Hello everybody! My life has finally settled down for the time being, so I'm back on track to get back to writing way more often. I'm excited to continue with this story! I hope you all haven't forgotten about it :) And spoiler alert- to those who were wondering, nothing bad will happen to any of our beloved Hope Valley characters in my story- it will always have a happy ending. Happy Jack and Elizabeth are all we need after that finale!
Chapter 7- I know my way back 1/2
A peaceful Sunday morning began for Jack and Elizabeth as they awoke to the sounds of Hope Valley around them. Elizabeth smiled as she woke up to see Jack already awake, brewing coffee in the kitchen. She loved when they had time to spend alone in the mornings; his presence had a calming effect on her. Especially now that she was in her third month of pregnancy, she was thrilled to have her husband home more often to help her adjust to the changes in her body.
Elizabeth moved to sit up and adjust her nightgown as Jack rushed in to stop her.
"No no! Stay here- just wait!" Jack said, flashing her his signature dimpled grin.
Elizabeth laughed "what have you got planned their Mr Thorton?"
Even though the couple had been married for five months now, they often still felt like newlyweds. Jack's accident had put things in perspective, and the couple now clearly knew their prioritise. They learned to put all their efforts into making the other as happy as possible, and never let small things get them down. They had the most important things in their lives, and let everything else work around it.
Jack leaned in to place a soft kiss on her lips. "I made you breakfast in bed just wait right here," Jack replied as he propped her up on their bed's throw pillows. Jack never understood Elizabeth's fascination with having so many pillows on their bed, it just seemed like more work to him. He though the small pillows that had caused such excitement for Elizabeth and her sister Julie somewhat amusing. But Jack was happy to oblige- if Elizabeth enjoyed them.
Jack walked back to the kitchen, still dressed in his pyjamas. Elizabeth smiled as she watched her husband walk away. She sure was lucky and knew she was very blessed to have a husband who took such good care of her.
Jack returned carrying in a tray of hot breakfast for the two of them, eager to have a quiet morning with his wife.
Elizabeth smiled as he set the tray down, grateful for the effort he put in to make her happy each day. As she reached for him, her intentions quickly changed as she became increasingly felt light headed. She bowed her head to regain composure but reached for Jack to help her up as she realised she was going to throw up.
Jack had a panicked look on his face, as he quickly escorted Elizabeth to the bathroom.
Elizabeth felt awful that she ruined Jack's breakfast- she had no idea what had come over her.
Jack massaged her back and held her hair as she threw up from the smell of the pancakes and bacon he had prepared.
Elizabeth finished and leaned back with her head in between her knees against their bathroom wall.
"What happened, sweetie?" Jack naively asked while rubbing her leg.
"It must be the morning sickness Abigail mentioned to me- I'm shocked I haven't experienced it before this. Sorry to frighten you, honey, it just surprised me is all. I'm fine."
Jack smiled and kissed her head. "I'm just glad you're ok, you and our precious bundle your carrying."
Elizabeth smiled as Jack ran his hands over her expanding belly. He was such a good father already- she couldn't wait for their baby's arrival.
Later in the afternoon...
Elizabeth looked out of the window- not pleased with what she saw. She noted the storm clouds that were coming in. They were moving too quickly for her liking. Jack had ridden out after lunch with Bill Avery to check out a disturbance at Lee's sawmill. Lee had gone out of town on a business meeting, and Jack had promised to look over it while he was gone.
She knew Jack would be careful, but nonetheless worried about him every time he was out in less than desirable conditions. She still dreamed about what happened to him last time he was sent out on a placement from time to time. As much as she was content whenever he was around, she always felt her stomach drop every time he left out their front door. She knew it was a fear she had to get passed, but didn't want to face the memories of what happened. She and Jack avoided the topic at all costs, which ended up making her fears all that more frightening, as she had never had closure.
She paced back and forth in their kitchen with her hands caressing her baby bump. She silently prayed he would be home safely very soon.
To be continued in the next few days! Don't worry about Jack- he knows his way back :)
Please leave a review- and thanks for reading! Sorry for the quick chapter, but I wanted to get one out before I'm off to bed.
"those who pursue righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor." Proverbs 21:21
