Chapter 325 – Night Before the Wedding

Thursday turned into a busy day as Gran and Trish went over the last minute details for the wedding. They made sure that all the clothes were ready for the wedding, including calling Abigail to make sure that she had everything that she needed, since all the girls' dresses were over there since she had to fix a couple of them.

Jack and the group started the morning working with the horses. Before they were even done working in the sand ring, the tent crew had arrived to put up the tents. There were a total of five tents. Two large connected ones for the guests and the other three for the catering crew. Gas stoves and portable sinks arrived along with warming units and crates of dishes. Tables, chairs and crates of linens also arrived. Elizabeth stayed up at the house, because the press was out in force at the gate. Everyone else ignored the press and went about their work. James B was down at the sand ring watching his girls on their horses. He was happy with how far they had come over the summer with their riding. He was looking forward to a few more shows that fall as the girls would participate in a few shows closer to the city, while they got back into the routine of 'regular' school again.

Jack knew that they could jump in those as well and thought about it, but hadn't talked to Doug and Nathan about it. He was also thinking about the fall finale. He was going to just have to see how his school schedule went because the fall finale was the weekend before Thanksgiving and if he came up for that, he wasn't sure he would want to go back to the city for a few days, so he would have to see if his professors would allow him to miss and if Elizabeth could miss as well. However, Jack had time to figure that out, he was trying not to get far ahead, but at the same time, he knew that there were a lot of things that needed attention and he was going to have to look ahead sooner than he wanted. At the moment, Jack was trying to stay in the moment and enjoy what was right in front of him. He wanted to enjoy the day with his best friends and then looked forward to marrying the love of his life in less than twenty-four hours.

After Jack and them finished with the horses, Jack made sure all of his stuff was ready for the show on Saturday and left his tack case ready in the tack room. He then went up to the house to join everyone else in a quick workout. Jack also knew that he still had packing that he needed to take care of. He had most of what he was taking to Minnesota ready, it was just sorting out what else he was taking back to the city. He needed all that packed and ready for Doug and Lee to take back. It looked like there were going to be two small duffle bags and the garment bags going back to the city for Jack and Elizabeth. Nathan had also packed his stuff and was sending a small duffle bag back to the city of things he was not taking to Minnesota. He was also sending his suit bag with the stuff that John had gotten him. That wasn't packed because he needed his shirt and vest for the wedding. He would change after the wedding and his clothes would be washed and sent back with Doug and Lee.

The group had a nice relaxing lunch despite all the craziness that was going on around the farm. John and James S had gone to the race track and wouldn't be home until closer to supper time. After they had lunch, the guys finished packing up other than what was going to be needed for the weekend. All the packed bags were marked and stacked in the garage so they could be taken to the right places. The only things that were not packed were the guitars and music. Jack was hoping to play a bit that afternoon, he also wasn't sure what music he wanted to take back as he could find most of what he needed for the guitar online. Jack also knew that while Father Mark was going to be gone for most of the fall, he would probably be back before Jack was able to get back so he didn't want to take music that he would want.

Thursday afternoon was spent making sure everything was ready for the next day. Jack and Elizabeth also spent some time together, knowing that when Jack left after supper, they wouldn't see each other until the wedding. It would have been the longest they had been apart since Jack had taken her to the apartment the evening they first met. While Elizabeth was looking forward to a relaxing evening with Abigail, Caitlin, Trish, Katie and Gran, she was also a bit worried about Jack, Doug and Lee being at the hotel. When Jack reassured her that there was security there and no one knew they were going to be there, she felt a little better. John had been glad to hear that Jack, Doug and Lee were going to stay at the casino hotel on Thursday night. He knew that they needed a night. He also understood why Doug just wanted the three of them and after John spoke to Frank and Nathan, there were no hard feelings as they both also understood that the three young men needed the night alone.

Supper was once again pizzas since it was easy and everyone loved them. The group sat, talked, laughed and had a good time sharing stories. There were several stories about Jack growing up. Elizabeth also shared a few stories about her growing up. It was a nice time before the craziness of the wedding.

Finally about seven pm, Nathan gathered Doug and Lee. They got the overnight bag that had been packed. Jack went to Elizabeth.

"I love you." Jack said.

"I love you." Elizabeth said.

"I will see you tomorrow." Jack said. "I will be the nervous one up front."

"I will be the one in the pretty white dress." Elizabeth teased.

"You sure you are okay with this?" Jack asked.

