. "I don't have a lot of friends because most girls think it is weird that I like baseball and horses. The boys don't want to include me because I am a girl."
"Hang in there." Doug said. "We were lucky to find each other early when we did."
"Does your school have something like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes?" Lee asked.
"I don't know." Cora said.
"Check it out." Jack said. "There are usually good kids there. Also try Future Leaders of America. I think they had a name change, but I am not sure what it is. But I bet if you ask around, you will be able to find out. I am sure there is a place for you in both those groups if you want."
"Thank you for everything." Cora said. "And good luck to you at school. You too, Father Mark. I never met a priest before. You are a lot cooler than the stories I heard at school from my Catholic friends."
"Thank you." Father Mark said. "I wish you the best at school as well. And the guys are right, hang in there. You only have two more years to go. Most people don't find their group of people until college or beyond. Jack, Doug and Lee were lucky to find each other before that, but it is not typical."
"Thanks again." Cora said.
Cora got a couple of selfies with the guys and Elizabeth before leaving. She made sure to thank John, James and Margaret as well. Carson also thanked everyone and said his goodbyes as well. Jack told him to stay in touch. Carson said the same and to let him know when they come back. Carson promised to call Frank when he knew his schedule and had a day off. The Averys and Caitlin left right after Carson. John's four business associates also said their goodbyes and left, leaving just John and the group heading back to the ranch.
"I have meetings on Monday." John said. "But if it is okay, I might come up Tuesday and stay until after the wedding. As long as I can borrow the office again to keep working."
"You are more than welcome." James said. "You know that. James B is coming some time on Wednesday."
"I will call Monday evening when I know better." John said.
"Sounds like a plan." James said.
"Thank you again for today." Margaret said. "Also thank you for supper. It was wonderful."
"You are so welcome." John said. "I am glad that everyone had a good time and the boys did well today. I have enjoyed watching JP jump again this summer."
"We all have." James said.
"Don't forget that we are jumping in Schuylerville next weekend." Jack said.
"You are jumping the day after the wedding?" John asked, surprised.
"Yes." Jack said. "We decided last weekend. I thought I told you."
"You may have." John said. "I am just surprised. I knew you weren't leaving until Sunday, but I guess I didn't register that you were jumping as well on Saturday. I just thought you would be spending the day with Elizabeth around Saratoga."
Jack just looked at John.
"I said I was surprised." John said. "It is just not a typical honeymoon activity."
"Why are people surprised?" Jack asked. "I discussed it with Elizabeth and she is fine with it."
"Elizabeth." John called.
"Yes." Elizabeth said, coming over.
"Are you really okay with JP jumping the day after the wedding?" John asked.
"Yes." Elizabeth said. "I love watching Jack jump. If that is what he wants to do, I will support him in that. You and everyone else have been so welcoming and generous to me, the least I can do is support Jack in what he wants."
"As long as you know that you can say no if you don't agree with something JP wants." John said.
"I know." Elizabeth said.
"Good." John said. "I just wanted to make sure you were on board with things."
Elizabeth nodded.
"I just wanted to make sure you don't feel you have to agree with everything JP does." John said. "You can be your own person and have your own opinions about things."
"I know." Elizabeth said. "But like I said, I like watching Jack jump. Besides, we have already changed our honeymoon plans. I don't want to change them again."
"As long as we are clear." John said. "You can say no if you don't agree with something."
"I know." Elizabeth said. "I have said no this summer when I didn't agree."
"Okay." John said.
John was satisfied that Elizabeth understood. He had been worried about Elizabeth over the summer, especially with the blowups with her father and Rosemary. But it seems like Elizabeth had found her voice and knew how to use it and was willing to do so as well. After the conversation, John was less worried about Elizabeth then he previously had been.
"Thank you." John said. "I am glad you are happy and okay with things. I will see you later this week."
"Yes." Elizabeth said. "I look forward to it."
John nodded.
"I know it is surprising." Jack said. "But as you can see I didn't make a unilateral decision. We talked about it and Elizabeth is fine with it."
"Yes." Elizabeth said. "We talked about it and when Jack expressed his desire to jump, I wanted to support him. I am fine with the plan for the honeymoon and Jack knows that."
"Okay." John said. "You guys have a good night and I will see you later this week."
"You as well." Elizabeth said. "Thank you for everything."
"You are welcome." John said.
The group broke up. Frank rode with Nathan, Doug and Lee. Jack and Elizabeth rode back with Father Mark. James and Gran rode with Trish and the girls in Frank's SUV. Security followed them back to Saratoga.
… … … …
As they rode back, Jack turned to Elizabeth.
"I am sorry about Grandpa John." Jack said. "But I was going to check with you anyway because Doug had said something as well about me jumping on the honeymoon as well as taking Nathan and Frank."
"I really am fine with it." Elizabeth said. "I know that it is unusual, but not much about our relationship has been normal. At least we are getting to spend Friday and Saturday night at the hotel. We also have our cabin in Minnesota. While it may be a bit weird to have Nathan and Frank along, we will get alone time. I also understand the need for security and being careful. Katie and I were talking about that today. She told me that Devin hired a young gal who will be in class with me like Nathan is with you."
