Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart."

Thank you to my Hearties BFF LisaNY for your thoughts, suggestions, and editing skills. I appreciate all of your help.

Chapter 7- Hope is the Thing with Feathers

Lee wrapped his arm around Rosemary as her knees buckled. He did his best to support her while he, himself was struggling to stand…

Lee picked her up, carrying her toward the sofa, "Jack move that stuff so I can lay her down," Lee asked as he gently placed her on the sofa.

Jack sat at the other end, "I can't believe this is happening…" his head rested in his hands. "She can't be gone," he mumbled, his voice barely audible.

"It's not happening…you're wrong, Jack! Did you see her?" Rosemary screamed.

"Calm down, Rosie…" Lee attempted to quiet her.

"Don't tell me to be calm. He's telling me that Elizabeth is dead…HE'S WRONG!" Rosie cried out.

Through his spattering of tears Jack advised, "I saw her license plate and driver's license…"

"You're a cop, Jack. You know that proves nothing. DID YOU SEE HER?" Rosie yelled.

Logically speaking, he knew she was right, but he knew what he'd seen. Trying to be strong, Jack and Lee were finding it difficult to accept the eventuality of Elizabeth's passing.

"Could you be wrong?" Lee whispered, hoping for a positive answer.

"I hope I am, but no one has heard from her all afternoon," Jack replied.

Rosemary sat up and pushed Lee and Jack away so she could stand. "I'm going to make some hot tea. Elizabeth always liked…likes, Elizabeth likes hot tea…"

Jack and Lee followed Rosemary into the kitchen, "There's been a mistake, you'll see. She'll be home any time now, and when she comes in her tea will be waiting for her…" Rosemary stated, sounding more like a demand.

"Who's going to call her parents?" Lee asked.

"No one, there isn't a need to. I'm telling you, Jack YOU'RE WRONG," she yelled.

Rosie heard the kettle sound, "Tea's ready!" She began to cry, "Where is she?" She collapsed in her seat, her head resting on her folded arms on the table.

The three of them sat quietly at the kitchen table, each one doing their best to comprehend the eventuality of the situation before them.

"Hey, sorry! I know I'm late…" a voice was heard at the front door.

"What was that?" Lee asked, as all three rushed into the den.

"I'm sorry, Jack. I know I'm filthy, but if you can give me thirty minutes, I can be ready," Elizabeth said as she threw her jacket over the back of the sofa and headed toward her bedroom. "Oh man; I almost forgot! It's been a bear of a day… I'll explain when I get out, but can someone loan me a twenty? I need to pay the cab driver and he's waiting downstairs." she asked as she looked from Rosie to Lee and finally to Jack.

"Apparently I have rendered each of you speechless…"

"I'll cover the cab driver," Lee stated as he jumped up and headed for the door. His eyes remained on Elizabeth, finding it hard to believe that she was alive and standing before them.

"Thanks Lee; I'll get it back to you," she stated.

"That's okay; it's truly my pleasure," Lee managed to say as he headed downstairs to the parking lot.

Before she could say anything further, Jack was on his feet, standing before her. She observed his flushed appearance, and tear stained cheeks. She didn't have time to speak. He took her in his arms wanting to devour her, but using every bit of strength he had to be gentle. He broke away long enough to inhale her; taking in everything. Even with her dirty clothes, her messy appearance, and shavings throughout her hair, she was still the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen.

Jack cradled her face in his hands, as his thumbs gently wiped away the dirt on her cheeks. Her lips were full, soft and pillow like. He found himself staring; unable to look away for fear that she would disappear. He traced her lips with his finger along the outline where her perfect skin met her even more perfect mouth. He leaned in close until only their breaths touched, wanting nothing more than to melt into her lips. All he saw was her; all he wanted to see was her, but he quickly realized that they were not alone.

Rosie pushed through, grabbed Elizabeth, spun her around, and hugged her tightly. "Elizabeth, you're here…" She barely managed to release the words.

"Of course I'm here; where else would I be?" She asked as her brow furrowed.

Turning back toward Jack, "I've got to say, this side of you is quite attractive. I didn't expect it, but I do like it especially given how unattractive I am at this very moment. You do know how to make a girl feel special," She giggled, but continued to find blank stares amongst her audience, which was beginning to frighten her.

"Elizabeth, please sit down," Jack asked, as he took her hand and led her to the sofa.

