Author's note: There is a steam alert for this chapter. The section is marked
Chapter 393 – The End of a Long Saturday in Saratoga
A few hours after supper, Frank, Father Mark, Jack and Elizabeth were sitting downstairs. Gran and James had gone to bed.
"Are you ready to go back to the city tomorrow?" Frank asked.
"I think so." Jack said. "While there are concerns, I am hoping that things go smoothly. I am looking forward to starting school and getting into a routine."
"I am actually pretty nervous about going back to the city." Elizabeth said. "I am worried about running into people that I know and what they are going to say. I am not the same girl that left two and half months ago. I have had very little contact with anyone in the city since I left. While I have posted a bit on social media, it is not the same as being there and talking to people."
"I understand." Frank said. "But you know that there are people there to support you."
"I know." Elizabeth said. "Like I said, we have kind of been in a bubble here at the ranch this summer and now we are going back to reality. I am just afraid that what we have here is going to fall apart."
"It won't." Jack said. "While we might both have to be more intentional about spending time with those that are important to us, I know that our relationships are stronger.
"I hope so." Elizabeth said.
"I know so." Jack said, giving Elizabeth a quick kiss. "Like I said, we might just need to be more intentional about spending time with people."
"Jack is right." Father Mark said. "Doug, Lee and Nathan are just going to be down the hall. While you aren't all under the same roof so to speak, you all will be close to each other. I think if you guys make time to spend together, it will be fine. I also expect you all to make new friends, especially Elizabeth as she will be in a different program then the guys. It is just going to be a matter of finding a routine and doing what works for you."
"I understand." Elizabeth said. "I guess the biggest fear like I told Jack is wondering what Rosemary had spread around. She has a way of spinning things to never look bad, so God knows what she had said about me being gone all summer."
"Don't worry about it." Father Mark said. "People who want to know the truth will ask. If they are willing to believe rumors and words from someone who is not happy, then they are not worth your time. While I know it is easier said than done, I do speak from experience. While I knew the path I was supposed to be on when I went to college, that didn't mean that I didn't struggle with things. I was young and studying to be a priest. There was a lot that was said about me."
Elizabeth nodded. She wanted to change the subject, because she didn't want to get into more about her fears. So she looked at Frank.
"It is nice that you are staying in contact with Carson." Frank said.
"Thank you." Frank said. "I think he was really looking for friends outside of work and while we are close in age, we have very different experiences. I hope that we can do things together. He really sounds like he needs to find a balance."
"I agree." Jack said. "He seems really nice. While his wife seems a bit immature, I am hoping that she grows up. At least for Carson's sake."
"I hear you." Frank said. "I think that is why he is looking to hang out with someone that is a bit older and not in health care. I think he is looking for something to do outside of work, that can be his."
"Just be careful." Father Mark said. "He needs to make sure he is spending time and investing in his marriage as well as other friendships."
"I know." Frank said. "But I really think that he needs male friendship."
"That might very well be." Father Mark said. "We all need friendships, especially outside of work."
"Mind me asking what you were talking to Gran about earlier?" Jack asked.
"You can ask." Frank said. "But I am not ready to talk about things."
"Okay." Jack said.
"How about we pray?" Frank said.
"Sounds good." Jack said.
The group moved to face each other more. They bowed their heads.
"In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit." Frank prayed. "Heavenly Father, we come tonight and ask that You be with Jack and Elizabeth as they head back to the city in the morning. Be with them as they adjust to school. Guide them to the people that will help them on their path. Help to calm Elizabeth's nerves.
I also pray that you be with Father Mark as he travels to Rome on Monday. Be with him and renew him as he spends time with his brother priests. Give him people that he can talk to. Bring him back here renewed in mind, body and spirit. I also pray that you be with Nathan as he deals with what happened to his sister. We ask for healing for Colleen, if that is your will. If not, I ask that You be with all of us and help us to help Nathan and Allie through.
Be with Doug and Lee as they once again adjust to a change in plans. Help them to help Nathan and be there for him. Help the whole group to be able to spend time together and draw closer to You. Help them be an example to other students. Help them all to adjust to school and find a routine so they can adjust to all the changes that have happened."
