Project Pride & Prejudice ~ Section VII

    By Jan

    Beginning, Previous Section, Section VII, Next Section

    Chapter 22 The Heat of the Moment

    Posted on 2009-11-10

    Beth couldn't remember a time when she did not work at least part of the summer. She enjoyed every minute of the freedom of no set schedule. Callie blossomed under her momma's constant attention. The little garden they planted upon arriving in Bryan was growing nicely, and they tended to it and their flowers daily. Side by side, they laughed, teased and sometimes talked of Jeannie or Will or any other topics on Callie's mind. Fresh flowers graced the house and the smell was heavenly.

    Most afternoons were spent out at the farm either in the pool or in the stables. Callie was becoming quite a horsewoman under Richard and Will's tutelage. Richard's limp was almost non existent by then, although he claimed to be able to predict the weather. Seth and Justin resumed their work and even Georgiana and Rachel helped out as they were in need of money for their coming adventure to college.

    Juanita continued to watch over her little family, but she realized that Beth would soon be taking over that responsibility. Both women had a fondness for each other and Juanita was even giving Beth cooking lessons of the family's favorite Mexican dishes. After such a lesson in enchiladas, the two were preparing the rest of the meal when Juanita decided to test the waters.

    "Eliza" this was Juanita's pet name for Beth, "you like it here, yes?"

    Beth's smiling face was all the answer she needed but she answered anyway, "Oh, yes, Juanita. I love spending time out here. And I'm so grateful for your lessons."

    "De nada, it's nothing. I am happy my family here is so…so…peaceful, I think it is. Yes, you bring peace to El Toro and the rest." She chuckled at her nickname for Will.

    "He has brought so much to me, Juanita. Callie loves him, too. I'm so excited about Jeannie being home next week. I pray that all goes well then. She loves being outside and swimming so we should be all set in that area."

    "Si, no problemas. Eliza, you would marry him, yes? You would live here?" She looked at Beth expectantly.

    Beth blushed at the thought but answered honestly, "Yes, yes I would. I love them all, you know." She waited for Juanita's reaction.

    "Much sorrow filled this house for too long. Laughter is much better. He is happy with you and his world is better now. You will stay, bring him babies, yes?"

    Beth blushed even deeper, "I don't know Juanita. We've never talked about more children. I don't even know if I could have children. I turned 39 this year, so will he. Babies are for younger people I think."

    Juanita clucked. "No, no you should think about this and talk to him. You will stay home, yes. No more teaching?"

    "What?" Beth wasn't sure she heard correctly. "You mean quit teaching and stay home full time? Will would want me to do that?" she wasn't sure how she felt about that topic.

    "A farmer's wife should be home, yes? He's been alone for so long, Eliza. This you should think about, too." Juanita eyed her cautiously.

    "Yes, I suppose I should. And talk to Will."

    "Si." She said no more as they finished up and set the table. Juanita was not a meddler, but she wanted to hurry things along a bit for the two of them. The days that Beth wasn't with Will, Juanita saw a marked difference in everything about him and even Richard and the kids. They were becoming dependent on her to restore the once contented and joyful home. Juanita was not jealous of Beth, she was only waiting to be able to bow out slowly and allow Beth to be the true mistress of the great farm.

    Later that evening, Richard suggested an ice cream run so the two couples plus Callie crammed into the jeep and took off. Beth and Will were snuggled on the front porch watching the sun set and just enjoying being together. Will had noticed several times during dinner when he caught Beth looking at him, her face turned red and she'd look away. At first he thought she was nervous about the enchiladas, but since they were perfect and devoured in minutes, he knew that wasn't it. Finally, he decided to take the plunge.

    "You were staring at me a lot during supper." He stated matter- of -factly.

    "Oh, sorry. I wasn't aware of it…" she lied

    "Really, because it seemed to me that the second I would catch you, you blushed and looked away. Did I do something or say something to –"

    "No, no Will, nothing," Beth interrupted. "I was just, well I was just thinking…I mean I was wondering…" she stammered not really knowing how to broach the subject that Juanita began earlier.

    "You were thinking, you were wondering, what?' he teased into her ear while curling her hair around his finger. He loved sitting outside with her, feeling her snuggle against him.

    "Well, it's hard to say. That is we haven't discussed it or maybe you haven't thought about it much, but…" she hesitated again trying to find the right words.

    "Elizabeth, I don't think I've seen you at such a loss for words. What are you trying to say? What topic could be so hard for you to discuss with me…unless," Will was becoming suspicious suddenly. He thought Juanita gave him quite a self satisfied look before she left that afternoon when he walked in on them talking in the kitchen. What was she up to? "Did Juanita say something to you today?" He turned her around so that she was facing him.

    "Uh huh," Beth's faced blushed and she lowered her head.

    "You look like a school girl after her mother had…Oh, good Lord, Elizabeth, did Juanita talk to you about us? As in you and me, you know together?" Now Will was tongue tied.

    She looked up to him with an extreme blush but desire in her eyes as well, "Yes." She answered. "She told me I need to bring you babies."

    "Bring me babies? Oh, geeze, Elizabeth, I didn't ask her to…I've never even…well, that's not true, but…well, what did you say?" He was feeling quite like a schoolboy now.

    "I said we hadn't talked about that. I don't even know if I could, have babies I mean. I'm no young spring chicken, you know," she looked at Will cautiously. She was well aware of her age.

    These were dangerous waters for Will. He had very mixed emotions about children. He loved Callie and Jeannie dearly and more than accepted the idea of being a father to them. But, Callie was going to be nine and Jeannie twelve soon. Little ones running around, running around looking like Elizabeth, running around calling him "Daddy"; well, that did have a nice ring to it. Beth studied Will's face intently as his thoughts danced across bringing an eventual smile.

    "You want children, don't you?" she smiled up at him. "I can see it in your eyes."

    "I would enjoy making them," he growled in her ear. He laughed again as Beth's crimson face suddenly looked down at her lap. "Elizabeth," he brought her chin up to look him in the eye, "I so enjoy making you blush. But, honestly, I would be happy either way. Having you and the girls with me is truly enough. I would love having a baby with you, but I wouldn't be devastated if for some reason that didn't happen." He gazed at her with the question of her wishes in his eyes.

    "Oh, Will, this is scary, honestly. I never thought I'd find anyone to have children with, so adopting the girls was my way to be a mom. The reality is that things can happen with an older mom. I don't know if I could handle another special needs child." She looked to see his acceptance.

    "Well, I know the odds are greater, but plenty of women, like my mom, have children a little later than others."

    "Yes. I think this is something to pray about and then take from there." She relaxed back into his arms.

    "Do me a favor and start praying about how soon we can start trying, OK?" He teased her and even though he couldn't see her face, he knew she was blushing again as he laughed.

    The first several days that Jeannie was home were uneventful and full of fun for the two girls, but the fourth day, though, it seemed Jeannie was testing every boundary and every person she could. Beth had expected this, but the continual conflict was telling on Callie especially. Several times as Beth was trying to calm Jeannie or to stand her ground with the rules, Callie ran to her room crying and refused to come out until Beth would listen to her concerns and fears. One of the neighbor girls, Jordan, had asked Callie to come over for the day and then to spend the night; so Beth was happy to let her go for a little break.

    Jeannie loved working out in the garden, so she and Beth were busy weeding and talking or singing together. Fascinating worms, slugs and rollie pollies kept her occupied as Beth sat on the porch stoop to cool off. Jeannie was covered in dirt by this time and suddenly decided to put her hands in her mouth.

    "No, Jeannie," Beth said sternly. "Your hands are very dirty. You need to wash them."

    "No I don't"

    "Yes, you do. You shouldn't have them in your mouth to begin with." Beth rose to turn on the water.

    "I don't have to listen if I don't want to. You're not my boss anymore." Jeannie said defiantly.

    "Jeannie, I'm your momma. I'll always be the boss especially if you are doing something that could hurt you or make you sick. Your hands were in the dirt and touching bugs. They have to be cleaned." Beth was talking in a calm but authoritative manner.

    "You are not my momma everyday anymore." Jeannie's eyes were fixed on Beth and her hands were clenched in fists.

    "I'm your momma everyday, Jeannie. Melissa is great in your cottage, but I'm always your momma. Now come on, let's wash off your hands." Beth took hold of Jeannie's arm and was leading her to the outdoor spicket.

    "No! I like my dirt! You can't make me wash it off. Look, I can put my hands in my mouth if I want to." She wrenched her arm away from Beth and shoved her fist into her mouth. She stood there daring Beth to make a move. Her body began swaying and she started biting herself and talking in gibberish as she retreated into herself.

    "Jeannie, Jeannie, look at me. Look at momma." Beth pleaded as she had so many times before when her daughter would go into a trance like state when agitated. She tried again, "Jeannie, look at momma. You need to come with me to wash off your hands. We have more things we want to do today. Remember, it's the two of us all day and then we get to have a pajama party…"

    "I don't want a party. I don't want to be here with you. I want to go home!"

    "This is your home, honey. Remember your special butterfly room?"

    "I hate that room. I don't want it. Take it back. I don't like you. You're too mean. I want to go home." Jeannie began repeating over and over that she wanted to go home. Beth was still trying to reach her and kept talking calmly as she walked up to her to lead her at least into the house. Both were unaware that Will had come around to the back when he heard their voices. He was standing just inside the yard. Not wanting to interfere with Beth's parenting, he wished she would look up to see him and to know that he was there for support.

    Jeannie let Beth lead her until they were at the top of the steps leading into the house. Suddenly, she pulled her arm away and pushed Beth at the same time. She was screaming at Beth to leave her alone while her arms were flailing in the air. Will starting running towards them as he watched the scene unfold in slow motion. It seemed to take him forever to reach them, but not before Beth fell backward off the steps and onto the concrete sidewalk. Jeannie was running around the yard still screaming at Beth to leave her alone.

    Not knowing who to get to first, Will called out Jeannie's name while rushing to Beth's side, noticing that she had not moved since landing. Her head literally bounced off the pavement and hit again which caused Will's stomach to churn. When she heard her name, Jeannie stopped screaming and looked around to find the voice. "Mr. William!" she cried and began running up to him laughing. "Look, I'm full of dirt."

    By then Will was on his knees in front of Beth's head. Her eyes were closed but her chest was rising and falling rapidly. "Elizabeth, can you hear me? Don't' try to move just yet. Can you open your eyes? Can you see me?" While he was speaking he was fighting his instincts to lift her up and hold her. Jeannie was dancing around him seemingly oblivious to what she had done or to the fact that her mother was lying on the sidewalk.

    "Mr. William, did you come to take me home now? I want to go home now." She danced up beside him and literally got in the space between Will and Beth so close that Will could feel her breath on his face.

    "Jeannie, please move away. You're in my space now. I need to see about your momma." It took every ounce of Will's restraint not to push the child out of his way. She did attempt to move away, but not before she stepped back and onto Beth's chest causing Jeannie to fall and Beth to cry out as the pressure pushed her head into the concrete. Jeannie fell sideways and rolled onto the grass yelling that her momma hurt her again. Will knew that she really wasn't hurt but probably couldn't process what had just happened. At that point, he chose not to respond to her.

