Jack and the Beanstalk (Faerie Tale Collection) by Jenni James Page B

forth. “Did I drop you?”
    “No. I am here on your sleeve.”
    Gleeflak gave out a quick laugh. “Oh, good thing you are so fast! You are a good friend to have.”
    “’Tis nothing to worry over. I am quite happy where I am.” He winked at Rachel again and she blushed in response. Oh, goodness, what a relief it was to be this close to her, to see her so cheerful as well.
    “Gleeflak,” she called up to him. “Please shut the cage so the baby does not get out.”
    It was then that Jack noticed the pretty little girl staring up at them from next to a music box.
    Rachel turned her head toward the little girl. “I will back in just a little bit. You play with your toys and I will come for you.” The baby began to pout, looking as though she were ready to cry. “Uh-uh,” Rachel said. “No. You will be a happy girl and play nice. I have to go, but I will be back very, very soon, I promise.” She then looked up at the giant again. “Gleeflak, could you perhaps bring the cage with us so I can see that she is all right? Truly, she is too young to leave alone all the time. It is much better for her to come with us—then she can be involved and content.”
    He sighed and nodded. “Fine. I help baby.” With his other hand he locked the cage and picked it up. Jack could tell he was careful to remember not to drop his arms this time, holding them out as steady as possible. He was most likely on special alert because Rachel was such a novelty for him.
    As the giant walked, holding the birdcage with his left hand and Rachel in his right with Jack straddling that wrist, Jack leaned over and caught Rachel’s hand, lacing his fingers through hers.
    “I have missed you,” she whispered.
    “Have you now?” He chuckled softly.
    “Yes.”
    “I have missed you too.”
    She sighed and bit her lip, looking up at him with the most glorious sparkling hazel eyes. “Thank you for coming for me.”
    He squeezed her hand, his thumb drawing a lazy circle on her palm as they bounced to the rhythm of the giant’s steps. “I would always have come for you. Always.”
    She nodded, and he could tell she was blinking back tears. “I know—just thank you. I cannot imagine how you made it here, but I am so glad you did.”
    “Hush. I shall tell you all shortly.” He glanced up at the oblivious giant and then back her way. “But for now, it is my pleasure to hear you sing again.”
    “I will sing it all for you. Every song. Every breath. Every—”
    The giant jostled them as he set Rachel down on the table in the grand dining room. Then he walked over to a seat not too far from her and placed Jack, and then the cage, on the table next to him. “There you go. Sing. Make it good. I want my friend to see what a pretty singer you are.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN
    RACHEL SMILED AT JACK and took a deep breath before beginning the song she sang particularly for him whenever he asked for it. It was a dear love song about a village maiden and a young king who loved her. A man who was hailed as the wisest in the land had chosen her over all else. He told his secrets to her—she was the one he loved. He had seen her great worth long before any of the other village lads had. It was such a beautiful song, with lilting lyrics and a sweet melody.
    Today was no different than before. She sang it for him as she always had. It was their song. She was thrilled to see that Jack did not disguise the warm glow about him or the enduring grin he gave just for her as she allowed the song to weave its magic around his heart. How she loved him. She truly could not wait until they were together always.
    Once she was done, she waited until Jack had finished clapping before beginning another love song.
    “No!” Gleeflak shouted unexpectedly. “Stop! Why you sing these boring songs? No. Sing the songs I like and leave off these ones. I don’t like ‘em. And you sound bad. Just so very bad.”
    “You do not like my singing?”
    “No! Not that singing. Sing