It was quiet for a moment before Jack started.
"Heavenly Father." Jack prayed. "Help us all to be the people You meant for us to be. Please be with my grandparents as I head back to the city. Send the right people to my grandfather to hire so he can relieve some of his workload. Help those around him to know how to help him to take the burden off of him. Help him to be able to enjoy his semi-retirement. Help him to be able to relax a little and let others do the hard work. Be with my grandmother and help her to know how to also let go where she needs to. Help them to be able to enjoy each other as they have earned that. Let them know that it is okay to step away from things and take time to themselves.
Be with Frank and help him to put down roots here in Saratoga. Help him to find a group of people that he can hang out with and lead him to those who will help him on his journey. Help him to be what Carson needs. Bless and grow that friendship. Help Frank to also find his place in the community and lead people to him that will help him with the orchard. I know that he is going to have to hire people, so give him wisdom to know who the right people are. Also help him with whatever is going on with him personally. Give him the words to speak to whoever he needs to speak to and guide him through whatever he is struggling with. Let him know that there are people there to support him when he is ready to share.
Finally, be with Elizabeth and I as we travel back to the city and get ready to start school. Calm any worries and anxieties that arise. Help us to know how to deal with people who challenge our relationship. Put people around us that support us and will help us draw closer to You. Help me to be able to balance things and not lose friendships. Help me to make new friendships as needed. Help me to be accepting of new people in our circle of friends. It has been just Doug, Lee and I for so long, but our lives have changed and are continuing to change. Help me to be more accepting of these changes."
Again it was quiet after Jack finished praying. He just hung his head and let out a deep breath. After a few moments when Elizabeth didn't jump in, Father Mark finished their prayer time.
"Gracious God." Father Mark prayed. "Help all those that are starting school in the coming days, whether it is the first time or they are changing schools or whatever. Keep all the students safe as they travel to and from school. Give them understanding teachers and for those struggling, give them a friend to rely on. I also ask that You give the teachers wisdom and understanding in dealing with new students. Guide them in their words and let them know how to help their students to become better people.
I echo the prayers for Nathan and his sister. Help Nathan to adjust to an ever evolving situation. Help him to know to be there for his niece Allie. Give her comfort and understanding that she is loved and cared for no matter what happens. Help law enforcement to have wisdom and be able to find the person who did this. Bring him to justice, both in this world and the next. Help Nathan to be accepting of whatever happens. Help him as he tries to figure out the next steps on several fronts. Give him peace and understanding about what he is supposed to do.
Be with Frank as he will be here without everyone else. Help him to find the people that You want in his life. Help him to know how to help my grandparents as he moves over to the new property and works it. Help him to grow the friendships that will draw him closer to You. Give him wisdom and understanding as he sets about to make Jack's vision of the new property a reality. Be with all of us as we go our separate ways and bring us all back here safely later this fall. Our Father … Hail Mary … We ask all these things and those in the silence of our hearts. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen."
After they were done, they all sat back.
"Thank you." Jack said.
"You are welcome." Father Mark said.
"I think I am going to head to bed." Elizabeth said. "Thank you all for everything and I will see you in the morning."
"Good night." Frank said.
Elizabeth got up and went to her room. Jack watched her walk away and thought something was wrong. Part of him was unsure about going after her. Once the door had closed, Frank put his hand on Jack's back, breaking him of his thoughts. Jack looked at Frank.
"I don't know what is wrong." Frank said. "But go check on your wife."
"Wife." Jack said, softly. "That still feels weird."
"You better get used to it." Frank teased. "You chose it."
Jack made a face and shook his head. But he did get up and go after his wife. Once he was in the room, Frank then turned to Father Mark
"Sorry that Gran got after you earlier." Frank said. "I had gone to her to ask a very specific question about something."
"It is okay." Father Mark said. "Part of me was concerned and part of me was being nosy. If you don't want to talk about things, that is your call. I won't push."
"Thank you." Frank said. "I am just not ready to share with others. I asked Gran for advice and when I decided what I am going to do, I might be more willing to talk about things."
"Understandable." Father Mark said. "I will be around when you are ready to talk."
Frank nodded. The two sat there for a bit longer without talking.