    Tears began rolling out of Beth's eyes which she still had not opened. Will had no idea what to say or do, so he just kept talking to her while he pulled out his phone to dial 911. "Please, Elizabeth, open your eyes. Jeannie's OK now. She's on the swing. Please, let me see your beautiful eyes, honey."

    Slowly Beth opened her eyes and started to focus on Will between the sledge hammer she was sure that was pounding on her head and the sunlight that was blinding her, she began to see his handsome face. "I don't know what to do, Elizabeth. Can you move? It doesn't look like anything's broken, but I'm afraid to touch you."

    "Don't be afraid to touch me, Fitzwilliam." She tried to get up but the pounding increased and she remained still. "My head hurts, Fitzwilliam. Very badly."

    "I know. You hit the sidewalk really hard. Twice. Yes. This is Will Stephens I need an ambulance at.." Beth closed her eyes again. Maybe if she went to sleep the headache would go away. Maybe if she slept she would dream of Jeannie being happy and Callie playing with her. "…Elizabeth, open your eyes again, honey. Don't close them again, please." Will was desperately looking around for Callie and trying to figure his next move. He opened his cell again and punched a number. "Richard, are you in town? Thank God. Can you get to Elizabeth's like 5 minutes ago? She's hurt. Not now, just get here. The ambulance is on its way. Jeannie's in the yard, but I don't know where Callie is." He flipped the phone to the ground and then called Callie's name.

    "What?" he heard her respond from what seemed far away.

    "Where are you?" He couldn't take his eyes off of Beth who was struggling to focus on him.

    "I'm at Jordan's." Callie hollered back. "Where's momma and Jeannie?"

    "Get Jordan's mommy, Callie. Stay there, but get Jordan's mommy." He took Beth's hand and raised it to his lips. "Honey, you're staying with me, right? Not the time to go to sleep."

    "My head hurts, Fitzwilliam. Let me sleep." She started to close her eyes again.

    "No. NO! Elizabeth, you listen to me. No sleeping. The ambulance is coming." He gasped when he saw blood starting to pool around her head. He could hear sirens coming closer. "Ok, Ok, heads bleed a lot. Lots of veins and stuff on the head. Nothing to panic about. Just blood." He heard tires squealing and Richard calling his name. He yelled that they were in the back.

    Richard turned the corner at a dead run and stopped to look at the scene before him. Will was on his knees bent over Beth's head. He could see blood underneath and she didn't seem to be moving very much. Jeannie was swinging away and singing as if nothing else was happening around.

    "What in the bloody…" He yelled as he ran the rest of the way towards Will.

    "She fell backwards off the steps. Her head hit really hard. I don't think anything's broken. I don't want to move her because I don't know if she's hurt her neck. Richard, she hasn't really moved…" Sheer terror was in Will's eyes and the tone of his voice.

    "How did she fall? Did you see it?" Richard was summoning up his field training to try to assess the situation. He too could hear the sirens but they didn't seem to be getting to them quickly enough.

    "She was trying to get Jeannie into the house to avoid a big scene outside. They were up on the steps and Jeannie jerked away from her and then she pushed her."

    "Jeannie pushed Beth?"

    "Yes."

    "Jeannie!" Richard yelled and started to move toward the now startled child.

    "No, Richard, don't get her wound up again." It was too late, Jeannie came running over and saw Beth clearly for the first time. She saw the blood and started screaming at Will, "You hurt my momma! What did you do to my momma? She lunged for Will, but Richard scooped her up and carried her into the yard.

    Beth groaned and attempted to lift her head again. "Fitzwilliam, please tell Jeannie to stop yelling, I'll help her in a minute. Honey, tell her I'll help her in a minute. I just have to get rid of this headache"

    Will's eyes grew wider as he realized Beth was not making any sense. Richard had Jeannie in a safety hold that he had seen people do when someone was hysterical. She started to calm down but kept repeating over and over that Mr. William hurt her mom.

    "Elizabeth, look at me, OK? Can you see me?"

    "My head hurts so much Fitzwilliam. Can't you just help Jeannie and let me go back to sleep?"

    By now the sirens had stopped and they could hear doors opening and closing. Jordan's mom had looked over the fences and took in the scene and scurried the girls into her house. Richard yelled for the paramedics to come to the back yard. Several men, including firefighters, ran into the yard.

    They moved swiftly all the while asking Will and Richard what had happened. Jeannie began yelling again that Will had hurt her momma. Will denied it and began again to explain what happened as they worked to stabilize Beth's neck and get her on a board before loading her on a stretcher. One of the fire fighters called for the police to come to the house.

    Telling Richard to let Jeannie go, the same firefighter asked her to tell him how her mommy got hurt. Jeannie was more interested in his big coat, his radio and his boots. He realized quickly that he was not dealing with a typical child and apologized to Richard for yelling at him to release her. More sirens were heard and doors were slamming. Two officers entered the yard; thankfully one was Dave, their tenant.

    Quickly surveying the scene, he looked at Will and asked him what happened. Will explained again as Jeannie was trying to get the officer's attention. Finally he kneeled down and asked Jeannie about her momma.

    "You're a policeman." She said.

    "Yes, I am"

    "You send people to jail."

    "Sometimes"

    "Will you send me to jail?"

    "No. I just need you to tell me what happened to your mommy."

    "She was mean to me."

    "What did she do?"

    "She was going to make me wash my hands. See they have dirt on them." She shoved her hands in his face.

    "Yes, I see that. Mommy wanted you to have clean hands."

    "Yes, so she was making me go inside and wash them and I didn't want to."

    "You didn't want to wash your hands."

    "Nope. So I took back my hands and came back out to the swing."

    "Where was your mommy?"

    "She was on the sidewalk. She fell."

    By now Beth was on the stretcher and the paramedics were walking her out to the gate to get out to the front yard and into the ambulance. Will started following them, but the other officer told him he would have to stay because a potential domestic violence call had been placed.

    "Are you kidding me? I'm not going to stand here while the woman I love is bleeding and not moving. I didn't do this. I saw it all happen. I wish I had stepped in, but I was letting her handle the child. Listen to what she is telling Dave, and let me go." He growled the last four words and attempted to push forward.

    "Wait, Will," Dave cautioned him. "I think I've got what happened here, but don't go blowing it now.

    Richard had called Georgiana for Marie's number and was talking to Marie in the middle of all the chaos. She told Richard that she and Ed would be there in a minute to retrieve Jeannie. She told him where her medicine was kept and the name of it so that Richard could give it to her to calm her down.

    All the while Beth was talking about taking care of Jeannie. She kept mumbling for Fitzwilliam to help her. She cried out when they moved her into the ambulance. Will couldn't take it anymore and broke free to run after her. Dave yelled for his partner to let him go. He followed Will to the front yard and told him that he would drive him to the hospital and get the rest of his statement.

    Will jerked the squad car's door open and stuffed himself into the front seat. "There's no way I'm riding in the back." He challenged Dave. The officer wisely said nothing and followed the ambulance the several blocks to the hospital.

    When Ed and Marie bounded up the steps and into the house, less than twenty minutes had passed since Richard rushed into the yard. By his account, though, it seemed like hours. He had found the medicine easily and Jeannie did not put up a fight to take it. She was sitting on couch rocking herself. She smiled when she saw Marie and Ed and asked if she could go to their house and play with Sponge Bob. They said yes and she willingly went with them. Marie told Richard that they would get to the hospital as soon as Jeannie was settled at their house with Rachel.

    Richard locked up the house. Jordan's mom stopped him and introduced herself. She told him that Callie was staying with them that night. Richard took her number and he said he'd call her as soon as he knew anything. Driving the short distance to the hospital, he was raging at the top of his lungs. He was yelling at Jeannie for hurting Beth, he was yelling at Will for not being able to stop it and he was yelling at God for once again hating his family so much that He was destroying someone they loved. He sat in his jeep for a few minutes to calm down before going inside. He had no idea how to comfort Will or what they were going to hear when Beth was examined.

    Pacing across the waiting room, Will only nodded his head when he spotted Richard. Eventually he told his cousin that they were examining Beth and that Dave was back there trying to get a statement. He explained that he had attempted to go in with her, but was forcefully ordered to remain out in the lobby until he was called. Richard said he understood his frustration and that they would just have to wait together. He was actually impressed that Will had maintained some level of self control since Richard had thought only major surgery would have kept Will out of anywhere Beth was taken.

    Eventually, Dave and his partner approached the cousins. Dave indicated that Beth verified Will's story. He said that Beth wasn't even certain that Will was there. She thought maybe she was just imagining that he came to help. Will said nothing except to thank Dave. Richard walked with him to the exit while Dave explained that no charges were going to be filed and to remind Will at a different time that they were just following procedure. He told Richard that he would check back later at the end of his shift to see if there was anything else he could do. Richard voiced his appreciation and asked what his feeling was of Beth's condition. Dave only answered that she seemed to be more aware of what was happening, but that was really all he knew.

    More time passed. Will was clearly becoming more agitated and Richard was beginning to fear for the worst as well. A nurse appeared at the door and called for the family of Beth Thomas. Both men jumped up and met her beyond the door. She asked if they were in fact, family. Richard explained that Beth had no relations other than her minor daughters. He identified Will as her fiancé. She accepted that and as far as the two men were concerned, it was the truth. She brought them back to a room in the ER, but Beth was not there. She told them they were doing some tests to check her head and neck, so they could wait there until they knew anything else. Lying on a chair was a plastic bag with Beth's blouse inside. Will opened the bag and took hold of the shirt in the same manner a child would hold onto a security blanket. The nurse smiling knowingly and said to try not to worry and then the men were alone again.

    Richard had absently turned on the TV and was pretending to watch it but he was truly observing Will. Head in his hands, he had not said hardly anything since Richard's arrival over hour earlier. The silence was driving Richard crazy and just as he was about to say something, he noticed Will's shoulders shaking. Cursing to himself, he turned off the TV and stood up, not really knowing what to do or say.

    "I saw it, I saw it happening Richard and I could do nothing." He was still not looking up but was trying to get himself under control.

    "Will, there was no way either you or Beth could know what Jeannie was going to do. You were letting her work with her child without interfering." He was using reason, but he knew that Will was beyond that at this point.

    "I was afraid of this. From almost the first time I laid eyes on her, I was afraid of this."

    "Will…"

    "No, seriously, this is my worst nightmare. I've thought about what I would do if Jeannie ever hurt Elizabeth or Callie and I honestly couldn't come up with an answer. But, Rich, I was beside myself. When Jeannie got up in my face and then stepped on Elizabeth when she backed up, it took everything I had not to push her away. My God, I could have hurt that child I was so angry!"

    "But you didn't."

    "That's not the point."

    "That's precisely the point. How many times have you been so mad at Seth that you wanted to throttle him?" Again, Richard was trying to apply some logic to appeal to Will's reasonable mind.

    "That's different. Seth knew when he was pushing my buttons. Jeannie has no clue." His voice was full of self loathing.

    "The outcome is the same. She hurt the woman you love. It's a natural reaction. You are being too hard on yourself. I yelled at her and set her off. How do you think I feel? She could've done something to hurt herself like you've told me she does. Will, we all love Jeannie, but she is difficult to handle even on a good day. We all need to let Beth tell us more about how to help. I know I've been a little naïve about the situation. Maybe I didn't want to think about it, but the fact is that Beth comes with two little girls who will need us as they grow. I've been sitting here thinking about that. At least Seth will know how they feel when they realize they are adopted. He'll be a terrific ally for them, especially Callie."