"Yes." Elizabeth said. "You need a night with your friends and I am perfectly safe here with your grandparents."

"Okay." Jack said.

Then Jack closed the distance and kissed Elizabeth. Everyone let them have a moment before several of the adults cleared their throats.

"Tomorrow." Jack whispered, pulling back.

"Tomorrow." Elizabeth whispered.

One more quick kiss and Jack left with his friends. Elizabeth watched him go before taking a seat at the table again. It was only about ten minutes after Jack left that Katie, Abigail and Caitlin arrived. The rest of the guys headed downstairs or to the office to let the ladies have the kitchen/dining room/front room.

… … … …

Jack and the guys were met at the casino hotel by Devin. Nathan nodded to Devin and left Jack, Doug and Lee with him. As much as Nathan wanted to be there, he understood why the three younger guys wanted a night just three of them. Nathan felt better that Devin was going to be nearby.

For his part, Devin looked at the three guys standing before him.

"Let's get out of the lobby first." Devin said.

"Sounds good." Jack said.

Devin took them up to the suite.

"So." Devin said. "There is a bottle of champagne. It is from John. The deal is that it stays in this room since you are underage, but he knows that you can handle it and that you deserve it to celebrate this milestone in your lives."

"Thank you." Jack said.

"Now." Devin said. "You are to stay on property. You are responsible for each other if you go down to the casino. I will be in the hotel, but I will leave you guys alone, unless you have a problem. Just give me a call."

"Thank you." Doug said.

"Also thank you for doing this." Lee said.

"You are welcome." Devin said. "Both John and James understood the need for this. Nathan, Frank and Father Mark will be here tomorrow morning after breakfast sometime, you are on your own until then. Just so you know, I am not the only security around. Also so far, the press doesn't know you are here. So take it easy and have fun."

"Thank you." Jack said.

Devin shook each of the three young men's hands before leaving to head to his own room.

… … … …

Back at the ranch, Gran and Trish set out the tray with meat, cheese, fruit, veggies, chips and salsa. It was a nice selection of things for everyone to have a snack with the wine. Trish picked a nice cranberry blanc from Ledge Rock Hills Winery in Lake George. She knew it would pair well with the board that they had made and it was just sweet enough that Elizabeth would be able to enjoy it if she wanted. Trish had noticed that Elizabeth was weary of trying the wines with meals, even with permission. Trish understood that Elizabeth was underage, but she also knew that it was safer for them to have a small amount in a controlled setting with adults around then to turn twenty-one and suddenly be able to drink with no idea of what it is like. It is part of the reason that she and Gran had started introducing the boys to wine and spirits after their sixteenth birthdays. At first it was just a sip to get the taste and now that they were eighteen or more, they were allowed to have a glass with a meal. Trish and Gran both understand that Elizabeth didn't have that, but they also want to introduce her to their way, so she is more prepared when she is twenty-one and they go out.

The ladies gathered around the counter in the kitchen, since they were a smaller group and the table was so large. They pulled up the stools around the counter. It was Gran, Trish, Abigail, Caitlin, Katie and Elizabeth.

"How are you feeling, Elizabeth?" Abigail asked.

"A little nervous." Elizabeth said. "I want to marry Jack, but I am worried about everything working out."

"Normal." Trish said. "I was about your age when I married James. I was so nervous, but I also loved him so much."

"I do love Jack." Elizabeth said.

"Then you will be fine." Trish said.

"Are you okay with Jack being gone tonight?" Gran asked.

"Yes." Elizabeth said. "I completely understand why Doug and Lee wanted the night with Jack. Their lives are changing as well. It isn't only Jack and I that have had major changes this summer. I am realizing that. Everyone is connected, especially with how close those guys are."

"You are right." Katie said.

"I know that Frank had talked to the guys about things." Trish said. "I am glad that they are getting a night just the three of them. They will need that from time to time."

"I am all for that." Elizabeth said. "It was one of the things I was worried about. I didn't want Doug and Lee to resent me."

"They don't resent you." Abigail said.

"She is right." Katie said. "But you are right that you and Jack getting married also affects them. Their plans have changed. Maybe just not as much, but the plans they had made with Jack now don't look the same. It is an adjustment for everyone."

"At least you see it." Gran said. "Sometimes that is the biggest thing. Seeing that you are not the only person that is being affected by something. I know that I wasn't that insightful as a newlywed."

