Chapter 25

A New Understanding

Elizabeth had been awake since about 4:00. She had her breakfast about an hour ago. She was once again standing in front of her closet, trying to decide what to wear to church. She liked to look extra nice on Sundays so she wated to pick out something the fact that she was going to be with Jack,it made her want to go the extra mile with her appearance today.

Elizabeth decided to take her showere before she made up her mind on what outift to wear. After her shower,drying her hair and doing her makeup,she still couldn't make up her mind. Since it was fall and a little chilly,she chose her long brown skir with paired it with her orange sweater and this was a favorite outfit of hers. Just as she was putting the finishing touches on her hair,she heard a knock on the door. She went to open it and there was Jack standing there,handsome in his dark jeans with a light blue shirt on and a black vest.

"Hi Jack,come on in for just a minute,while I finish getting ready. I just have to grab my Bible and my jacket." Elizabeth darted into the bedroom,grabbed her Bible and spritzed herself with a bit of her favorite perfume,Viva La Juicy. She came back out in the living room and shut the bedroom door since it was chilly outside.

"Ready to go?"He opened the door for her,she thanked him by smiling. Jack was unusually quiet during the walk to town. They happened to see Lee walking to church also and waved at him. They both walked into the church,sat down in a pew with Robert and his family. Robert just recently became a big brother a few weeks ago. Elizabeth gave Robert a big hug. She looked around and was very happy to see little Opal sitting with her family. Elizabeth was very happy to see that she feeling better,considering the events of the other night. She also saw Henry, Dr. Shepherd and Nurse Carter sitting with him. She was so happy here in Hope Valley and glad that she had made so many friends.

As Frank went up to the pulpit,everyone started to quiet welcomed everyone, and started the serrvice with the morning prayer. He thanked God for bringing them all together,and for bringing Elizabeth and the children home safely from the woods.

"In Jesus name 's great to see you all this morning."He asked everyone to turn to Genesis 37 if they had their Bibles with them. This was probably Elizabeth's favorite was such a man of faith and he never gave up on God no matter how tough the consequences got. Jack didn't have a Bible with him so Elizabeth made sure that he was able to see her's too.

After the sermon,Frank closed in prayer and told everyone that they had some special music today. Clara came to the front and Mrs,McCormick started to play Elizabeth's most favorite hymn on the started singing the song "Because He Lives."She loved this song,it just spoke to her heart. She cried everythime she heard it. Jack reached over and handed her a tissue. She looked at him,thanked him,and he just was wondering if she knews how much he enjoyed her company. As Clara's solo came to an end,everyone in the room gave a round of Amens.

"Thank you so much for the beautiful song Clara." spoke Frank,and he said the closing prayer. As played the closing hymn,the congregation started to leave. Abigail,Cody and Becky came up to Elizabeth and Jack.

"You both are joining us for lunch aren't you?" Elizabeth looked at Jack and he nodded in agreement and she said that they would both love to. They all walked to the restaurant,and went inside. Abigail had put a roast in the oven that morning,and now she had to put in some potatoes and carrots. She then took enough liquid out so that she could make some gravy. She just had to whip up some biscuits while the roast finished. Abigail came out and asked Elizabeth if she would like to smiled with and eagerness to always be willing to learn something new. When everything was ready,she asked Elizabeth to call everyone for lunch. When they were all seated,Frank asked Jack if he would like to say the blessing.

"Absolutely I will."He prayed ,thanking God for the food and for Abigail preparing it for all started to eat and everyone was enjoying everything.

"Abigail this is amazing!"Jack gushed and Elizabeth agreed. Of course, Frank, Cody and Becky all agreed,they were all to focused on the food to say anything.

About 2 hours later,Elizabeth said that she had to get going,because she had alot of work to do for school the next day.

"Alright,said Jack,I'll walk you home." he stood up,getting off the couch where he was sitting with Frank and Cody.

"No Jack,it's all stay and enjoy yourself,and I'll see you later tomorrow ok?" she insisted.

"Ok Elizabeth,if you're sure." he smiled at her with those dimples that she loved so much

Jack did get up however and walk her to the opened it for her and told her to be careful going assured him that she would be. He watched here as she started to walk away.

"Hey can I call you sometime?" Jack yelled in her direction. She walked briskly back to him and slipped a piece of paper in his hand.

"I thought you would never ask."