    Will's body had stopped shaking but his head was still hung. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his face. "I hear what you're saying, Rich, but I don't think I can handle losing anyone else that I love. I need her, more than she would ever need anything of me. I failed her. I should've walked over and distracted Jeannie or something."

    "I don't think Beth would have wanted that, Will." The men looked up to see Marie standing in the doorway. She too had tears streaking her face. "You were acting exactly as she would want. If she had seen you, she would have acknowledged you and then maybe Jeannie would have been distracted, but you were letting her handle it by not butting in." She entered the room and stood in front of Will squatting, she lifted his chin and embraced him. "I know she's going to be alright, Will. I just know it."

    Eventually the three sat silently waiting to hear something. Richard remembered he had Will's phone and handed it back to him so Will could dial Dr. Evan's number. Marie took over and talked to the doctor who agreed that Jeannie should see that her mom is OK and then come back to SKAT tomorrow. He expressed his concern for Beth and added that he realized Will would not be at the campus for the next couple of days. Marie relayed the message to Will who only nodded again.

    After two hours of knowing next to nothing about her condition, the ER doctor entered the room. He told them she was being admitted for observation as was standard procedure with the kind of head injury Beth received. He assured them that while her neck was being stabilized by a soft collar as a precaution there seemed to be no breaks or fractures or ruptured disks. They found no skull fractures or any indication of internal damage, but she definitely did have a concussion and quite a knot on her head. They had used surgical glue to close the open wound. The nurse came in behind then and explained she was being moved to her room and they could see her there.

    Will held on to Beth's blouse like a lifeline as the three entered the elevator. Although obviously relieved by the news, Marie looked from Richard to Will and tried to indicate to Richard that he needed to do something for his cousin. The door to her room was closed when they approached so they figured someone was in there at the moment. Will started to reach for the handle, but Richard held onto his shoulder.

    "Will, listen to me" Richard said in a calm but serious tone. "You cannot go in there like a crazy man. You've got to get a grip on yourself. She is going to be worried about Jeannie and Callie. Your job is to be strong and be in control. You can fall out later after she is sleeping. You will scare her to death if you fall apart. You got me?"

    Will looked at his cousin and Richard had not seen that pain in many years. It was difficult to watch, but Richard knew he was right and demanded Will get it together. A nurse opened the door and told them they could go in, but that she needed to rest. All three took deep breaths and entered the room.

    Her face was ghastly white and the back of her head was bandaged. The soft cervical collar was indeed in place, but she wasn't hooked up to all kinds of monitors and she seemed to be breathing normally. Marie bent over and kissed her on the cheek and murmured a hello. Richard did the same and then made way for Will.

    Before Will could reach her, Beth asked, "Where's Fitzwilliam? Is he OK?"

    "Honey, I'm right here." He moved some hair away from her face and kissed her forehead. Sitting down next to her bed, he took hold of her hand and brought it to his lips as well.

    "Stop it." She said without opening her eyes.

    He immediately let go of her hand and hurt clouded his eyes.

    "Not that." Beth said quietly tears spilling down her cheeks. "Stop blaming yourself. You didn't do anything wrong. You could not have stopped this."

    "Elizabeth, I.."

    "It was my fault." She interrupted him, "I should not have forced her right then to go into the house. I knew that she was very angry with me. "

    Will shook his head furiously. "That's not true. You were doing everything you knew to do. You didn't lose your temper and even if you had, you did not cause this, Elizabeth."

    "I'm going to lose her. I'm going to lose her, Fitzwilliam." Her tears were flowing harder and she began to sob.

    "Beth, Beth, you have to calm down, please." Marie stood at the other side of her best friend. "It was an accident. Plain and simple. Jeannie was reacting to her anger. It doesn't make it right, but she never intended to hurt you. Yes, it's a serious consequence and it may have a long term effect on her, but neither of you caused this and you have to stop blaming yourselves."

    "Thank you." Beth said quietly. "I know you're right, but I'm so afraid for her."

    "She's alright now." Marie's hand remained on Beth's shoulder. "She probably sitting on Ed's lap watching a cartoon that he'll pretend to mock but really enjoy watching." A weak smile formed on Beth's face.

    "Callie?" Beth asked.

    "She's still at Jordan's. Do you want me to go get her and take her out to the farm? We'd love to have her stay with us." Richard liked the idea of being helpful and also of knowing exactly where she was and what she was doing. He surrendered to Callie's charms a long time ago. Everybody knew it, except possibly Richard.

    "That might be best." Beth sighed. She attempted to move her head to look at Will and winced at the pain and the constraint of the collar.

    "Not a good idea, Beth," Richard admonished dryly. "You're lovely accessory will prevent you from looking anywhere but straight ahead I'm afraid." He nudged Will to say something.

    "Elizabeth, did the doctor tell you about the concussion and that you need rest?' He had picked up her hand again and was rubbing his thumb in circles like he knew she enjoyed.

    "Yes. But I don't like it."

    "Richard is the only one I know who likes to lie around and watch daytime television."

    "I'll have you know that I am a better person now thanks to Dr. Phil and Oprah."

    "If you have to convince us of that, then I would say that you are not."

    "I don't like how this conversation has turned. I can see when the bigger man must step away from the lesser one." Richard kissed Beth's cheek again and winked. "I am going to fetch the lovely princess Callie who appreciates me for who I am."

    "Yes, a man with a horse and a swimming pool."

    Beth giggled, but even that caused her to wince in pain. Marie decided that she should go check on things at home as well. So she said her goodbyes and headed toward the door.

    "Beth, please don't worry about Callie. Georgie, Seth and I will have her quite entertained. I'll call Juanita and she will bring her special cookies or some such thing."

    Beth's eyes flew open. "No, don't tell Juanita."

    "Why not?" Will and Richard asked simultaneously.

    "Because she'll make me put on that disgusting rag."

    They all laughed and somehow that cleared the doom that had surrounded the room. Richard and Marie walked out together and talked about specifics for the next several days. They agreed this was an all hands on deck situation and they would do whatever it took to get Beth to rest and to calm Will down. They also agreed that they had quite a mission ahead of them.

    An aide came in and brought Beth some food. She refused at first, but Will talked her into half a sandwich and some of that god forsaken hospital gelatin. He ate the other half and the rest was left untouched. The nurse came in to assist Beth to the restroom so Will stepped outside. He started up his pacing again all the while telling himself to calm down, that she was going to be alright – they were going to be alright.

    The nurse informed Will that she had given Beth some pain medication and that she really did need her rest. Will knew what the nurse was implying but there was no way on this earth he was leaving her side. He thanked her and went inside and shut the door behind him, hoping she would take his hint.

    Bending over her lovely pale face, he kissed her forehead again and started to sit down.

    "Not good enough."

    "Excuse me?"

    "What kind of kiss was that?"

    "I'm sorry, milady, is this better?" He brushed her lips lightly with his own.

    "Yeah, if I was your grandma." She smiled though her eyes were closed.

    "I beg your pardon again Miss Elizabeth. I would not want to be remiss in my duties." He kissed her fully and hungrily until they both needed air. "Your wish is my command" he said in her ear.

    "I wish that you never leave me." She whispered back.

    "Done and done."

    He lowered the railing on the bed and Beth moved to the far end. Carefully he slid beside her and held her the best that he could. Within minutes they were both freely letting the tears flow as their bodies finally relaxed. Beth's were streaming for her daughter and for the struggle she knew Will was fighting. Will's were flowing thinking what he could have lost that day and for the battles he knew were ahead of them both.

    Chapter 23 Trial Run

    Posted on 2009-11-14

    Will woke up with his arms aching and in an uncomfortable position. He opened his eyes and quickly shut them hoping the day had just been a bad dream. He could hear voices behind the door and reluctantly recognized that this was reality and someone was helping Beth in the restroom. For a moment he was angry that she had not awakened him, but he chastised himself for being selfish along with reminding himself of Beth's quick embarrassment at that level of intimacy.

    When the door opened he closed his eyes again feigning sleep. The nurse said that breakfast would be coming in about an hour and that Beth had done well through the night. She said that she would assist her again if needed, but she was encouraged that Beth had not felt any dizziness or discomfort during this outing. She suggested that she get the "big lug" out of the bed and walk around the unit with him later to make all the other nurses and patients jealous. The two women giggled and Beth slid back into the bed.

    As soon as the door closed, Will felt an elbow in his side, "Ok, 'big lug', I know you're playing possum." She teased.

    "I can't possibly awaken as it is too early and everyone knows big lugs are notoriously late sleepers." He answered without opening his eyes.

    "But I want a kiss" she pouted dramatically.

    Will sprang up on his elbows and looked down at her. A bruise had formed on her face probably from when Jeannie was flailing around. Will lightly traced it with his fingers before moving to caressing her check. "I'm happy to oblige" He bent down and lightly touched her lips, but the kiss soon deepened, and he knew he had to stop in order to maintain his self control.

    "Elizabeth," he whispered softly, "It gets more and more difficult for me to simply kiss you. Maybe I should leave now." He didn't want to leave, but he was telling her the truth and the depth of his feelings for her.

    She opened her eyes, hoping that he was still looking down at her, "If you think that's best." She answered just as quietly.

    "No. I don't think it's best, but sometimes I think I'm going to explode when I'm near you. And I'm an animal to be thinking this way. You're in the hospital. How sick am I?"

    "Fitzwilliam," she reached up to touch his face. "I think you are the most patient man on the planet. Can I tell you a secret?" Will nodded. "If you're sick then I must be terminal because I want you too."

    "Oh, Lord, Elizabeth, you're the one who has to remain sane. There is no way on earth I'm going to let you give in to me. Especially not here." He stared into her face and chuckled, "But it's nice to know that at another time I might just play that trump card."

    "I can always say I didn't know what I was saying because I had hit my head." She laughed with him.

    "Just move over a little and let me hold you. You need your rest before the parade of docs and heaven knows who else will bombard you before they let you go home. And by home, I mean Pemberville." He put his finger on her lips as she was about to protest. "Nope, not going to listen. You're not going back to your house. You're not going to Marie's either. You're coming HOME, with me. I intend to spoil you rotten and make it so that you will want to break your lease and stay forever." He gently helped her move so that he could spoon against her.

    "I already want to stay forever" Beth said almost to herself. In answer, Will pulled her closer. They both fell into a peaceful sleep until the morning hospital barrage began.

    After eating her breakfast and submitting to several residents and doctors, Will escorted Beth around the unit. Several staff commented that Will looked worse than Beth, which made her giggle so he didn't become too agitated. Towards the end, she was leaning on him heavily and she admitted to a little dizziness and some pain. They were about two rooms away when Will's concern grew too much for him so he picked her up and carried her into her room.

    "I can't stand to have you in any pain, Elizabeth," was his only comment as he set her down on the bed.

    "Fitzwilliam," she said smiling weakly, "you can't just pick me up and take me everywhere."

    "Oh yes I can."

    "Well, that was the most disgusting display of prideful gallantry I've ever witnessed." Richard stood in the doorway with mock severity. "All the nurses are out there twittering away about that "big strong man fawning all over her" he spoke in falsetto. "It's too early for all this gushy stuff."