Her facial expression immediately changed, "Now you guys are really freaking me out. What's wrong? What happened? Oh no, is it my family? Please tell me, Jack!"

"It's your car…"

"My Bug?" She replied. "Oh no, what happened to my car?"

"Elizabeth, your car was involved in an accident out by London Bridge Baptist Church."

"London Bridge Baptist Church? That's nowhere near the feed store," she quickly responded, her breath catching in her throat. "Are Miranda and Tammy okay?"

"Elizabeth, your car was totaled…"

She gasped; she didn't understand. The entire conversation since she'd arrived home was odd. The room was spinning with everything in fast forward, while she remained motionless. She stood and began pacing back and forth. She prayed for the ability to rise above herself; to be able to look down upon this chaotic mess, and to make some reason out of the words that were being said.

"Well, I do have insurance; the important thing is that Miranda and Tammy are okay," She looked at Jack, but his head, slowly shaking back and forth, told her that things would not be all right.

She pressed the heels of her hands to her eyes, pushing so hard that soon she only saw stars through her closed lids. She tried to sit, but her knees gave way and she found herself in a trembling heap on the den floor. She drew her knees up to her chest and began rocking back and forth, "It's my fault," she repeatedly cried.

Jack fell to the floor beside her, his arms around her upper body, holding her as she cried. Even though they hadn't known each other long, it hurt for him to see her in such pain. He held her and allowed the flood of tears to soak his shirt. He felt her body become rigid, as she silently screamed, anger and fear consuming her.

"Shh, it's not your fault," Jack kept whispering. He tried to quiet her, while feeling guilty himself; two families left to morn while she was returned to those who cared about her.

"You say that Jack, but you don't know," she cried out. "I should have stopped them."

"Can you tell me what happened?" He asked as he continued to rock her body back and forth.

She stopped rocking, "They took my car…"

"Why?" Jack asked.

"I don't know. Miranda asked to borrow the Bug since her car wouldn't start. I said 'no,' but I offered to drive them to the feed store. Stacy asked me to pick up some things for her, and I went in the feed room to get her list. When I came out, my Bug was gone," the tears began again.

"See, it's not your fault." He stated as he pulled her in tighter to his body.

She put her hands on his chest and pushed slightly, "You don't understand, Jack. I didn't report the car stolen. If I had, they'd be alive now," she stated as she stood and began pacing.

Jack jumped up, took her hand and paced along with her, "You don't know that, Elizabeth. It's not your fault. They made the choice to take your car. What happened as a result is their responsibility," Jack reassured her. Jack stopped; he turned her to face him, "Why didn't you call the police?"

"I just thought they were messing around, and would be back. I mean, I told Miranda that I had a date, and I needed to hurry." she stopped and took a deep breath. "Oh no Jack, do you think she was rushing to get the Bug back to me so I could get home for our date?"

"Why didn't you call me?" He asked.

She started crying again, "I don't know your number by heart…yet. My cell phone was in the Bug, along with my purse. Oh, I feel sick!" Elizabeth ran down the hall with her left hand on her stomach and her right covering her mouth.

Jack followed her with Rosemary close behind. Standing outside the bathroom door, retching sounds were easily discernible.

"Elizabeth…" his voice was soft and low.

"Let me handle this," Rosemary moved around Jack, opened the door and slipped inside.

Jack stood by the door, saddened by the conversation he heard.

Tears flowed in between the sounds of vomiting.

"Here, this wet rag is bound to feel good."

"Thank you. Rosie, how can I look their parents in the eyes?"

"Elizabeth, Jack is right; you didn't give them the car, they chose to take it."

"If I hadn't gotten out of the car, or if I had not been selfish and stopped what I was doing to take them when Miranda asked, this would not have happened."

"Elizabeth, (more vomiting) I've got your hair. Just try to relax. Is that better?"

"Rosie, thank you. I'm sorry…"

"Elizabeth, I'm just so glad you're here…alive. I don't want to ever hear you say you're selfish. You are the most unselfish person I have ever met," Rosemary's voice was soft, yet demanding.

"Who will tell their parents? What am I supposed to do? Rosie, I don't even know what I'm supposed to do," Elizabeth leaned back, resting against the cold fiberglass bathtub. She laid her head on her arms as they rested on top of her knees.

Rosemary sat down, wrapped her arm around Elizabeth's shoulder and pulled her close. She leaned over and kissed the top of Elizabeth's head, "It's going to be all right. Jack will help you."

