Sometimes late at night
I lie awake and watch her sleeping
She's lost in peaceful dreams
So I turn out the lights and lay there in the dark
And the thought crosses my mind
If I never wake up in the morning
Would she ever doubt the way I feel
About her in my heart
If tomorrow never comes
Will she know how much I loved her
Did I try in every way to show her every day
That she's my only one
And if my time on earth were through
And she must face this world without me
Is the love I gave her in the past
Gonna be enough to last
If tomorrow never comes
'Cause I've lost loved ones in my life
Who never knew how much I loved them
Now I live with the regret
That my true feelings for them never were revealed
So I made a promise to myself
To say each day how much she means to me
And avoid that circumstance
Where there's no second chance to tell her how I feel
If tomorrow never comes
Will she know how much I loved her
Did I try in every way to show her every day
That she's my only one
And if my time on earth were through
And she must face this world without me
Is the love I gave her in the past
Gonna be enough to last
If tomorrow never comes
So tell that someone that you love
Just what you're thinking of
If tomorrow never comes
They all listened as Elizabeth's voice filled the inside of Jesse's truck as she sang along with Garth Brooks coming from her iPod.
"Wow girl, you should really try out for the end of the year variety show. You're awesome." Stef said from the back seat where she was cuddled up with Ryan.
Elizabeth laughed. " No way can I sing in front of the whole school. I just sing for fun anyway."
"You've got to listen to Jesse's grandma sing while Jesse and his grandpa play guitar."
Jesse pulled his truck on to a dirt road. "It's just up here about three miles.", Jesse told Elizabeth.
She nodded and Jesse knew she was getting nervous so he squeeze her hand in reassurance.
After driving awhile more the house came into view and Elizabeth was stunned. The house was all made from logs. It was big but homey looking. The porch was her favorite part. It went along the length of the house. It had steps but not many. As promised, the cement path ways were also there. "This is beautiful."
Jesse parked the truck at the top of the drive way and Ethan and Rachel pulled in behind it. "Told ya you'd like it.", he said smiling.
He got out of the truck and unloaded her chair but instead of letting her transfer into it he scooped her up and sat her in it.
"Awe. Jesse you're such a prince.", Stef said watching them.
"Yeah how come you never do sweet stuff like that for me?", Rachel asked Ethan playfully.
Before Ethan could answer, an elderly couple come out on to the porch. The man was tall and thin. He work a blue and white western style shirt, Wranglers and boots. He was very handsome even with his greying hair. The women was beautiful in blue jeans, moccasin style shoes and a loose fitting white silk blouse, her long grey hair tied into a braid down her back.
"Hey kids.", the man called and came down to great them all.
"Hey Papal", Jesse said after Clint had hugged Rachel and Stefanie. "Thanks for letting us come down.".
"You're always welcomed here son." Clint told him and turn to Elizabeth. "And this pretty darlin' must be Elizabeth."
Elizabeth smiled. "Thank you for having us sir. Pleased to meet you."
Clint chuckled. "Anytime darlin' and please call me Clint or Grandpa everyone else does." He turned and called to his wife, "Sarah Lynn, come meet this pretty gal."
Sarah came down for the porch and hugged Jesse. To Elizabeth's surprise, she turned and gave her a warm embrace as well. "Welcome sweetie.", Sarah said smiling. " Well James, get the girl inside. It's freezing out here."
Ethan helped Jesse lift Elizabeth and her char over the steps and onto the porch. The inside of the Bennett's home was beautiful as well. The walls were wood as well with family photos and berry and twig reefs artfully arranged on the front wall. The furniture was tan and burgundy striped. Red gingham curtains hung in the windows and two old wooden rocking chairs set on either side of the stone fire place. "You're home is lovely.", Elizabeth said.
Sarah smiled in thank you to Elizabeth and turned to Jesse and the boys. "You men go bring the things in from the cars while the ladies and I get dinner started."
Jesse looked at Elizabeth. "Will you be alright?", he asked nervously.
"Why of course she will be." Sarah said wrapping an arm around Elizabeth's shoulders. "The girls well be in Natalie and Dixie's old room downstairs and you boys will be in Bill's old room upstairs. Now scat we women have work to do."
"Yes Grandma."Jesse smiled and kissed Elizabeth's forehead. "I'll be back", then he and the boys along with Clint went out to collect the bags.
***
"You're really sweet on that girl ain't ya?", Clint asked Jesse once they were outside.
"I love her Gramps.", Jesse admitted without hesitation. "I'm gonna marry her one day."
Clint smiled. When you're grandmama told me you was fixin to bring a girl up here I figured as such since we've never met any of your other girl friends. Then yesterday when that contraption arrived it left no doubt."
Jesse grabbed his and Elizabeth bag and flung them over his shoulder. "Now, if I can get her to trust me enough to love me back."
Clint clasped his grandson's shoulder and said, "Son, something tells me it's gonna be easier then you think."