    "Nobody asked for your opinion." Will didn't even glance his way. "What are you doing here, anyway?"

    "If you remember, dear cousin, you don't have your truck here. So, I'm the chauffeur when they spring you, Beth." He moved past Will and kissed Beth on the cheek.

    "Hey, I let you do that yesterday because everybody was stressed. Don't push it." Will grumbled from the chair.

    Richard winked at Beth, "It's a wonder he could get you back in the bed what with lugging that huge ego of his around."

    "I think I'll like watching the ongoing entertainment of the two of you for a couple of days," Beth grinned while closing her eyes. "That wore me out."

    The two men looked at each other and their smiles faded. Richard sat down in the chair opposite Will's. They were silent as Beth drifted in and out of sleep. The door opened and Marie stuck her head in. "Hi. Is she OK?" They nodded. "Well, I have a little girl here who wants to apologize to her momma and to Mr. William."

    Beth's eyes opened and she held out her arms to Jeannie. Her daughter ran to her with so much force that Will put his arm out to stop her before she crashed into Beth. Jeannie eyed Will angrily, but did stop and ask if she could have a hug from her momma. Beth's eyes were shining as she sat up and folded Jeannie in her arms.

    "I'm sorry, momma. I'll listen next time, I promise. I won't put dirty hands in my mouth." She said earnestly.

    "I forgive you, honey. And we'll try harder next time to understand each other, OK?" she kissed her daughter as Jeannie remarked on the collar and the bandages.

    Marie reminded Jeannie that she needed to speak to someone else in the room. She turned to Will and looked at the floor. "I'm sorry, Mr. William. You didn't hurt my momma."

    "No, Jeannie, I didn't. Do you remember who did?" There was dead silence in the room.

    "I didn't mean to." Jeannie was still looking at her shoes.

    "That's not what I asked." Will insisted. Richard was going to say something, but Will's hand shot up behind Jeannie, so no one spoke. "Do you know what you did, Jeannie?"

    "I pushed my momma, then I hit her with my hand." She said honestly. "But I didn't mean to do it, Mr. William."

    "I know you didn't mean to, Jeannie, but it happened all the same. You are getting too big to fight with someone like that. But you will try harder next time, won't you?" She nodded her head in agreement. Will lifted her chin up and he kissed her on the tip of her nose.

    Jeannie laughed and said, "Wait 'til I tell Melissa that Mr. William gave me a kiss!"

    "I'm sure she'll love to hear that." Richard remarked.

    "Momma, I'm going back to my cottage now." Jeannie turned back to her momma.

    "Yes, I know. I will miss you." Beth was trying not to cry, but she wasn't winning the battle.

    "See ya." She skipped back to Marie. Turning around once more, she blew her mother a kiss and then she was gone.

    The two cousins cursed under their breaths as they saw Beth crumble into the pillows. Richard turned to look out the window as Will sat on the bed and took Beth into his arms. He tried to soothe her, but he recognized that this would be a pain she would feel constantly to one degree or another.

    Her nurse came in and announced that she was going to be released soon and rattled off all the discharge instructions along with pain managment and wound care and follow up appointments. Beth signed off where necessary and Will assured the nurse that Beth would rest and would get checked out and be seen by whomever they wanted her to see. Within the hour, Will was helping Beth into Richard's jeep.

    Will was beginning to rethink his insistence that Beth come to Pemberville as the drive was extremely uncomfortable for her. Richard was driving slowly but that just seemed to stretch the agony out, so the last few miles he gunned it. Never were three people happier to see a driveway. Will came around to help her out, but Beth seemed quite unsteady. In one fluid motion, he picked her up again and at Richard's direction, took her to his office.

    As they had done for Richard's recovery, a bed was now set up for Beth. Georgiana left a note stating that she and Seth had taken Callie to town for lunch and then they were going to a matinee. Richard remarked that Will was not paying his sister nearly enough for her talents. They heard the back door slam and some agitated broken English thrown about. All three of them winced at the same time, "Juanita."

    An hour later, Beth was resting with a stomach full of chicken noodle soup, an earful of motherly wisdom and a noseful of disgusting as the war of the rag was lost.

    Juanita ordered Will to either swim some laps or go and ride his horse to release his tension. He opted for the swim since he didn't want to be away from Beth for any length of time. She told Richard he didn't look too good either, and he explained his guilt over yelling at Callie. She listened as she prepared their supper and only occasionally asked a question or made a comment. Finally she looked at him and stated, "You love her, too, yes?"

    "Yes, but not the way everybody keeps insinuating. I think I feel for her like Ed does, you know, Justin's popi. He is quite protective of her and treats her like a kid sister. That's how I see her now, honestly. If Will hadn't made his move, that might have been a different story, but I don't regret her."

    "Callie, she has you here" she wiggled her little finger at him and laughed.

    "Yes, that's true I think. I imagine Georgie was a lot like her or she would have been if we were a happier family."

    "You and El Torro did the best you could. She is stronger than you know. School will be good for her. She will grow. You will see." She gave further orders for the meal and for Beth's rag which Richard listened to with much amusement. She was leaving as Will was returning from the pool.

    "Get a shower and for heaven's sake, shave. We are not going through that phase again." Richard commanded as he chased Will up the steps. Beth had awakened and heard their bantering. She smiled thinking about what the day to day life on this farm will be for her and her daughters. Thoughts of Jeannie stirred her heart and she prayed that with the team effort they could reach her.

    Freshly showered and shaved, Will quietly opened the door to check on Beth, he was momentarily alarmed that she was not there, but relaxed instantly when she came up from behind and hugged him. "You smell good," she purred.

    "Wish I could say the same for you," he chuckled.

    "That was a low blow, sir and certainly not the words of a gentleman." Beth pouted but didn't let go.

    "I thought we established this morning that I was no longer a gentleman when it came to you." He turned around and kissed her hungrily as she melted into his embrace. "Whew! I don't remember that thing smelling as bad as that."

    "You are not helping towards my recovery one bit, mister." She playfully hit him on his chest. He then noticed that she was wearing one of his T shirts and boxers. Looking down he arched his brow. "I guess Georgiana brought these down for me. Do you mind?"

    "No, except you will drive me to distraction like that. Richard's in town showing some rental properties so it's just the two of us. Unless, of course, Juanita flies in again to lecture us all and to make sure you're wearing that disgusting thing. I'm sure, though, that we could find something to do." He growled seductively in her ear.

    "I'd give anything for a hot bath, but you certainly cannot help me with that."

    "Why not? I can run bath water just like anyone else. Georgiana must have some smelly stuff somewhere up there. It's a garden tub, you know. Plenty of room"

    "Fitzwilliam…" she warned.

    "I'm just saying for future reference." He laughed and kissed her again before running up the stairs on his mission.

    Ten minutes later Beth was relaxing in the huge tub surrounded by sweet smelling bubbles. Will had even lit some candles though it was the middle of the afternoon. They argued over her climbing the stairs; but she was secretly thrilled when he picked her up and carried her without notice. With eyes closed she recalled his strong arms and gentle hands as he deposited her at the bathroom door. His puppy eyes as she closed it behind him sent chills though her even with the warm water engulfing her. She sighed deeply and wondered what he was doing while she was indulging in this rare luxury.

    Will had spent several minutes of agony leaning up against the bathroom door. All he could think about was joining her in her bath. Finally, he walked away and wandered into his old room which now functioned as a studio. He began drawing a picture of Beth that she would not see for a long time into their marriage. It was the only therapy he knew to fight the animal that wanted her so badly.

    He was shaken out of his revelry by Richard bounding noisily up the steps. "Where is everybody?'

    Hastily shoving the drawing in a file cabinet, Will answered and came out of the room. "I'm glad you're home. Let's play pool or something." He shoved Richard back towards the steps.

    "Now?" Richard asked with smirk "Why, where's Beth?"

    "She's taking a bath," came the terse reply.

    Richard laughed, but decided it best not to make a comment that Beth might be able to overhear. He acted as the sacrificial lamb to Will's relentless beating. His only comment to his cousin was to try not to shatter the cue stick or the balls for that matter to which he only received a scowl.

    Although Callie had been told her momma fell, she was still quite upset when she saw Beth sitting up in the bed. "Momma!" she cried as she ran towards her. "What did Jeannie do to you?" she demanded.

    No one was prepared for that reaction from her, so there was a moment of stunned silence before Beth patted the bed for Callie to come sit next to her. "Honey, it was an accident." She said as she gave Callie a kiss and a hug.

    "But she did it, didn't she?" It appeared her youngest was not going to back down. "Momma, tell me the truth."

    Beth looked up at Will who was nodding his head as the rest of the room suddenly cleared with excuses ranging from getting a snack to answering messages. Will stayed behind in support of Beth but to also begin what he hoped would be the two of them handling issues with the girls together.

    Callie's arms were crossed in indignation as she listened to her momma relate most of the details of the accident. She shifted quickly and hugged Beth tightly. "Sometimes I don't like Jeannie at all." She said defiantly. "She should just stay at that stupid SKAT place."

    Will interrupted Beth before she respond, "Callie, I can understand why you are mad at Jeannie. I was mad at her, too." Both Callie's and Beth's eyes grew wide at Will's admission. "The problem is, though, Jeannie can't always control her anger. That's why she is getting the help she needs at SKAT. And, we still need to forgive her 'cause even though she makes us mad, we still love her, right?"

    Switching her gaze from Will to Beth, Callie asked, "Is it OK if I stay mad for a little bit longer. She hurt my momma, Will." A tear escaped down her cheek.

    Not wanting Beth to see that, he quickly scooped Callie off the bed and whirled her around the room. "Yes, little princess, you may be mad at her for five more minutes, then we will both say goodbye to the anger and concentrate on making your momma feel better."

    Callie was trying so hard not to laugh, but soon her squeals were heard throughout the house. Richard and Seth looked at each other as they sat drinking iced tea in the kitchen. "I wouldn't be Beth for a million dollars." Seth remarked shaking his head.

    "Neither of us could be Beth. But that reminds me, I want to talk to you." Richard went on to explain his resolution to understand Jeannie better and that Seth could play an important role to the girls as they got older and had more questions. Seth listened intently to his brother's reasoning and nodded in agreement. The decided that while Beth was with them they would ask some questions and formulate some plans if Jeannie had any difficulties when she was with them.

    "You know, Rich, you're good with kids. Too bad we didn't know that before, huh?" Seth didn't mean it as a cut on Richard, but his older brother felt the sting anyway.

    "Yeah, too bad. But I think I can be pretty good with college boys who think they're too big for this!" Richard lunged for Seth and they were soon wrestling on the floor. Of course, Callie ran in to see what the ruckus was all about and soon wrestling gave way to a tickle frenzy that brought Beth out to witness as well.

    After supper, Beth was sitting up in the bed with an ice pack on her head and neck listening to some music. Everyone except Will was out in the pool enjoying the warm evening. Fatigue and muscle soreness were starting to get the better of her when she sensed that someone, probably Will, was in the room and watching her. "Why do you do that?" she asked without opening her eyes.

    "Do what?" Of course it was Will.

    "Lurk in doorways."

    "I didn't realize I was lurking." He moved to sit next to her on the bed.

    'Well, what would you call it?." She asked impertinently.

    "Gazing at a beautiful woman."

    "Potato, Patato," she giggled.

