When Calls the Heart: Jack and Elizabeth's Reunion

Called Away

Jack slowly opened his eyes to the dawn of a new morning. He smelled the decadent aroma of breakfast coming from downstairs, and smiled. It had been six months since Elizabeth was captured by Nate Tolliver and things had been back to normal. He kept telling his wife that he was more than capable of making his own breakfast, especially since she had to take care of James in the morning, making sure he was fed and changed. But Elizabeth just kept getting up at an early hour to take care of everything and make him such a hearty meal so that he would be full until lunch. She was always telling him that some stuff he cooks wasn't exactly edible. He chuckled to himself as he stood up from the bed, and headed to the wash basin to shave.

He loved how committed to this marriage she was. He loved how even though she'd been through a lot, it didn't stop her from being the best companion he could have ever hoped for. They were a team, and they have never strayed from being such. After quickly dressing, he headed downstairs where Elizabeth was just dishing his breakfast onto a plate. He stood at the landing and watched her for a moment. She was still in a light robe, her hair in a braid falling down one shoulder, wisps of her hair softly sticking out from her face, and soft slippers on her feet. She moved around the kitchen so gracefully, like an angel. An angel that he was so lucky to have in his life. "Good morning, Mrs. Thornton," he said softly.

Elizabeth startled slightly and looked up at the stair landing. "Good morning. How long have you been standing there?" 

"Just for a minute or so," he replied.

"Well, come down and eat your breakfast or it'll get cold." Jack descended the stairs and sat at the table where a plate of warm food was sitting before him. Elizabeth dished up her plate and sat at the table next to him. "What were you looking at?"

"I was just admiring how angelic you look, moving about the kitchen with such ease. I like observing you sometimes."

"Well, now I have to make sure that I have to always look nice just in case you do."

"Nuh uh. Honey, you could be wearing overalls and muddy boots and you'd still look heaven sent." He leaned over and kissed her quickly on her mouth.

Elizabeth sighed with delight. How Jack could still manage to make her breathless with just a simple kiss was just amazing. She went on to eat her breakfast and continued to talk to her husband about what was new in town.

About a half an hour later, James was dressed for the day, the dishes were clean and Elizabeth was helping Jack with his coat when they heard a knock on the door. Elizabeth opened the door to see Laura Campbell arriving to take care of James while she was teaching at the school. "Good morning, Laura," she said.

"Good morning, Mrs. Thornton." She saw Jack in the room and acknowledged him as well.

After Elizabeth welcomed her inside, she felt grateful all over again. About a month after the kidnapping, Elizabeth desperately wanted to get back to the classroom and teach, but she didn't know what to do about James. Laura offered her services as if she could sense her need for it, and ever since then, Laura had been a blessing to Jack and Elizabeth so they both could do their jobs and their son would be taken care of. Minutes later, both Jack and Elizabeth were about to leave when Elizabeth turned around and asked, "Are you sure you have everything you need?"

Laura nodded. "We are going to be fine, Mrs. Thornton. Don't you worry. I'll send for you if there is need."

We thank you for doing this, Laura," Jack said.

"It's my pleasure to do so, Constable," she replied. "Now go on. Get outta here." And they did just that.

Elizabeth always enjoyed Jack walking her to the school. It always made her feel like they were still courting, her arm wrapped through his, him carrying her books and lesson plans. She felt so happy. This was her life, their life. And it just wouldn't get any better than this.