*Knock, knock*

"Elizabeth, are you okay?" Jack whispered.

The door opened and Rosemary stepped out, "I think she needs you now."

Jack stepped into the bathroom and closed the door behind him. He pushed the lid down on the toilet and took a seat in front of her. He reached for her hands. They sat in silence as his thumbs tenderly stroked her soft skin.

He leaned down and whispered, "I'm here for whatever you need. If you want to talk, we'll talk. If you don't want to talk, we won't. If you want to cry, we'll cry together."

"What should I do?" She asked.

"When you're ready, I'll take you to the precinct and you can file a report. You need to call your insurance company and your parents. You wouldn't want for this…"

*Ring, ring*

They froze and listened for a moment, "Elizabeth, your father is on the house phone and he's frantic!"

Jack smiled, "Too late!"

Jack helped Elizabeth up and accompanied her out to the den where she took the phone from Rosie.

"Daddy… No sir, I'm okay. I promise." Elizabeth bit her lip as she listened, "They did? I'm sorry! I should have called you, but I just… Please daddy, don't cry! I'm okay," her voice was soft and weak. The more they talked, the more the tears fell. "No Daddy, I wasn't in the car… two girls from the barn took it without my permission."

She continued, "No, it isn't necessary for you to come… Okay, but only if you want to. My friends are here." Elizabeth said as she looked over at them. "They're taking good care of me. Yes sir, Rosie and Lee, and Jack." A small smile quickly graced her face, "No sir, you haven't met him, but…he's special." She said softly. "Okay, I love you too…bye."

"How did he find out?" Lee asked.

"How else, a reporter. My license plate was run, and it came back to my car. So they called my dad to get his reaction to my death. Classy, right?" Elizabeth pulled a Kleenex from the holder and wiped her eyes.

"Do you want to go to the station now and get the report out of the way?" Jack asked.

Looking at her disheveled appearance in the mirror, "Would it be okay if I took a shower first?"

"Certainly," his voice was soft and reassuring. "I'll be here whenever you're ready."

Elizabeth turned and headed for the bathroom. Once she reached the hallway, she quickly turned to face her group of friends, "Hey guys… thank you!" She just as quickly turned back around, entered the bathroom, and closed the door behind her.

"What's going to happen now, Jack?" Lee asked.

Jack was still staring down the hallway, his attention remained with her.

"Jack…"

"Yea, what? Oh, I'm sorry, what did you say?" He asked.

"What happens now?" Lee asked again.

Jack glanced at his watch, "I'm going to call my sergeant. I'll be right back."

Elizabeth finished her shower and opened the door slightly, calling Rosie inside.

"I forgot to bring clothes in here. Would you go get me a pair of jeans and a t shirt?"

"Sure, anything in particular?" She asked.

"No, anything will be better than what I had on. Oh, and a bra, panties and socks too. They are in my top drawer. Thank you," she stated as she continued to dry herself off.

Ten minutes later she was finally dressed. She stepped out into the den with her tennis shoes in her hand. She sat on the sofa, suddenly realizing that someone was gone, "Jack left?"

Lee responded quickly, "He went to call his sergeant. He'll be right back."

By the time she'd tied her shoes, Jack was walking back into the apartment…

"My sergeant is at the precinct. He wants me to bring you in."

She gasped and her heart started pounding, "Oh no Jack, bring me in? That doesn't sound good."

"I'm sorry, an unfortunate choice of words. It's okay Elizabeth. You just need to tell the Sarge what happened. By the time we get down there, they may be able to give me an idea of the cause."

"Okay, let's go," Elizabeth stood up and walked to the table where she always sat her purse, "Oh it's gone too."

"What's gone?" Jack asked.

"My purse…"

At the police station Sergeant Sanderson asked Elizabeth into his office.

"No Jack, Let me speak with her alone," he stated as he kept Jack from following Elizabeth inside.

Elizabeth looked lost and every bit like a deer caught in headlights as she entered the room without him.

"I'll be right here when you get out," he assured her.

The door closed and true to his word, he sat outside waiting.

"Hey Mark," Jack called out.

"Hey Jack, what's up?" Officer Mark Gianulli replied.

Jack and Mark stepped away from the door and moved around the corner, "Is there any word about that accident today on London Bridge Road?"

"So sad, I heard that two girls and a dog were killed." Mark responded.

"What? Did the dog run out into the road?" Jack asked.