    "Don't make fun of me." He said half seriously.

    "Fitzwilliam, have you noticed that I try to call you that all the time? I remembered what you said and I always want you to feel my love, even when I'm making fun of you." She kissed him on the nose. "Hey, what have you got in your hand?" She had finally opened her eyes.

    "One of the reasons why I stare at you." He unrolled a canvas with a portrait of Beth sitting on her porch swing surrounded by beautiful flowers. Beth looked at it for quite awhile before lifting her swimming eyes up at the man who obviously saw her in a much different light than she saw herself.

    "Oh, Fitzwilliam, I don't know what to say. If I say it's beautiful, it will sound like I'm bragging about myself."

    "You are beautiful. I could look at you all day. I could draw you all night. Sometimes I think I'm getting obsessed. But what a way to go crazy." He kissed her gently, then placed her head on his chest.

    "I've waited a long time for you to show me your art."

    "I know. I can't really explain why I've been so nervous about you seeing what my eyes see."

    "Because it is such a deep part of you. You said you stopped painting after you lost your family." She wanted him to talk more about that time, to trust her even more with who he really was.

    "Yes."

    "Why, Fitzwilliam? Your art could have been an escape for you. Isn't that what you help the kids do in art therapy?"

    "Not exactly. And by the way, it has not escaped my notice that you use my full name."

    "Don't change the subject." She pinched him lightly then kissed the place on his chest.

    "Ouch! Unhand me madam!" he laughed and then sighed heavily. "Several weeks after the funerals, when Richard went back to Ft. Bragg, I had a particularly bad day with the kids. I lost my temper and came very close to smacking Seth when he was trying my patience – funny how that trait has stayed with him. Anyway, I didn't know what else to do, so I put them both in their playpens, turned some music on, took their monitor with me, and I went upstairs to my room. Not the master bedroom I'm in now, but the one I grew up in.

    I took out a canvas and just starting painting. I was into acrylics then. What came out was indescribable really. It was fierce and angry and violent and it scared me half to death. I shut the door and didn't go near that room for a long while. I went so far as to buy new clothes so I didn't have to go in there. I'm not sure, but I think Juanita ventured in there once. I met her on the stairs and she was white as a sheet and couldn't talk to me. She never mentioned it, though."

    "Oh, I wish I would have known you then. I would have comforted you."

    "I would have eaten you alive. I'm sure of it. No, we met just when we were supposed to. I truly believe that, Elizabeth." They held each other and soothed each other's weariness. "I don't want to leave you down here tonight. I don't want to leave you period." He stroked her hair and lightly kissed her forehead.

    "I know, but the kids – "

    "- are perfectly aware that we are adults. Richard has teased me enough in front of them that I think they are quite aware of your convictions and my, well, my attempts to abide by your wishes."

    "Poor Fitzwilliam. I hope I'm worth the wait."

    "I'm banking on it."

    In the end, Beth won out and Will reluctantly climbed the stairs to go to his room. Callie had chosen to sleep in what had been Lydia's room the night before and Will was already making plans to paint it any way that Callie wanted. Making plans was what was keeping him sane. He had called the owner of the cabins where they had stayed last year and booked three for the first week of August. Marie and Ed accepted the invitation to go and Will figured that the guys could bunk in one and the girls in the other. More importantly, he had met a fellow art student who specialized in jewelry design and together they had drawn plans for the perfect wedding and engagement rings. She told Will she would have the engagement ring completed by the end of July. He just hoped he could hold out that long.

    In spite of her reasoning, when Beth awoke from a nightmare at 3am she missed Will by her side. Remembering the images of Jeannie crying out for her and Beth not being able to reach her caused her to let out a sob. Slowly climbing out of bed, she walked over to the bathroom and shuddered at her pale tear streaked face. When she came back out, Will was practically standing at attention.

    "Are you alright? I heard you crying." He reached for her and drew her to him.

    "It was just a dream, but it upset me nonetheless" She told him what she remembered and held on tightly to him as she spoke.

    "I imagine you will continue with that dream, honey. But I do think that next week we need to go to SKAT and meet with Jeannie's team. She was saying some pretty antagonistic things to you. But that's good actually; maybe she is ready for some family type counseling where we all can share. Your life has changed a lot. So has hers. She probably doesn't understand it and that's why she was angry with you."

    "I guess that makes sense. By the way, thank you for the way you talked to her at the hospital and how you worked with Callie, too. You're pretty handy to have around." She smiled up at him then stood on tip toes to kiss his cheek.

    "I was hoping you'd begin to notice that." He scooped her up and carried her back to the bed. After tucking her in, he refused to listen to her arguments and held her close as she fell back asleep. "I don't care who sees us or what they think. My days of sleeping without you are numbered." He whispered to her not sure whether she was awake or not. She was awake and smiled to herself as she prayed for sweeter dreams.

    Beth's bruises looked worse over the next two days and her neck still ached frequently. Will set her up to see a chiropractor who gave her some exercises to do along with suggesting some deep tissue massages. She left his office feeling a little better but still quite tired. Dr. Evans had called and just as Will predicted, he suggested they hold a family meeting when Beth felt up to traveling the hour distance. She agreed and set the date for the next Monday.

    Saturday evening, Beth told Will that she thought she and Callie should go home soon. He wasn't happy about it, but understood that it was the right thing to do. They decided that depending how Monday went in Ft. Wayne, she and Callie would go home on Tuesday. The young couples had gone out for the evening so Richard, Callie, Will and Beth hung out by the pool and then watched a video of Callie's choosing. Beth was preparing for bed when Rachel and Georgiana came in.

    They explained that the boys stayed at Justin's for the night. Rachel asked Beth if they could talk to her for awhile. Beth had missed their late night phone conversations lately and so she agreed to them grabbing some blankets and sleeping with Beth in the office. Will grumbled as he was shown the door, but he did love that his sister had Beth to talk to about everything.

    After a few minutes of questions about bruises, headaches and what did they eat on their date, Rachel said there was a reason they wanted to talk to Beth. Recognizing the seriousness in Rachel's tone, Beth assured them that they could speak openly to her. She was quite surprised when Georgiana said that they were considering breaking up with Seth and Justin. When Beth asked why, the girls said that they both were thinking about going to their colleges early to go through Rush Week. They thought belonging to sororities could be a lot of fun and a great way to make friends.

    Beth had never considered the Greek life in college but knew several women who loved the camaraderie of it all. She asked the girls if that was the real reason for wanting to break it off with the guys. Rachel shook her head and said that was just part of it. She went on to explain that although neither young man had pressured their girlfriend, they believed the guys were hoping to take their relationships to the physical realm. The girls said they just were not ready for that and they didn't think it was fair to the guys to keep them waiting.

    The three talked into the night about relationships and sex and all the emotions and responsibilities that came with them. Beth convinced the girls to talk to their boyfriends honestly and make decisions together that would be for the best. She respected these two young women for their beliefs and for the love that they had for Justin and Seth. Although it would be difficult to see them apart, Beth fell asleep thinking that maybe it was the right thing to do. After all, they were all still quite young and the college years were definitely challenging and maturing in their own right.

    Monday morning came quickly and Beth prepared not only to be sitting in the car for the hour each way, but for whatever emotions and discussions would come. Richard had asked to come along so that he could learn more about what to do to help, so he and Callie were in the back seat as Will drove silently. No one was in a very happy mood, probably due to nervousness. It didn't help that it was a rainy day.

    Dr. Evans took the time to meet with Callie first then he invited Beth to join them. Callie talked openly about her anger toward her sister and her fears when Jeannie was home. He gave both of them suggestions to communicate and also what to do if Jeannie became too much out of control. Callie went back outside and sat with Richard while Will explained more about what had happened the week before.

    When Jeannie came into the room, she immediately hugged her momma and Will. She asked if she was going home for a visit. Dr. Evans told her that she was here to talk about what had happened the week before and anything else that they need to go over together. At first Jeannie refused to acknowledge the confrontation between her and Beth but eventually she did talk to her momma about missing her old house and not being allowed to come home. By guiding the conversation, Dr. Evans was able to coax Jeannie's feelings out and also to have Beth explain about moving and about all the changes they had faced as a family.

    Another issue that came to light was Jeannie's anger over Will not working with her anymore. She thought he was mad at her or had chosen Beth and Callie over her. After assuring her that wasn't the case and promising some special time with just the two of them, Jeannie seemed content and was anxious to get back to the cottage for their summer activities. She hugged Will and Beth goodbye, ran outside and hugged Richard and Callie and then skipped outside to more adventure.

    Richard and Callie joined the conversation again and Richard asked what he could have done differently and how to work with Jeannie at the farm. Dr. Evans commented on how much support Beth seemed to have in her new town and how important that would be going forward. He didn't pull any punches when he spoke of the difficulties adolescence was likely to bring. He even warned the two men about being alone with her and safeguards that needed to be in place.

    The group was silent again as they headed back to Bryan. Richard commented how much he respected the SKAT program and in a rare display of affection, clapped Will on the back for what he was attempting to do with his life. Callie snuggled up to Richard on the way home and Beth remarked that he wasn't such a bad guy himself. The rain was relentless which seemed to make Beth's head ache even more. She excused herself to go rest when they reached the farm. Callie wanted to play with her dolls in her makeshift room.

    Will and Richard talked briefly about the meetings and the two determined that although not an easy path, they believed that they could add stability and a little more fun into the life that Beth had already built for her family. Will let Richard in on the plans for Hocking Hills, and his cousin was thrilled that Beth would be a permanent part of the family very soon. They even spoke of Richard building his own home on the property, but Will insisted there was no rush.

    Preparing to go to his room to make a few phone calls, Will walked past his office to check on Beth. At first he thought all was quiet until he heard what he thought was weeping. Opening the door a crack, his heart broke looking at Beth laying face down crying into her pillow. He hesitated, not knowing if she would welcome his intrusion, but he couldn't stand to see her upset, so he proceeded into the room. Not wanting to frighten her, he gently called her name before sitting down on the bed. Beth became perfectly still when she heard his voice. For a moment he thought she would tell him to leave and quite possibly she was fighting with herself over doing just that.

    Finally, she rolled over and attempted to sit up. Instead of waiting for her, Will slid down in the bed and took her in his arms. 'Don't hold it in, my love." He whispered into her ear. "I'm here, we're all here, but we know you're the one who feels the most frightened and unsure of the future."

    Through her tears her broken words flowed out, "Will, are, are you sssure you want us in your life? Hhhhaven't you all had enough to dddeal with?"

    "Elizabeth, I cannot imagine my life without you. But I'm not blind; I know that we will have major challenges ahead of us. I think that we've proven to ourselves that we make a pretty good team." He kissed the tears streaming down and held her close as he spoke.

    "If you need to bail out, Will, now would be the time to do it."

    "Did you not hear what I just said? Elizabeth, there is no bailing out. I love you and I love your daughters. You are stuck with me, my love."

    Within a few minutes, Beth was calm and was falling asleep as Will continued to stroke her hair and whisper any words of comfort and love her could think of to help. The storm raged on outside and Will felt his emotions in turmoil as well. He could not bear the thought of Beth and Callie leaving tomorrow. He wondered if his plans for the engagement should be scrapped and if he should just convince her to move in and get married at City Hall as soon as they could get a license.