"Where are you meeting Carson?" Father Mark finally asked.
"I am not sure yet." Frank said. "I said if he is up to it, he would want to go out for supper."
"If you want a tag along." Father Mark said. "We could meet him in Albany. Or we could go to Applebee's again. It wouldn't be that far for him."
"I will ask him." Frank said. "I think he is having trouble with his wife. She went to her mothers on Tuesday and is not back yet. From what he said, she is mad that he is working so much. He tried to explain that he doesn't have a choice and she knew what she was signing up for when she was the one that pushed to get married before he had finished school and his fellowship."
"Oh." Father Mark said. "That is unfortunate. But like it was pointed out, she seemed very immature and a bit of a spoiled child."
"I can't help but agree with you there." Frank said. "Personally, I think Carson deserves better. He has worked so hard to get where he is and he is very smart. He deserves a person that supports him and his dreams. He has dedicated his life to helping other people."
"I agree." Father Mark said. "I will keep him in my prayers. Keep me updated on what happens while I am going."
"It has been a long day." Frank said. "Let's head to bed. It might be one of my last nights here."
Father Mark nodded. They got up and headed to their room.
… … … …
Jack got to the room and looked around. He didn't see Elizabeth, but then heard the water running in the bathroom. He went and knocked on the door.
"Come in." Elizabeth said.
Jack opened the door.
"Are you okay?" Jack asked.
"Yes." Elizabeth said.
Jack walked over to Elizabeth and pulled her close. Jack leaned in to kiss her neck and Elizabeth pulled away.
"I can't." Elizabeth said.
Jack just looked at her confused.
"I got my period this afternoon." Elizabeth said, wiping away a tear.
"Oh." Jack said. "We can still be together if you want."
"Are you sure?" Elizabeth said. "You aren't grossed out?"
"No, it is a natural process." Jack said. "If you aren't comfortable, it is fine."
"Maybe not tonight." Elizabeth said. "I was going to take a hot shower and then put some muscle rub on my hips."
"Let's take a shower together." Jack said. "Then I will put the muscle rub on your hips. Then if you want, we can go to bed and I can hold you."
"That sounds great." Elizabeth said.
… … … … Steam Alert… … … …
They got ready and got into the shower together. Jack washed Elizabeth's back and took time to rub her hips as she leaned against the wall, letting the hot water wash over them. At one point, Elizabeth turned and started kissing Jack. She loved the feel of his hands on her body and it was turning her on, despite the situation. Jack let her take the lead, but kissed her back. Elizabeth let her hand wander down Jack's body and grip his manhood. Jack hissed as he felt himself get hard. Elizabeth stoked him a few times and then looked at him.
"Take me." Elizabeth demanded.
Jack nodded and pushed her against the tile wall. He slowly entered his wife as the hot water continued to wash over them. Elizabeth lifted one leg and wrapped it around Jack's hip. He thrust deep inside of her and it only took a few minutes and he felt her tighten around him and shudder. It was only another moment and Jack also came. He let her ride the wave of pleasure and then slowly disengaged himself from Elizabeth.
… … … …End of Steam… … … …
Jack kept an arm wrapped around Elizabeth as she turned and leaned her back against his chest. He grabbed the wash cloth that was hanging there and carefully washed both of them as Elizabeth continued to lean on him. Once they were clean, Jack helped her out of the shower and helped her to dry off. He put the muscle rub on hips and low back. Once Elizabeth had gotten dressed and went to lay down. Jack finished getting cleaned up and dressed. He cleaned up the bathroom and then went to crawl in bed.
Once he was in bed, Elizabeth again put her back against Jack's chest and snuggled down into his hold. Jack wrapped his arms around his wife and just held her.
"Are you okay?" Jack asked, softly.
"Just emotional." Elizabeth said. "I wasn't expecting my period."
"It is okay." Jack said. "I am not upset, it will happen when it is supposed to happen. We have barely been married a week. It is okay."
"Thank you." Elizabeth said.
They just laid there and slowly Elizabeth's breathing evened out. Once Jack felt her relax against him, he took a deep breath and let his breathing match hers. It wasn't long and he was also asleep.
… … … …