"No," Mark stated. "It was in the car with the girls. Jimmy Barton said that there were sixty feet of skid marks before the point of impact. From what Jimmy told me, the witnesses interviewed said that the victims were in their car and a second car ran them off the road. Looks like the driver over compensated, lost control and the vehicle flipped. The dog was thrown from the car, and they found him as they were cleaning up the site."

"Any news on the second car?" Jack asked.

"No, but several witnesses gave a description and partial plates."

"What make was it?" Jack asked.

"Late model Lexus. Something sporty looking, I believe," Mark replied.

"Color?" Jack asked.

"Dark, either blue or black. They're still working on trying to match the partial plates to the DMV registry," Mark advised.

"Thanks man," Jack reached out and shook his hand. "Oh, do you know what kind of dog it was?"

Mark was confused, "Does that matter?"

"Just curious," Jack replied.

"You always think of everything to ask. I know, you're honing your skills for that detective position that's opening up," Mark laughed as he started to walk away.

"Not even close," Jack thought as he returned to his seat outside the sergeant's office.

Fifteen minutes later the door opened and Elizabeth and Sergeant Sanderson stepped into the hallway.

"Jack, thanks for bringing her in. I think I have all the information I need, but if I think of anything else, I'll let you know," the Sergeant advised. "Oh, Miss Thatcher, here's your driver's license. At least its one thing you don't have to get replaced."

"Have their families been notified?" Elizabeth asked.

Sergeant Sanderson looked at his paperwork, "Yes, both families were notified a few hours ago. I'll get this report completed and a copy to your insurance company for processing."

"Thank you sir," Elizabeth was grateful for his professionalism and kindness.

"Are you ready to go?" He asked.

"Yes, I'm ready."

They got to Jack's truck and he opened the door for her. He stood there waiting while she got settled.

"Do you need to go home right now?" He asked.

"No, what did you have in mind?"

"It's a beautiful night; would you like to go for a walk on the boardwalk?" He asked.

"I'd love that. Thank you, Jack."

He drove down to the oceanfront and parked on 42nd street near the Cavalier Hotel. He got out, but was quickly at her door to open it for her. As she stepped outside, he grabbed a jacket from behind the seat, and handed it to her.

"Thank you; it is a bit chilly tonight."

He took her hand and led her toward the boardwalk. Surprisingly, the area was relatively empty. They walked a few blocks before sitting on a bench with the cups of coffee they'd picked up from Starbuck's. She couldn't help but be quite taken by his ability to order her coffee exactly the way she liked it. No one she had dated before had ever shown an interest of taken the time to learn that about her.

As they sat looking out at the waves crashing against the shore, Jack put his arm around her shoulder pulling her close as she rested her head against his chest.

"Sgt Sanderson told me what they think happened. They don't believe it was Miranda's fault, which doesn't change the outcome, but may impact what my insurance company does. I spoke to an insurance rep while I was in his office. So they are aware of what happened," she said. "Your sergeant said something about a second car. Was anyone hurt?"

"No, but the officers are looking into the possibility that they were run off the road," he advised

"And they didn't stop? How awful…"

"Elizabeth, did either of the girls that took the car have a dog?"

"Yes, Tammy did," she pushed back against his chest, leaned out and put her hands over her mouth. "Sadie, oh no, she was with them?"

Jack said nothing, but the shaking of his head in the affirmative let her know that unfortunately she was correct.

She snuggled back into his chest and began to talk, as he remained quiet.

"Sadie was a black Labrador Retriever. I think Tammy said she was 8. She reminded me so much of my Lab at home. Her name is Cami and she is literally the sweetest thing. My parents wouldn't let me take her when I moved out which was okay because I didn't know how Rosie was going to handle having a dog around. She's fine with it, so maybe I'll get another one. I'm going to miss Sadie," Elizabeth smiled for the first time since hearing about the accident. "She always went to the horse shows with us. After we finished, Tammy would treat her to an oatmeal crème pie for being such a great girl. It soon got to be as the day wound down, you'd see Sadie sitting at the concession stand waiting for Tammy to come up and buy her a treat. I'm really going to miss her." She was still leaning up against Jack's chest, but the emotion in her voice was easily heard.

He leaned her forward and sat up slightly so he could see her. Tears brought on by her memories filled her eyes and were threatening to spill over. He cradled her face; he gently kissed her eyes as he tasted the saltiness of her tears.

"Do you feel like walking?" He asked as he stood and held out his hand.