    Beth awoke about an hour later still feeling the weight of their meeting with Dr. Evans. More comforting was Will's deep breathing and the steady beating of his heart with his arms still surrounding her. The wind was still blowing strongly and she could tell that lightning was flashing through the sky. Suddenly a very large boom of thunder reverberated through the house. In no time at all, Callie was yelling for her mother as she frantically through open the door and dove unto the bed.

    "Momma, Momma, the house is going to break!" she yelled as she struggled to reach Beth by climbing over Will. At the same time, Will was waking up from all the commotion. Callie was clamoring over Will's chest trying to reach Beth. If her daughter hadn't been so scared, Beth would have laughed as she and Will were fighting through blankets and disorientation.

    "Callie, Callie, stop a minute. Your momma and I are right here. The house is not going to break." Will was attempting to get a hold of Callie before she ended up hurting Beth. Another roll of thunder rumbled through the house and Callie held onto to Will begging him to stop the house from breaking. Will explained again that the house would be fine and that there was just a big thunder storm outside. Between the rumbles they began hearing the tell tale sounds of hale hitting the windows.

    Will rolled Callie over to Beth and rushed to the window. Calling that he would be back, he raced out the door and they heard the back door slam as he obviously was headed toward the stable or the barn.

    Beth soothed Callie's nerves explaining that the house was big and old but was made to withstand a lot wind and rain. The room was dark and Beth noticed that the electricity must be off as well. She told Callie that they needed to help out by finding candles and flashlights. Callie was concerned that Butterscotch the pony would be very frightened so Beth explained that Will was probably out there right then taking care of the horses.

    Together they found several candles and flashlights. The hail had stopped, but Beth could still see the pellets on the ground. Never having to worry about crops before, she wasn't sure just what damage the corn would sustain, but she was fairly sure hail would not be any good for tomatoes. She remembered seeing a radio in the kitchen and when she found it, she turned it on to hear the weather. The severe thunder storm warning was no surprise but there was no tornado warnings issues. About ten minutes had passed and the thunder seemed to be moving on to they could hear it, but it was not shaking the house.

    Will returned soaked through but said that everything was alright. Callie listened as he told her Butterscotch and the other horses were frigtened too, but they were all calm now. "This is life on a farm, ladies." He stated as he ran up stairs to clean up and join them again.

    Chapter 24 Questions Asked and Answered

    Posted on 2009-11-17

    Life went during the hot month of July. The garden produced cucumbers, tomatoes and green beans. Not only was Beth learning cooking from Juanita, she was also becoming proficient in canning and freezing. Callie loved helping whenever she could, so many hours were spent in the kitchen at Beth's and the farm. Beth was beginning to understand why Juanita made the comment of a farmer's wife working fulltime on the farm, but she also realized that she had the summers off when so much of the work like canning was completed. Knowing she needed to talk to Will about his feelings and actually asking were two completely different things. She made up her mind that they would have the discussion when they were away at the cabins.

    Jeannie was progressing in her meetings with Beth and Dr. Evans. She still had episodes of uncontrolled anger and she still fixated on any number of things, but at least they were seeing some progress in her ability to communicate her feelings. She earned a spot to go to camp with the rest of her cottage, and she was more than excited to go. Will coincided the Hocking Hills vacation with camp week just as Beth had managed when she lived in Cincinnati. They drove to Ft. Wayne on Sunday afternoon to see her off with great fanfare. Callie was happy her sister would still get to enjoy camp, and she was eager to go back to where they all had so much fun last year. The addition of Ed, Marie, Rachel and Justin sweetened the pot for everyone.

    The group started out after the boys did their stall duty for the morning. Ed tagged along with them, so he and Richard enjoyed razzing the young men as they were accomplishing more in a couple of hours than either man would do for the next week. Will shook his head at the scene, but was proud of the hard work they continued to produce. He often wondered if Justin secretly wanted to work the farm and not be an engineer, but he figured Justin would make his wishes known as time went by. Will respected the young man's hard work and devotion to Georgiana, but he still wondered if the couples needed some space to grow. After the fiasco with Seth last year, Will only spoke about that topic to Beth and Richard while reluctantly letting the kids find their own way.

    They took Richard's jeep and Ed's van so there would be plenty of space for everyone and everything they were hauling. Will didn't like not being able to sit next to Beth, so he simply took a seat in the back of the jeep and informed his cousin that he would be providing the chauffeuring duties on this trip. Richard grumbled loudly about being the fifth wheel, but Callie hugged him and said how much she wanted him around, and of course, he melted to the young princess's wishes even though she was riding in the van.

    At the last moment, Georgiana hopped into the front seat of the jeep saying she wanted some time with her family. Callie and Rachel claimed the back seat of the van. The boys shrugged it off and played video games during the trip. Will eyed the situation suspiciously, but said nothing as Beth quietly told him the girls had some issues. He tried not to worry that anything was brewing to upset the special night he was planning. Instead, the four bantered back and forth for the entire trip, and Will couldn't help but recognize that his little sister was indeed growing into a beautiful and intelligent young woman.

    Ed and Marie were excited that Will had booked them a two person cabin set a little ways away from the two larger ones. Beth, Callie, Rachel and Georgiana settled room dibs quickly with Callie preferring a sleeping bag on the floor of the girls' room. In the larger cabin Will and Richard each had a separate room with Justin and Seth bunking together. By the time everyone was settled and the refrigerators full, the five adults were exhausted.

    Taking over the cooking duties, Georgiana and Rachel put together a salad, fruit plate and prepped for the grilled hamburgers. Justin and Seth manned the grill as Callie ran back and forth retrieving anything needed and setting the table. Everyone was quite impressed with the dinner. A hike was suggested but declined by Will and Beth who volunteered to clean up after the meal. Everyone else took off for an adventure with the understanding that a campfire complete with s'mores would cap off the evening, at least as far as Callie was concerned.

    From their many evenings together, Will and Beth fell into a proficient partnership in clearing and doing dishes. Beth explained a little bit of what the girls had shared with her in regards to their relationships. She could tell he was uncomfortable thinking about his sister wrestling with such adult issues, but she assured him that the girls were handling things very maturely and she was confident that the best resolution would be made. Will admitted that both he and Richard were struggling with Georgiana leaving for school and how empty the house would feel. Suddenly an uncomfortable silence settled over the couple.

    Finished with their task, they moved out to the swing on the large deck of Beth's cabin, each mulling over the conversation with additions they knew needed to be discussed between them. Beth finally decided to broach the subject she had on her mind for several weeks. "Next week I'll have to spend several days at the High School getting my classroom ready." She began looking at Will's face for any clues of his feelings.

    "Oh, it's that time already?" Will did not want to step too deeply into this topic until after he proposed, which he had planned for Wednesday evening.

    "Yes. The room is all mine now, so I have lots of changes that I would like to make."

    "Hmmm." Will was struggling to figure out how to change the subject without seeming disinterested in Beth's work.

    "I had a call from the principal asking me if I'd be interested in assisting the tennis coach or they were considering starting a writer's club and wondered if I'd like to sponsor it. Both would mean after school commitments and maybe even some weekends."

    "Oh. Would you like to do either of those things?" This was getting tricky.

    "Well, yes and no. I think I could manage Callie's schedule, but it might limit when I get to see Jeannie – or you for that matter." She again looked to see his reaction.

    "I can't say I like the sound of that," he smiled, "but if you want to coach or sponsor something creative like that, I would be a very selfish man indeed if I said I didn't want you to do that."

    "Oh" Silence. Beth wrestled with letting it drop, but then reminded herself where that tactic got her in the past. "Fitzwilliam?"

    "Hmmm" he was trying to distract her by lightly stroking her face and following it with kisses.

    "I wouldn't mind if you were a little selfish."

    That got Will's attention. Now what do I say without blowing it? "Elizabeth, I'll be fine with whatever you decide, but don't make me the reason you say no." Wait. That didn't come out quite right. The kissing stopped as he felt Beth stiffen and her posture go rigid in the swing. "That didn't come out the way I wanted it to."

    "No, I understand. You want me to make the decision and not blame you. You don't want me to figure you into the equation. I get it." So much for opening the door…

    Great, now she's mad. Maybe I should just pop the question now. No, she'll think I felt trapped into it. Where is everybody? Distraction please… Will's mind was frantically searching for the best way to reply to this sticky conversation. "Honey, that's not what I meant at all. I love it that you are thinking about how what you do will affect me…us… You only had a couple weeks of teaching left when you moved up here, so that's not a good way to judge our schedules. I will be going to SKAT two days a week and then working on my thesis for the rest of the year. I won't have to be on campus very much at all. Richard is learning more and more of the day to day operations and we've talked about a house for him and even buying some land that may be up for sale…" he felt like he was blabbering, so he stopped to see what might be next.

    "Sounds like you two have been busy making plans." Without me. "I think maybe I'll pass on the tennis since that would be a huge commitment for the first ten weeks of school. The writing club would only be once a week or so. I could use the money, though…" oops, shouldn't have said out loud, now he'll think I need money.

    Will shifted uncomfortably in the swing. This was getting way too complicated. If he didn't know better he'd swear she was fishing. He cursed Juanita as he was sure she had planted something in Beth's mind when they talked about the baby thing several weeks ago. "Well, I guess that would be something to consider, but again…"

    "Yes, don't worry about what you may think.' She interrupted. Well, the pitch was thrown, and he didn't even look at it. She was genuinely confused as Will had talked about marrying her several times lately especially when she was staying at the farm But as her mind thought back through the last few weeks since the accident and Beth was back at her house, Will had not mentioned one word about waking up alone or even attempting more than just a kiss or a touch…

    "Well, I wouldn't say that…Oh, look, here come the adventurers." Thank you, Lord.

    Both bounded off the deck to greet and to listen to the details of the hike. Callie demanded the fire be set as she was quite ready for the s'mores. The wood was piled and kindling gathered while Marie and Beth went inside to get the ingredients ready. Marie observed Beth suspiciously.

    "Ok," she put the tray of goodies down on the table. "what's up?"

    "What do you mean?" Beth didn't look at her friend but stayed busy.

    "The two of you couldn't get off that deck fast enough. Usually it takes a crow bar to separate you. Even Ed noticed that and you know that says something right there." She smiled hoping that a little humor would help.

    Beth quickly explained the conversation and the confusion it brought with it. Will had told her and Ed what his plans were for the week, so Marie had a difficult time not laughing at Will's attempt to throw her off track. She told Beth to not read anything into it and to do whatever she wanted for the coming year.

    Meanwhile, Will had drawn Richard and Ed aside under the guise of finding good sticks for the marshmallows. He relayed the gist of their conversation. Richard laughed and stated that just this type of thing was the reason he stayed single. Ed told him he was on a slippery slope and he may need to revamp his timeline for the week. Not wanting a day to go by with Beth angry or unsure about him, he decided to move the big question up a day. The men agreed and then decided they would request a "manly day" tomorrow so the two of them wouldn't have any more awkward moments.

    The campfire was much fun with singing, building the s'mores and Richard entertaining the group with stories from his travels as a kid and in the service. Beth decided to take Marie's advice to heart and enjoyed the time with everyone. Callie was showing signs of fatigue, so Beth walked her to the cabin and settled her in. The young adults claimed the hot tub outside the women's cabin while Ed and Marie begged off to enjoy their "honeymoon retreat". The plan for the next day was set that the men would get up and go fishing and possibly visit Old Man's Cave. The women were going to the lake and into town.

