A/N:This is my very first one-shot. The characters belong to WCTH. Happy Reading!
Simple Mornings
It's the everydayness of this life that I find the most comforting and rewarding. Elizabeth penned in her journal on this misty, late winter morning. Jack was upstairs playing while she warmed their breakfast. They would take it with them on their way into town to meet Minnie and get supplies for dinner at the mercantile. Elizabeth's mind wandered to the simplicity of the kettle heating, and once she poured her cup, she allowed the steam to filter up and gently coil around her face as it cooled. A small smile peeked at the corner of Elizabeth's mouth as she continued the entry. It's mornings like this that I could never want for anything more. I am so grateful for these tiny moments. They make things outside of my control far less important.
Elizabeth added honey to her cup, stirred, and sipped. She mused distractedly about a certain handsome face that increasingly commanded her attention and her daydreams. What matters most is that the ones I love are near and safe. These are precious days, and we are so very blessed. For the first time since Jack passed, I have stepped out of the darkness and into the sunshine. I feel like I can breathe again. I can move forward, completely unburdened. It's time for me to tell Nathan exactly what he means to me.
Now finished with her morning tea, Elizabeth moved to the kitchen, washed her dish, put on her apron, and began the process of breadmaking. She measured and combined the ingredients carefully before kneading the bread. She shaped the dough into a ball and left the bowl to rest covered on the counter. Sure, Elizabeth could have picked up a fresh loaf in town but found comfort in making it with her hands. The thought that followed was how this simple act of love, which needed little effort, would then feed her sweet son, Jack. Elizabeth considered bringing the other loaf to her very handsome Mountie and his daughter. Staring out the window for just a moment, she daydreamed about his smile.
A knock came at the door. Elizabeth wiped her hands on her apron and moved toward the door while she untied the apron strings at her back. A wide grin spread over her face as her other favorite person, Rosemary, stepped in and peeked her head around the door.
"Good morning, Elizabeth! How are you on this fine morning?" Rosemary said enthusiastically.
"I'm great, Rosemary. Would you like some tea?"
"Oh, I would, but I have no time today." She gestured dismissively. "I just came by to see if you and Little Jack wanted to come by for dinner tonight?"
"I'd love to, but I was thinking of asking Nathan and Allie over for dinner," Elizabeth replied.
Rosemary's smile shifted knowingly as she said matter-of-factly, "Well, it's fine, I suppose. But you MUST come over tomorrow night then. I have so much food that even Lee can't help to finish it all. You know how much he loves clearing out leftovers. I have to stop him, or he won't fit in any of his clothes!"
Elizabeth chuckled, "I know. By the way, why do you have so much food?"
"It's from the cafe… from the Hickam wedding. There was so much left that Minnie sent everyone home with an abundance! I promised to share," Rosemary said excitedly.
Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh. "I see. Minnie asked me to come by since I had to leave a few minutes early. Jack was getting tired. I had her on my list to visit in town today." A wistful look crossed her face. "The wedding was so beautiful. Mike and Mei make a very handsome couple, don't you think?"
Rosemary nodded.
"Too much food is a good problem to have," Elizabeth said.
"Oh! I have an idea." Elizabeth moved to Rosemary's side and took one of her hands, grinning. "What if I invite Nathan and Allie to dinner, and we can join you to clear out some of the extras?"
"That is a BRILLIANT idea, Elizabeth. I am more than happy to oblige any romantic efforts for our Mountie." Elizabeth rolled her eyes and started to say something, but Rosemary interrupted her. "Be at my house at six-thirty, or we will start without you. Don't bring anything- since I have EVERYTHING!" Rosemary waved her hand and turned, walking out and closing the door before Elizabeth could respond further.
"Well, all right. I guess we better get moving then!" Laughing, Elizabeth called out to Jack. "Jack, it's time to go, sweetheart!"
"Okay, Mama. I'm coming!" Carefully stepping down the stairs, Jack picked up his basket and headed for the door.
"Do you have your shoes, Jack?"
He didn't answer but looked down at his sock-covered feet. He hurried back up the stairs to retrieve his shoes. He returned moments later with his shoes on his feet, but the laces were loose. "Mama, will you please help me tie my shoes?"
"Sure." Elizabeth helped Jack with his laces and gently kissed his cheek. "There. That should do it." Jack nodded.
Now ready, the pair left their little rowhouse with their bread dough rising, the kettle ready for the next meal, and their hearts tucked happily in every corner of the room. Love… love was in the simplicity of the Thornton home.