She willingly accepted as he helped her up. They walked for a few blocks before stopping to lean on the railing. It was dark, but the full moon illuminated the white caps as they came crashing to shore. The breeze caught her hair, moving several strands across her face.

He turned her to face him, taking the strands of hair and swept them behind her ear with his finger. He hesitated, but stepped in slightly. His brain was saying "You like her…Don't rush this," but his heart was beating so loud that he couldn't hear it.

"Jack…" her eyes searched, moving slowly between his eyes and lips.

"Shh," he whispered.

His hand rested just under her ear as he caressed her cheek. His other hand slipped behind her back to steady her. He moved closer, stopping only a breath away. His eyes drifted down to her lips, savoring the moment. His lips brushed hers; given his strength, they were softer than she'd imagined and tasted like mint. The kiss was tender and slow, yet deliberate.

Given her hesitancy to trust another man, she was surprised at her willingness to let him close… that close. But at that very moment they knew what was needed, and his lips brought her comfort in a way that words would have failed.

"Everything is going to be okay, Elizabeth," he promised. "Let me take you home; I'm sure you must be exhausted.

The apartment was empty when they returned. Would you like something to drink; some coffee, or maybe a soft drink?" she asked.

"No, I'm fine," he replied. "If its okay with you, I'm going to sit right here until Rosie and Lee return. You go ahead and go to bed. I'd rather not leave you alone." He took her hand, brought it to his lips and kissed it gently, "Get some sleep. I'll call you tomorrow…"

Elizabeth smiled nervously. She still wasn't certain that she could trust her judgment in the area of romance. However, something told her that she would regret not giving "this" a chance. She turned and headed down the hall. Stopping suddenly, she turned around, "I can't answer your call Jack; my phone is gone."

"Your phone can be replaced, Elizabeth," he reminded her.

"You're right. There are two families that have a lot more to worry about than my missing phone. I'm sorry…" She turned to walk away.

"Elizabeth," he called out.

She stopped, but had tears in her eyes, so she didn't turn around, "Yes Jack…"

"You aren't alone in this. Just please remember that," his voice was soft and reassuring.

She glanced over her shoulder, "Thank you for everything, Jack…Good night," and she slipped into her room and closed the door. She changed into her shorts and tank top and slid into bed. For a moment she stared at her door, as if it was made of glass, and she could see Jack on the other side. If that had been possible, she'd have seen him looking back at her…

Elizabeth reached into her bedside table and pulled out her journal. She flipped to the next blank page and began to put her feelings down on paper…

"We are told from the time we are young that "things happen for a reason." It's a simple statement that is meant to evoke a feeling of acceptance for situations that we cannot understand; an attempt by others to calm the many questions that follow, and a desire to ease the fear that settles within. However, most often the words that follow are usually, 'one day we'll understand,' but we rarely do. In grief and loss we fall, and finding blessings is difficult. However, without loss, we could not appreciate gain; without grief, we would be unable to appreciate love, and without death, we would be unable to appreciate life. In each and every one of our individual struggles, there rises the opportunity for substantial growth. The strength of our past will hopefully reflect in our future, allowing us to make a lasting impact long after our passing."

Elizabeth slipped her journal into the drawer of her bedside table, shut out her light and lay back in bed. The fatal events of the day left her emotionally drained. She closed her eyes and attempted to will her body to sleep. Sadly the storms in her head shook the ocean of her sleep as she tossed and turned.

A few hours later, she awoke, but wasn't sure that she had even slept. Her skin was clammy and her mouth was dry. She quietly left her room; slowly walked passed Rosemary's door, trying her best not to waken her. Tiptoeing down the hall, she was startled to see Jack curled up, and sound asleep. His head rested on the puffy arm of the sofa, and his jacket was draped over his upper body. She slipped passed him and into the kitchen for a glass of water. Standing in the doorway, she watched, and she wondered. Was he like most of the others who simply wanted more from her than she was willing to give, or was he different? Was he worth taking a chance on, or would he be just another man who simply disappointed her? She covered him with the blanket lying over the back of the sofa, and gently kissed his cheek, being careful not to waken him. "You're a good guy, Jack Thornton," she whispered before heading to her room.

Jack's eyes opened as he watched her walk down the dimly lit hallway. He felt anger at the people before him who had tested her, crumpled her spirit, and led her to question her own judgment. He didn't know her well, but he did know that he wanted to know her better. He just prayed that she would give him the chance…

To be continued…