    Needing his touch and assurance that all was well, Beth called after Will as he was leaving the campfire. His resolve nearly melted as the firelight danced across her face. She looked up at him with her bright eyes and held his face in her hands. "I am so happy to be here with you again, Fitzwilliam. We have come a long way, haven't we?"

    Will pulled her to him and lavished a deep powerful kiss upon her waiting mouth. "Yes, we have and yet I believe we've barely begun my love." He could tell that she was pleased by his words and deed, so he kissed her yet again. "I hate to admit it, but I am quite tired. Since we are getting up ridiculously early to fish, though I have no idea who thought of that, I'm afraid I need to go to bed. I hope you are not disappointed in me." She shook her head but was obviously disappointed with the situation. "Can I make it up to you by taking you for our own private picnic tomorrow? I'll make sure Callie is taken care of and we can enjoy an evening of just the two of us."

    "That would be lovely, Fitzwilliam." Her eyes shone again as she hugged him tightly. "Get your rest and enjoy your manly man time tomorrow." She laughed as he made a muscle. "But save some of your manliness for me."

    "Madam, I believe I save all of it for you." He traced the line of her jaw with his index finger before touching her lips. To stay his course, he kissed her one last time and wished her a night of pleasant dreams.

    Richard's laugh could be heard from the hot tub as Will took yet another cool shower before retiring for the evening.

    Beth didn't sleep well at all. She played her conversations with Will over and over and couldn't figure out what he was trying to say to her. With all her heart she wished him to just ask the question for real so they could finally plan their life together. Having no experience in this matter as Marie and Ed seemed to have always planned to marry, she fretted about what to do, then fretted about her fretting. Giving up, she walked out to the kitchen and put the kettle on for some tea. A few minutes later she walked out to the deck and sat down on the swing. Hearing the night sounds of crickets and the gentle breeze relaxed her. She set down the cup and snuggled into the blanket she brought with her. Several hours later, she awakened to strong arms lifting her and carrying her into the cabin. Not a word was spoken as Will settled beside her on the large couch and they drifted off to sleep.

    The morning light streaming through the patio door awakened Beth abruptly. She smiled when she remembered Will's loving gesture of moving her into the living room. Feeling his arm around her and listening to his steady breathing tempted her to sleep again, but she had decided last night to get up and fix the guys a big breakfast before they set off on the manly man day. Successfully removing Will's arm was quite an endeavor, and she thought she had succeeded until it snaked back around her and she felt his stubble filled face tickle her back.

    "Where in the world do you think you're going madam?" He grumbled in her ear.

    "No fair, you're tickling me." She laughed as she tried to push his face away.

    "And does tickling you make you powerless to resist me?"

    "Like I would admit that." He started to tickle her more not only with his beard stubble but gently poking her in her side as well. "Will, come on, we'll wake the girls."

    "I doubt that. Try again." He persisted.

    "When I get tickled I throw up."

    "Hmm, a deterrent I admit, but not enough to stop me. Try again."

    OK, what is his game? What does he want from me? "My darling Fitzwilliam," she managed between the giggles. "I am trying to get up so that I can make you breakfast so that you will keep your strength up. Then you will not be too tired to take me on our picnic date as you promised."

    "You're almost there…"

    "And of course, I love you madly."

    He stopped immediately and turned her face towards his, "That is what I wish to hear every morning…soon." His mouth covered hers and the kiss deepened slowly and lusciously. With every fiber of her being Beth could feel his warmth and the depth of feeling in which he gave her his love. Slowly, she began to pull away. Will fought it at first, but then with a sigh let her go.

    "I will tell you every morning, noon and evening, Fitzwilliam. That is a promise I can easily give." She stood up then but caressed his face as she did. "Now, however, I want to feed all the manly men here with me as I love them all, too." She smiled as Will put up pouting lips and his puppy eyes. "But I love you best."

    She sashayed into the kitchen and began pulling out all the ingredients she needed for their meal. Will reluctantly left to make sure all the guys were up and decent so Beth could cook in their cabin. Humming to herself, Beth stopped when she suddenly realized Will was going to ask her to marry him that night. Her breath caught in her throat, and she had to sit down as the force of the revelation hit her. She shook her head to admonish herself for thinking that, but then it hit her again with such force that she knew she was right. Everything pointed to it, including his remark minutes ago about hearing her say she loved him.

    With extreme effort she made herself gather all the food and walk out of the cabin. She couldn't let Will know what she had figured out. Thankful that they would be out of each other's company until he came to get her that evening, she took the few moments to walk over to the men's cabin to calm down and to resolve not to look at him if she could help it. He knew her too well for her to hide for too long.

    Hours later, the ladies were driving toward the lake to enjoy the sun and the sand. Callie constructed several castles and buried Rachel in the sand in between frolicking in the water. Beth feigned a bad night's rest and lain on the blanket with her eyes closed most of the time. Marie began to suspect that Beth was deliberately not talking, but she felt best to not push her friend. She only hoped that Beth and Will had not argued. Two hours later, they packed up to head back to clean up and then they enjoyed their afternoon tea and shopping.

    When they returned the second time, the men were back from their fishing trip and were in the process of cleaning their catch. Callie was fascinated, but none of the other females went anywhere near that activity which again gave Beth an excuse to not see Will. Instead, she holed up in her room, stating that she needed a little rest before her date with Will. Callie rested in the other room as well, with the potent combination of water and sun draining her as usual.

    Alone in her room, Beth spent the hour fussing with her hair, make up and even changed her choice of dress several times. Knowing how much Will liked her hair down, she was struggling with the practicality of braiding it due to the heat of the day. Deciding that she couldn't stand to be a sweaty mess as the man of her dreams finally asked her what her heart had wanted to hear for a year, she braided her hair and tucked it at the nape of her neck. With one last look and an explicit prayer to be right about the night, she kissed her daughter and told the girls she'd see them later.

    Will had not caught one fish. He hadn't even a nibble. The hike to Old Man's Cave was a disaster as he tripped over several roots and experienced claustrophobia for the first time in his life once they were in the cave. Richard remarked that his subconscious must be fighting for his bachelorhood to remain intact. Ed added that he was just like every other love struck male before he finally succumbed to the inevitable. Justin and Seth were irritated that Will just didn't get it over with and move on.

    He had fought with himself for weeks to determine just what to say to her and how to present the ring. Perfectionism was a downfall for him, but he believed his dearest, loveliest Elizabeth deserved the moment that she had waited for so long. Not that he felt that he deserved her at all, he just recognized he couldn't live without her and that she would derive some pleasure out of putting up with him for the rest of their lives. He researched poetry, attempted drawing something, listened to romantic ballads and they all fell short. Desperation took over to the extent of reading both proposal scenes in Pride and Prejudice and watching Beth's favorite movie version, but he didn't think the book's Darcy said what was in his heart and he couldn't bring himself to do the stuttering "I love you" of the film.

    As he walked up to the deck of Beth's cabin, he took a deep breath, checked his pocket for the umpteenth time for the ring and prayed that the right words would just fall from his lips and that she would truly put him out of his misery and just say "yes."

    Georgiana could not resist the temptation of giving her brother a hard time. She cut off Beth's approach to the door and answered it first. "Yes, may I help you, Fitzwilliam?" she mischievously provoked her brother by blocking his entrance to the cabin on top of his view of Beth.

    "Georgiana," Will warned.

    "Yes?" she batted her eyes in feigned innocence. Beth was giggling behind her.

    Calming himself by realizing that everyone knew his stated purpose except perhaps Beth, he answered, "I am here to escort Miss Elizabeth to a picnic UNCHAPERONED I might add."

    "Well," his sister arched her brow, "I suppose that would be OK considering how old you are, Fitzwilliam, but I believe I speak for all of us when I say that you must have her delivered safely to the cabin by 10pm."

    "OK, listen, I'm not – " He was interrupted by Georgiana's giggles while Beth pushed her way to the door. He stopped short and his heart leapt at the sight of the woman he so desperately loved. Beth's face was once again glowing from the combination of their time at the lake and her undisguised return of love for Will. To him, she was the epitome of what every woman should be, and he was grateful that she was his – or at least would be just that much closer after this night.

    "Georgiana," Beth jokingly admonished, "Richard's influence on you is unmistakable." Though speaking to Georgiana, her eyes never left Will's. "Fitzwilliam, I am ready for our unchaperoned picnic." She tip toed up and kissed him lightly while still suppressing her laugh. Turning to all the girls who where now standing in the doorway and then noticing that Richard, Will and Justin were watching from their deck, she informed them all loudly, "I am sure that we will not be missed at all. Callie, didn't you want for Richard and the boys to take turns with you on the swing and then later have Georgiana and Rachel play beauty shop with you?'

    Callie jumped up and down excitedly, not realizing that her momma had just used her for her and Will's amusement while committing the entire crowd to activities for which they were not all that fond. Groans were heard all around. When Will was handing Beth into the jeep, Richard was negotiating with Seth and Justin to take his turn as his cousin called him a slacker before sliding into the jeep and taking off before anyone could reach them.

    As they continued down the unpaved road, Will reached for Beth's hand and brought it to his lips, "I knew there were many reasons why I love you, but right up there is the fact that you set my cousin on his ear just as much as you do me. The bonus was you got them all and Callie will have a very fun evening indeed." The laughter helped to lessen the nervousness that each felt.

    Will eased the jeep down the winding river road and stopped close to where they had experienced their first date a year ago. Beth waited as she knew he enjoyed his acts of chivalry and reminded herself of the talks she and Juanita had concerning Will's desires for a partner in his life. Without realizing, she blushed as she took his hand getting out of the jeep. Will wondered at the reaction as it wasn't like he never escorted her before, but he loved her blushes so stealing a quick kiss rewarded him and soothed her.

    They walked to the grassy spot with wildflowers and scented bushes lining the river's edge. Setting down the basket and blanket, Will offered his arm for Beth to place her hand in and they strolled the bank of the slow moving river. "We didn't get to do this last year." He said only momentarily acknowledging the natural beauty surrounding them. "I believe I monopolized the entire evening. I don't want to make that mistake again."

    "You monopolized nothing. It was the first time I felt that I was starting to get to know you. Except for a few minor interruptions in the past year," she looked up to see Will's reaction to her obvious revisionist interpretation, "everyday I learn something more about you. You are the best of men, Fitzwilliam Darcy Stephens. The very best."

    Will stopped and guided Beth's arm around so that she was now facing him directly. "So you are like your namesake? You chose to remember the past only as it gives you pleasure?" His smile was dazzling.

    "Why, yes, Fitzwilliam, I believe I do – especially where you are concerned." Her eyes were dancing in the light of the sun and the humor of the moment.

    "Oh, dear Lord, Elizabeth, how I love you." Without thinking, Will dropped to his knee while maintaining his hold on her hand. "Miss Elizabeth Jane Thomas, would you make me the happiest of men and tell me once and for all that you will do me the honor of becoming my wife? I cannot comprehend of my life without you and I promise you that I will endeavor to be worthy of you in every way for the rest of my life."

