Characters from Hallmark Channel's TV show 'When Calls the Heart'.
Abigail takes a walk and reflects on Elizabeth's friendship with Jack and time in Hope Valley.
The air was cool and the atmosphere quiet on a spring evening in Hope Valley as Abigail Stanton took a walk around the pond.
She loved these quiet evenings by herself, humming as she walked, a welcome change from the busyness of her café. Not that she didn't enjoy serving customers and baking her famous apple pies. Just that there was something wonderful about the calmness outside, just before night fell, that filled her with such peace and contentment.
At such times, Abigail often found herself thinking about her late husband Noah and the wonderful times they had shared with their son Peter. But tonight her mind turned to one of her dearest friends, Elizabeth Thatcher.
Abigail smiled when she thought of how much Elizabeth had grown since coming to Hope Valley. She'd grown as a teacher, a friend, a writer, a cook, a horse rider and as a wonderful young woman. Elizabeth looked to Abigail as a second mother, and Abigail supported Elizabeth as though she was her own daughter.
Frustration with cooking. Mishaps in sewing. Creativity in the classroom. Challenges of frontier life. And of course, a growing friendship with the town constable. Abigail had been there for the inexperienced school teacher, through every up and down since Elizabeth's arrival.
Elizabeth Thatcher and Jack Thornton, mused Abigail. A wealthy school teacher and a country hearted mountie. While she'd never overtly pushed the two together, Abigail had always approved of Jack and had been there for either or both of them whenever they came to her for advice.
When Jack had first asked Elizabeth to dinner, Abigail had offered the café as both food source and perfect location. When he had left for Cape Fullerton, Abigail's words helped Elizabeth see her disappointment with the right perspective. Upon their return from Hamilton, when they were odds with one another, Abigail encouraged them individually not to give up. And when Jack hesitated to tell Elizabeth about his purchase, Abigail was just as much of an influence as his ma, cheerfully urging him to get a move on.
Abigail loved seeing Elizabeth and Jack together. For two people so incredibly different, they complimented each another perfectly. Her gentleness with a determined edge. His steadiness with a sense of humour. Their shared love for the community that had become home to them. Their courageous outlook and commitment to enjoying the everyday of life. Abigail had no doubt they were perfectly matched, ideally suited to spur one another through life's challenges.
Working together in their resolve to make a difference.
The light was dimming as the evening walk drew to a close. Abigail strolled back into town, full of contentment. Hearty laughter drifted from the saloon as neighbours joked, and there was a glow from windows as families settled down after dinner. Abigail glanced over at her old house, now the home of Elizabeth Thatcher, in time to see the town constable come out the front door. Abigail watched as Elizabeth laughed at something Jack said, her face lit up as her eyes followed him down the path after they said their good nights.
Abigail smiled as she continued on her way, heading towards her own home. With a full heart, she went up the steps and entered her building, and the door under 'Abigail's Café' closed for the night.