"Yes." Jack said. "I don't have the details on that, but I know that Grandpa John had talked to him about that. I am glad that you are okay with the plans. I was worried you would be upset that we had to change them."
Jack kissed the tip of Elizabeth's nose and leaned his forehead on her forehead.
"I love you." He whispered.
"I love you too." She whispered. "I am fine with any plans as long as we get time alone."
It was Elizabeth who closed the distance between their lips. Father Mark gave them a moment before he cleared his throat and they broke apart giggling.
"One more week." Jack said.
"One more week." Elizabeth echoed.
Jack and Elizabeth talked a little about the plan for the week, but mostly enjoyed holding each other while they listened to the Christian music that Father Mark had on the radio.
… … … …
The conversation in the guys truck was much different then the one in Father Mark's truck. Doug shared what he had spoken to Jack about that day while they were in the trailer. While Nathan understood where Doug was coming from, he also understood the security aspect of things a little more.
"Doug." Nathan said. "I understand where you are coming from. Jack, Devin and I have talked about the security aspect of things. While it may not be normal, Frank and I will give Jack and Elizabeth as much space and privacy as we can."
"They have their own cabin." Frank said. "And while our cabin is close by, it is not next door. It was Devin who suggested that I go along so it is not so weird for Nathan. At least we will have each other to talk to."
"Okay." Doug said. "That makes me feel better. There have just been so many changes this summer and I am just trying to look out for Jack like I always have tried to do."
"We understand that." Frank said. "Nathan and I will only be going with Jack and Elizabeth if they go off resort property or they invite us over to their cabin. Does that help?"
"Yes." Doug said. "The last I had heard, you were talking about a big cabin for all of you, that was part of why I was concerned."
"I understand that." Frank said.
"Doug." Nathan said. "Are you okay with me moving into the apartment with you and Lee?"
"I am okay." Lee said. "While it wasn't exactly what we had planned, I am good with things. Especially since Elizabeth is good for Jack. Their kind of love is rare and it has been fun to watch this summer."
"Doug?" Nathan said.
"I am okay." Doug said. "We each have our own room at the apartment, so that will help. I am not used to sharing my space so much. Like Lee said, it is not exactly what we planned, but I am good with the changes."
"Okay." Nathan said. "You can see why I asked."
"Yes." Doug said. "I understand. Yes, we have all had to make adjustments this summer. I am happy for Jack and Elizabeth. We knew our group would grow and change, but it just happened sooner than we expected. If I am being honest, I am actually a little jealous of how close you have become with Jack."
"I am sorry." Nathan said. "I didn't mean to intrude on your friendship."
"It is okay." Doug said. "I understand why you and Jack have gotten close. While Jack hasn't ignored us, your presence has changed our friendship with Jack and I guess I wasn't prepared for that when I came up here this summer.
I guess as the wedding gets closer and we are getting ready to head back to the city for school, I am realizing all the changes that have happened this summer. It has been different with us all in the same house, but when we go back to the city it is going to be different and I am just realizing how the plans have all changed. I have spent part of the last week reflecting on everything that has happened this summer and it has been more than I realized at first."
"And that is normal." Frank said. "You had made all these plans with your two best friends and now things look very different than just a couple months ago. It is completely normal to be upset or even a little jealous. While things may look different, it doesn't mean that you can't still do some of the things that you had planned."
"I know." Doug said. "I guess I am just realizing how much has changed, especially as we get ready to head back to the city. Like I said, it has been different with us all together at the ranch."
"And that is normal as well." Nathan said. "I am glad you are looking out for Jack and I hope you continue to do that. He has a great friend in you. I hope that you know how much I love the banter and joking that you have in your friendship. I have never had that with anyone other than my sister and even that is different."
"Thank you." Doug said.
"Yes, thank you." Lee said. "I have noticed that Jack will banter back and forth with you as well. He only does that with people he is comfortable with, so take it as a compliment that you have been accepted into the group. Yes, you have changed the dynamics of the group, but that is normal when a new person joins an established group. But I think it is a good thing. While Jack, Doug and I have been great friends, we can all use more friends. As much as Elizabeth is good for Jack, so are you and I am good with that. You push Jack in ways that Elizabeth doesn't. It is similar to the way that Laura used to push Jack. That has been missing the last few years and personally, I am glad to see some of the old Jack coming back."
"Thank you." Nathan said.
"Doug." Frank said. "Are you feeling better about things?"
"Yes." Doug said. "Thank you for letting me vent and for talking to me. Like I said, I guess things were just finally settling in my brain."
"Good." Frank said. "I hope you know that you can always talk to Nathan and I about any concerns."
"Yes." Doug said. "Like I have said, things just kind of hit me this last week."
"We understand that." Frank said. "And I am glad that you are feeling better about things."
The guys talked a little more about the plan for the next couple of weeks as they finished the drive home.
… … … …