    Beth stared at Will as he looked up into her face with those puppy eyes she so adored. This was a moment she knew she would hold in heart forever. She startled as she realized that Will's hand was actually shaking and those puppy eyes were swimming with emotion. This was love. This was commitment. This was what was meant to be between a man and a woman and what she had secretly wished for all of her adult life. She attempted to speak but the words stuck in her throat.

    "Elizabeth?" Will wasn't sure what he was witnessing as he gazed at her blushing face.

    Finally finding her voice, Beth answered him: "Fitzwilliam Darcy Stephens. Our mothers fell in love with two characters who had so much to change in order to find each other. They both loved them so much that they named their children after them. I believe that they held out the hope that we would all find love and contentment in our lives. Your path has been filled with so much pain and loneliness while sacrificing for your family. Mine was a forced loneliness out of fear and self preservation. I not only love you, Fitzwilliam, but I trust you." She brought his hand up and put it over her heart. "My heart is giving you your answer; it truly started beating when I let you in. Yes, Fitzwilliam, yes, I will be your wife. Now stand up and kiss me."

    Will leapt to his feet and grabbed Beth at her waist, spinning her around as he laughed and kissed her continually until they were both too dizzy to stand. Falling to the ground, Beth landed on top of him as they laughed and cried and kissed and held on to each other. Eventually, Will stood up and reached down to draw Beth to him. "I don't know why I was so nervous about this. It's the most natural thing in the world for you to be with me. Somehow I guess I wait for you to wake up and see the real me."

    "I do see the real you, Fitzwilliam. That's why I love you. That's why my daughters love you, too." Tears were still shimmering in her eyes as she caressed his face with her hand. "I keep thinking that you are going to decide that my little family is way too much for you. I guess we both need to accept the other's unconditional love."

    "I will give it to you everyday, Elizabeth. I can't believe I just dropped down on my knee like that! That is totally not what I had planned." He shook his head in amazement.

    "Well, whatever you may have planned, this was a perfect moment. I will cherish this always, Fitzwilliam. Always." They melted together and time stood still as they basked in the love they had fought so hard to achieve.

    For once, it was actually Will who broke the embrace. "Good heavens, Elizabeth, you accepted without me giving you this." He reached into his pocket to retrieve a small pink mesh bag tied with a delicate ribbon. He held it in his open hand for Beth to pick up.

    Looking down at the bag, Beth shook her head. She turned her face up to Will's and said, "My hands are shaking so much I don't think I can open that."

    Will laughed, "Only you would refuse to open your own your engagement ring. Most of the women of my acquaintance would have jumped me for it before I got all the way down on my knee." He was untying the bag as he spoke. With Beth watching nervously, Will was now under control as the hard part as far as he was concerned was over. He shook the bag gently and the ring fell into his other hand. He reached for Beth's left hand and slid the ring onto her finger: a perfect fit.

    They both stared down at the unique band. "Oh, Fitzwilliam, it is exquisite. Where did you find this? I have truly never seen a ring this beautiful." Will explained his classmate and the design meetings. The band was actually three thin gold bands melded together. Will explained the meaning from the scripture in Proverbs that is quoted quite often in marriage ceremonies where the husband and wife with God's help are three strands not easily broken. The three bands came up in an arc with three small diamonds on each end. The three diamonds surrounded a round cut diamond in the center of the band. Will told Beth that the three diamonds represented Callie, Jeannie and himself while Beth was the diamond in the middle. He said that he and girls would always surround her with their love but that her love for them far overshadowed their meager attempts.

    "Did that make any sense at all?" He asked expecting a negative reply.

    "It is beautiful in every way. But you overestimate me and underestimate your value way too much." She held out the ring as tears slipped down her cheek. "You amaze me, Fitzwilliam Your heart and your sensitivity is such a rare and precious gift."

    Will blushed at her praise but was so happy that she loved the sentiment behind the ring. He held her close then asked if she wanted to continue the walk or sit down for the picnic. She sighed and replied that she wanted to do neither. So they remained in their embrace for awhile longer just taking in the comfort and joy of their love and new understanding.

    Eventually, Will led them back to the blanket. He had purchased fresh fruit, cheese, freshly baked bread and Beth's favorite cream puffs. Knowing she really didn't care too much for wine, he had chilled a bottle of spumante and included two glasses. They set out the food and Will poured the drink over strawberries in the delicate stemware. Raising his glass he tenderly gazed at Beth and said, "I fully intend to look back at today and laugh about how little I love you in comparison to how I will love you more every day. This is to us: may we always have time for each other as we raise our daughters and face whatever life may throw at us."

    Beth raised her glass to his and they both drank deeply. Will bent his head down and kissed Beth passionately. "MMM, you taste like a strawberry soda. I think I could get drunk on your lips alone."

    "You, sir must have practiced all these things to say for quite some time. You are turning my head even more than usual. I've already said yes, but you can charm me anytime." She laughed, took another sip, and offered her lips to him again.

    Over the next hour, only words of endearments were spoken and not much food consumed. Beth did insist on eating the cream puffs so they fed one to each other. They watched several groups of canoes and kayaks float along the river and waved occasionally to the occupants. Beth surprised herself that she didn't want to leave and go to share the news with everyone back at the cabins. She truly desired to share this time with Will only as she was acutely aware that time alone would be precious for them.

    "Elizabeth?" Will broke her revelry. "When?"

    "When what?" she was leaning back on her elbows as Will rested his head in her lap.

    "When will you end my misery? When can we get married?" Before she could speak he drew her head closer to his, "Please tell me you don't want a long engagement. Please say that we can do it right but do it in a hurry."

    "There's the Fitzwilliam I know and love. I knew Mr. Impatient would return soon." She laughed as she traced his features with her finger before resting it on his lips. "Georgiana and Seth are leaving for school next week, so they will be of no help. I don't want a big wedding if that's OK with you." She laughed again as Will nodded his head eagerly. "But I do want it in the church and I do want the dress and you in a tux. Is that alright?"

    "Woman, as long as you marry me, I don't care what I wear. Of course you realize that Juanita is the Mexican Martha Stewart. She will have everything planned by the end of this weekend if I know her. I only ask three things: I pay, I plan the honeymoon and I take care of the music. Wait, four things: we enjoy this time and not go all wedding manic or Bridenstein or whatever they call it."

    "I take exception to your requests, except about the honeymoon and certainly I will not become a bridezilla" she emphasized the word. "You will not pay for all of this, Will."

    "Wow, engaged a little over an hour and I'm back to Will." He teased her. "And I yes, I will pay for it." She began to speak, "Ok, Ok, you pay for the dress and the stuff that goes with that." He put up his hand as she started to argue again. "Please, honey, use whatever money you have saved from your house for something for you or put it back for the girls, but I don't want you to spend it on the wedding."

    "Alright, I pay for my dress and for Callie's and Jeannie's."

    "That's not what I said," he shook his head.

    "You said all the stuff that goes with my dress. They go with my dress." She smiled triumphantly.

    "Oh, it's like that, is it? You are going to keep me on my toes for the rest of my life." He sat up then and kissed her soundly, he could feel her melting to him, so he deepened the kiss even further then finally released her.

    "Whatever you say, Fitzwilliam," Beth replied breathlessly, her eyes still closed.

    Will smugly nodded his head and reached for his glass. With his attention turned briefly away from her, he didn't see her coming to tackle him, so she easily had him pinned. "Your kisses are strong, sir, but don't kid yourself. I will not let you railroad me every time money comes up." Will feigned a struggle while Beth "tortured' him by pulling the pins out of her hair and letting the braid swing over his face. She had straddled him above his waist and was bent over his face her eyes dancing in merriment. Her laughter stopped as she watched the expression on Will's face change from amusement to unmistakable desire. Momentarily frightened by his intensity, she began to move her body to come off of his, but before she could do so, Will rolled them both over so that now he was looking down into her face.

    "What you do to me, Elizabeth, what you do to me." He actually shuddered as he leaned in to kiss her lips, he moved to her cheeks, eyes, traveled down again to her neck whispering his words of love and commitment as he went. Beth knew this was dangerous ground for them both. She understood without a doubt that she was going to marry Will and that he would be the only man ever to hold her in his intimate embrace, but she still wanted to wait until their wedding night. She still believed in her resolve of so many years ago and the actual commitment she believed she made to God to remain so until she wed. But this felt so good, so right…

    "Hey, you better have the marriage license to be doing that mister!" Richard came bounding into the river's lane followed closely by everybody else. Will let out a curse and quickly sat up, pulling Beth with him. Their moment was over.

    Truth be told, Will had informed Richard where they were going and asked to descend on them after a couple of hours. Will was concerned that after Beth had said yes to him, he would demand more than she was willing to give. He would never force his intentions, but he knew full well that he could seduce her. Richard wasn't all that comfortable to be the "purity police" as he called it, but he did respect both Will and Beth in their resolve – well, in her resolve anyway.

    The group held quite a celebration with champagne, noisemakers and even balloons. In the midst of all the back slapping and hugging, Callie walked up to Will and tapped him as far as she could reach. Will squatted to meet her gaze. "Yes, Princess?" he asked in mock serious.

    Callie, though, was all business in that moment. "Mr. Will, are you going to marry my momma?"

    "Yes, I am. I hope you are OK with that."

    "I think so. But where will you live? We don't have an extra room at our house." She stated innocently.

    "Well, I was hoping that your momma would come to live with me at the farm."

    "Oh. That's a problem."

    "It is?" By now, everyone was listening to the conversation.

    "I'm not allowed to sleep by myself in the house."

    "Callie, would you come and live with me, too?"

    "And Jeannie, too?"

    "And Jeannie, too."

    "Are you going to marry me, Mr. Will?" her eyes grew wide.

    "I was hoping for something even better than that." Will looked over his shoulder at Beth. He had not had the chance to talk to her about it, but he felt she would want this too. "Callie, would you like it if I became your daddy?" He held his breath almost as nervous as when he asked Beth to be his wife.

    "You want to be my daddy? I've never had a daddy." She looked from Will to her momma and back to Will. "I could call you Daddy?"

    Will nodded his head, suddenly sensing a burning in his throat. "Yes. I would like that very much."

    Again Callie's eyes grew wide. Just like her momma, Callie suddenly tackled Will but he was able to right himself as he was squatting. "I'm going to have a daddy! I'm going to have a daddy who's a cowboy!" She threw her arms around Will's neck and hugged him tightly. "I'll be your daughter, right?" Will nodded. "I can call you Daddy and you can call me daughter. We can do stuff that daddy's do with their daughters like hike and go fishing. Momma doesn't do that too much."

    Beth's eyes were swimming as was Marie's. The best friends embraced and Marie could literally feel Beth's happiness. "I wish Jeannie were here," Beth said in her ear and Marie echoed her wish. Callie was dancing around them all now singing that her daddy's name was Will and that she would live on a farm and would ride Butterscotch all she wanted. She stopped by Richard and grabbed his hand, "Mr. Richard, if he's my Daddy, will you be my uncle? I don't have an uncle, but I bet that they are important too, right?"

    Richard was having a difficult time as it was to maintain his usual cynical demeanor surrounded by all this love and happiness, so Callie's loving sincerity threatened him even further. "Well, Callie, technically…"

    "Oh who care's about technicalities, Richard, be her uncle." Will made the decision for him. "Uncle Richard has a nice ring to it, don't you think?" Actually, it did.

    Continued In Next Section

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