When Calls the Heart: Jack and Elizabeth's Reunion

It's Time!

Elizabeth hobbled down the stairs in front of her husband to go make him his breakfast. He had always insisted that she go before him so he would be right there to catch her if she ever lost her equilibrium. Once she got to the bottom step, he came right up behind her, placed one hand at her back and the other in her left hand, leading her to sit at the table. "So," she said as he helped her sit down. "Eggs and bacon this morning?"

Jack looked at his tired and exhausted wife. He knew it had to be anytime now that the baby would get here. "Uh, I was thinking. Maybe I should cook for us this morning?"

"No, Jack. I'm fine," she said as she got up, and then her balance was compromised. Jack was right there to hold her steady until she sat back down. "Uh, maybe you're right."

As Jack went to the stove to heat up the pan, Elizabeth just sat there and deep thought. She was so ready to get this baby out of her. She kept making visits to the infirmary to check if it was going to come sooner rather than later. All Doctor Shepherd ever said that it wasn't time yet and she should be patient..... Patient? Patient? She couldn't be patient enough even if she tried. Faith had reminded her about her patience when it came to waiting for Jack to come home. Elizabeth told her that that was different on so many levels. For one thing, she never knew when Jack was going to be coming back. None of them did. Not even Jack. The baby had it's own date when it would be coming. Nine months, that's all it takes. Sometimes earlier. Well, they were sitting at about eight and a half months according to Doctor Shepherd's calculations and still, nothing. Elizabeth sighed and rested her chin in her hand on the table.

Jack looked over at her and saw her expression. He checked the pan again to make sure it hadn't heated fully yet and went to crouch down in front of his wife. "What is it, sweetheart?"

"I just want this baby out, Jack. I want to meet our son, our daughter so badly that it's almost to the point where I'll do anything to help it along to come out."

Jack sighed happily. "Honey, I know you want to meet our baby. I want to as well, so much. And I can't imagine what you go through with carrying these past months, but let me tell you something." He took her hands in his and lightly squeezed them. "Patience is a virtue." He started to giggle after that, especially when Elizabeth gave him a look of saying 'Are you kidding me?'

"Oh no! Not you too! I get enough of that from the doctor and Faith, and Abigail, and just, just, well, everyone!"

"Well, they are right." Jack stood up and kissed her forehead. "The baby will come soon. Just try to focus on other things. Take your mind off of it." He went back to the stove to find the pan was hot enough and ready to cook the bacon on.

"It's easier said than done, I assure you."

"Yeah I guess you're right," Jack replied. When he starting laying the bacon on the pan, the smell of it spread through the whole room.

"Oh, that bacon smells divine! Jack, make sure that you make extra. I'm extra hungry this morning."

"As always, my love," Jack replied, smiling. "You eat for two, now."

When Jack finished making their food, he set a plate down in front of Elizabeth and she dove right in. They talked about what was going on in her class and how the children were so excited for the baby to come. She even mentioned that the kids were making guesses on when the baby would come. Jack laughed at that. When they had finished eating, they each left their home and, as always, he walked her to school.

It was like that for the rest of the week. Elizabeth being impatient, the whole town, including her own husband telling her to be patient, and her going about the rest of her day being as patient as she could, at least until that next morning. That Sunday, when they were all sitting in the church, listening to Frank's sermon, Elizabeth felt the baby kick, but it was a lot harder than usual. Their baby was a strong one, apparently. A couple hours later, it happened again, which actually caused her to declare pain out loud. Jack had asked her if she was okay, and she waited a few moments after breathing in and out, and replied that she was fine. It was the strangest thing.