***
As the guys were coming up the porch with the bags, Jesse stopped them just in the door way and put his finger to his lips. They were all quiet has they listened to Grandma and Elizabeth singing as they rolled flour for biscuits.
Well, I was born a coal miner's daughter
In a cabin on a hill in Butcher Holler
We were poor but we had love
That's the one thing that daddy made sure of
He shoveled coal to make a poor man's dollar
My daddy worked all night in the Van Leer coal mine
And all day long in the field a' hoeing corn
Momma rocked the babies at night and read the Bible by the coal oil light
And everything would start all over come break of morn'
Daddy loved and raised eight kids on a miner's pay
Mommy scrubbed our clothes on a washboard every day
Well, I seen her fingers bleed, to complain there was no need,
She'd smile in mommy's understanding way
In the summertime we didn't have shoes to wear
But in the wintertime we'd all get a brand new pair
From a mail order catalog, money made from selling a hog
Daddy always managed to get the money somewhere
Yeah, I'm proud to be a coal miner's daughter
I remember well the well where I drew water
The work we done was hard, at night we'd sleep 'cause we were tired
I never thought of ever leaving Butcher Holler
Well, a lot of things have changed since way back then
And it's so good to be back home again
Not much left but the floors, nothing lives here anymore
Except the memories of a coal miner's daughter
Jesse watched with smile on his face as Elizabeth sit the biscuit pan on her lap and wheel over and place them in the oven. He motioned for the guys and his grandpa to follow him inside. "Those biscuits better be good Bethie.", he called playfully as he took the bags to rooms.
"Oh you hush James, you'll eat them and like it.", she told him teasing. She went over to the table to help Stef peel can cut potatoes.
Jesse stood there watching her for awhile. She looked so cute in one of his grandma aprons and flour on her face. He smiled as she started singing along with Trisha Yearwood on the kitchen radio.
Katie's sitting on the old front porch
Watching the chickens peck the ground
There ain't a whole lot going on tonight
In this one horse town.
Over yonder, coming up the road
In a beat-up Chevy truck
Her boyfriend Tommy, he's laying on the horn
Splashing through the mud and the muck
Her daddy says, "he ain't worth a lick
When it came to brains, he got the short end of the stick"
But Katie's young and man she just don't care
She'd follow Tommy anywhere
She's in love with the boy
She's in love with the boy
She's in love with the boy
And even if they have to run away
She's gonna marry that boy someday
Katie and Tommy at the drive-in movie
Parked in the very last row
They're too busy holding on to one another
To even care about the show
But later on outside the Tastee Freeze,
Tommy slips something on her hand
He says, "my high school ring will have to do
Till I can buy a wedding band"
Her daddy says, "he ain't worth a lick
When it came to brains, he got the short end of the stick"
But Katie's young and man she just don't care
She'd follow Tommy anywhere
She's in love with the boy
She's in love with the boy
She's in love with the boy
And even if they have to run away
She's gonna marry that boy someday
Her daddy's waiting up till half past twelve
When they come sneaking up the walk
He says, "young lady get on up to your room
While me and junior have a talk"
But Mama breaks in and says, "don't lose your temper
It wasn't very long ago
When you yourself was just a hay-seed plowboy
Who didn't have a row to hoe"
"My daddy said you wasn't worth a lick
When it came to brains, you had the short end of the stick
But he was wrong and honey you are too
Katie looks at Tommy like I still look at you"
She's in love with the boy
She's in love with the boy
She's in love with the boy
What's meant to be will always find a way
She's in love with the boy
She's in love with the boy
She's in love with the boy
What's meant to be will always find a way
She's gonna marry that boy someday.
She's in love with the boy....
Dinner was a feast of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn on the cob, fried tomatoes and of course homemade biscuits. Elizabeth had washed the flour from her hands and face at the kitchen sick. Now everyone was seated at a huge black table eating and chatting all except from Rachel who seemed like she didn't want to be here.
Elizabeth smiled has she watched Jesse interact with his grandparents. Sarah and Clint were so loving and friendly to not only their grandson, but to everyone. They all laughed as Stefanie told the story of Sky giving Ryan his girlfriend back because of her lack of skill to make grilled cheese.
"He sounds like another little boy I once knew.", Clint said and proceeded to tell them all about how a two year old Jesse dumped a glass of milk over his sixteen year old Aunt Dixie's head because it
was not chocolate like he had wanted.
"Are you close with you're family?", Clint asked Elizabeth.
"Other then my parents and brother no. My dad is an only child and his parents died when he was little. My moms family is all in North Carolina. She has two brothers. My uncles Sam and Matt. My grandma Hannah died last year. I used to be kind of close with her. My grandpa Jon is in a retirement home there."
"It must be lonely.", Sarah said.
"Sky keeps me busy. Oh shoot! I forgot to call and tell them I made it. May I use the phone to call please?