"You and I both." Abigail said. "I loved Noah so much, but we were also so young and then Peter came so soon after we were married."

"How long were you married when Peter was born?" Elizabeth asked.

"Ten and half months." Abigail said.

"I get that." Trish said. "James and I were only married seven and half months when David was born early. Then to have Danielle less than a year later. It was a lot to deal with."

"I can't imagine." Elizabeth said. "As much as I want to have children with Jack, I don't know how I am going to be able to do it and go to school at the same time."

"It won't be easy." Trish said. "But there will be people there to help you. You just need to remember to ask for help when you need it and not let Jack just slack off."

"I don't intend to." Elizabeth said.

"Good." Gran said. "As much as I want more great-grandchildren, I am worried about you."

"I will be fine." Elizabeth said. "I know there are things that I need to deal with, but at the same time, I am excited about this next stage."

"That is good." Caitlin said. "I am glad for you."

The ladies continued to sip, snack and talk as they shared their advice for Elizabeth.

… … … …

After Devin left, Jack looked at his two best friends.

"So what do you want to do?" Jack asked.

"Let's watch the baseball game like we used to." Doug said. "We can order some snacks and have a glass of champagne with that."

"That sounds great." Lee said.

"Okay." Jack said. "I am just glad to spend the time with you guys."

"Maybe after the game." Doug said. "We can go down to the casino. I just want to wait until later."

"We can't." Jack said. "We aren't twenty-one. Remember, we were on an offshore cruise when we gambled last time."

"Oh right." Doug said. "I have cards. We can play poker ourselves or just enjoy the game and a movie. It is more about spending time together."

"That is fine." Jack said.

The guys ordered some room service and found a game to watch. They settled on the couch and it was like it had been the previous summer at the ranch. They teased and bantered back and forth during the game.

… … … …

The ladies broke up their gathering about eight thirty as Elizabeth wanted to go take a nice relaxing bath before bed. Abigail needed to get home and make sure the kids were in bed. Caitlin promised to be back right after breakfast to help Elizabeth with whatever she needed. Elizabeth said good night to Abigail and Caitlin as they left. She then looked at Gran and Trish and hugged them.

"Thank you for everything." Elizabeth said. "I don't know what would have happened to me if your families hadn't been there for me this summer."

"You are more than welcome." Gran said. "I am glad that JP and Doug were there for you and we could be as well."

"Yes, you are welcome." Trish said. "I am glad that you were able to get into a better situation. I can see how much you and Jack were made for each other. I am glad you found each other, no matter how that happened."

Elizabeth did get the relaxing bath that she wanted and afterwards, she wrote in her journal. She wrote about how nervous she was yet excited to be with Jack. She wrote about how excited she was to go to Minnesota, but nervous because they would essentially be alone. She also wrote about how she was excited to start school and make new friends. She wrote about how much she missed Rosemary, but at the same time she really didn't miss her. What she missed was someone her age that she had known for a while. She liked Caitlin and planned to stay in touch, but Elizabeth was still missing a friendship that she had a history with. She knew that even with the new friends that she made at school, it would take time to build a history, but at least they would be at similar stages in life. She was not deluded enough to think she was going to find another eighteen year old that was married, but at least they would all be eighteen and in school for the first time. She knew that she was always going to be at a different stage in life then those around her for a bit.

Elizabeth also wrote about her dreams that she wanted to accomplish and how she hoped that Jack really was a man of his word that he wouldn't ask her to drop out of school. She had a strong feeling that he wanted her to be successful as well, but at the same time, the old voices in her head were hard to silence at times. Elizabeth had spent over an hour soaking in the tub and then at least another hour writing. When she crawled in bed and snuggled under the covers, she was happy, nervous and excited for what was to come.

… … … …

Jack, Doug and Lee ended up staying up close to midnight watching tv and just talking. They didn't talk about much of anything deep, but just talked like they used to. It was a nice night as they all knew that they wouldn't get many of those in the coming months. Not only would they be busy with school, but Jack had to take Elizabeth into consideration. Jack hoped and prayed that Doug and Lee each found their soulmates in college and they would all be married and raise families together. Jack admitted to Doug and Lee that he was nervous to be alone with Elizabeth because he didn't want to hurt or disappoint her. Doug and Lee tried to reassure him, but they didn't have the experience either.

The guys ended up all sleeping in the large king size bed together like they did when they were a bit younger and went to shows overnight. While they didn't really do anything special, it was a great night that the three of them needed.