***
After twenty minutes of reassuring her frantic parents, Elizabeth wheeled back into the house. Everyone was sitting around the fire place in the living room. She noticed that Clint and Jesse had guitars on their laps.
Jesse saw her come in and waved a hand smiling "C'mere. Sing while we play."
Elizabeth blushed. " I'd much rather listen to Grandma Sarah sing."
Sarah was delighted at Elizabeth calling her grandma. "You go on now honey. It's early I'll sing some later."
"Come on little song bird." Clint wink.
"Okay. What am I singing?", Elizabeth asked Jesse.
Jesse just smiled and whispered in Clint's ear and they started playing. Elizabeth smiled as she recognized the song and started singing along.
It's amazing how you can speak right to my heart
Without saying a word, you can light up the dark
Try as I may I could never explain
What I hear when you don't say a thing
The smile on your face let's me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me
A touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall
Yeah, you say it best when you say nothing at all
All day long I can hear people talking out loud
But when you hold me near, you drown out the crowd
Old Mr. Webster could never define
What's being said between your heart and mine
The smile on your face let's me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me
A touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall
Yeah, you say it best when you say nothing at all
The smile on your face let's me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me
A touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall
Yeah, you say it best when you say nothing at all.
***
Sarah watched her grandson's face as he played his guitar while Elizabeth sang. Jesse's face was filled with joy as the tiny girl sang beside him. His shone with love as he played. Sarah had been watching the two of them all day. They seem to be pulled to each other like magnets. It was plain that Jesse adored Elizabeth and was very protective of her. Sarah knew from their phone calls that Jesse liked the girl but seeing it now. She knew it was love for both of them. She could tell that Jesse was trying to move slowly but she also knew her grandson would move
heaven and earth for that little girl.
Sarah carefully snuck and grabbed her camera and flashed some pictures. They could use them in a wedding slide show one day she thought. When Elizabeth finished the song, Sarah got an idea.
"Jesse dear why don't you sing one with Elizabeth?"
"Okay Grandma, but you know I sound awful." Jesse looked at his friends "No laughing you guys."
They all nodded in agreement.
"What do ya wanna hear Grandma?", Jesse asked.
"Why don't y'all do that pretty Shania song?"
"From this moment?", Elizabeth asked
"That's the one.", Sarah nodded.
"Okay. No laughing guys." Jesse warned as Clint started strumming lightly.
From this moment life has begun
From this moment you are the one
Right beside you is where I belong
From this moment on
From this moment I have been blessed
I live only for your happiness
And for your love I'd give my last breath
From this moment on
I give my hand to you with all my heart
Can't wait to live my life with you, can't wait to start
You and I will never be apart
My dreams came true because of you
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment on
You're the reason I believe in love
And you're the answer to my prayers from up above
All we need is just the two of us
My dreams came true because of you
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment
I will love you as long as I live
From this moment on
***
As Stefanie sat on the couch cuddled to Ryan. She was amazed Elizabeth and Jesse's voices were perfect together. There was no question that the two of them belonged together. As she listened to them singing, Stefanie thought about her own relationship. She and Ryan had their problems yes, but thanks to Jesse and Elizabeth they were still together and working on things. She knew Ry was sorry for what he had done. Love was the most important thing and she and Ryan had enough love to last forever. Stef laid her head on Ry's chest and he held her tightly.
"I love you.", Stef told him.
"Love you too.", Ryan whispered.
Stefanie swear that she would pay Jesse and Elizabeth back for saving her and Ryan. She'd get Elizabeth to realize her love for Jesse
***
The singing and playing went on for hours. Elizabeth could honestly say she'd never had such a good time. Elizabeth's favorite part was when Jesse sang a song on his own.
The face of an angel...pretty eyes that shine;
I lie awake at night wishing you were mine.
I'm standing here holding the biggest heartache in town
Whenever you come around.
I get weak in the knees, and I lose my breath.
Oh, I try to speak, but the words won't come...
I'm so scared to death.
And when you smile that smile, the world turns upside down
Whenever you come around.
I feel so helpless...I feel just like a kid.
What is it about you that makes me keep my feelings hid?
I wish I could tell you, but the words can't be found
Whenever you come around.
I get weak in the knees, and I lose my breath.
Oh, I try to speak, but the words won't come...
I'm so scared to death.
And when you smile that smile, the world turns upside down
Whenever you come around.
I get weak in the knees, and I lose my breath.
Oh, I try to speak, but the words won't come...
I'm so scared to death.
And when you smile that smile, the world turns upside down
Whenever you come around.
And when you smile that smile,
The world turns upside down...
Whenever you come around.
Whenever you come around.
It seemed like he was singing directly to her. No. She thought quickly. Elizabeth did wonder how he manage to pick a song that described her feelings perfectly.
Authors Note: I really don't care for this chapter. What do you think about how I put the song lyrics in? I wanted to show a kind of bonding between everyone with out it being shown in over the top ways. What do y'all think? I still need song suggestions for future chapters. -Missy