"Will you marry me?". Elizabeth Thatcher was stunned. She couldn't speak or do anything. "Shall I take your speechlessness as a..." Charles was cut off as Elizabeth turned away. She got her bearings and turned to face him. "In any other case I would accept such a gesture, but I can't." she replied. Charles stood and still looked hopeful. "Elizabeth you can not be serious in turning down a proposal that would offer you not only being close to your family, but an escape from this dirty, hillbilly town and its inhabitants. I could offer you things that you could only dream of having in this town or with the salary of a common Mountie..." Elizabeth wouldn't endure the rest of his rehearsed speech. "I will endure your dislike of this town and my having to work for a living, but I will not hear any more of your insulting a good hardworking God-serving man. I told you before I left that I did not have feelings for you in anyway other than a brother. Now I kindly ask you to leave my classroom and this town. Don't even think of staying here to win me back. I thought you conducted yourself better than going to such lengths as to put down anyone." she replied. Charles closed his box and turned to leave. "You don't know what you are missing out on." he said. "I think I do now." she replied. Charles exited the school house and went to catch the next stage back to civilized country.

Jack stopped before walking up the steps of the schoolhouse when he heard Charles. He couldn't believe it. He wanted to go in and throw the man out, but he knew that would only make things worse. He pushed away thoughts that she might accept and headed to Abigail's cafe. He would do this right and hope their love was stronger than the pull of the East. He talked to Abigail who wished him good luck as she prepared the cafe. Jack freshened himself up and waited in the cafe for twilight to fall. He decided to read his Bible while he waited. He prayed God would work it out according to His will. Then he opened his Bible to Proverbs 31. Verses 10-31 were highlighted and verses 10 and 11 were both highlighted and underlined. He was puzzled because he didn't remember ever reading them. Then he noticed a note recorded beside the verses. "For your search to God's match for you. Love - Mother." Jack smiled. She always did know when to put her two cents in. "Thanks." he said.

Elizabeth sat at her desk in the school room trying to grade papers. Her mind could only focus on the events earlier and what Jack would do if he knew Charles had been there. The thought popped into her head that somehow he found out and was now riding to catch Charles on the stage. She got up and grabbed her coat then noticed how late it had gotten. She rushed to exit the schoolhouse nearly running into Abigail. "I'm so sorry." she said. Abigail chuckled. "Its ok. I was actually looking for you." she replied. "You were?" Elizabeth said forgetting about her worry for the moment. "Yes. I need you to change into these clothes and fix yourself up. I will help you." she replied. Elizabeth's was puzzled then remembered where she was going. "But I need to go find Jack." she protested. Abigail shook her head leading Elizabeth back into the school house shutting and locking the door behind them. "Hold your horses. Jacks not going anywhere and neither are you until you do as I say." Abigail insisted. Elizabeth gave in out of curiosity. It seemed Abigail knew something and she intended to find out what it was. A few minutes later Abigail had Elizabeth looking as if she were royalty. She wore a silk Caribbean blue dress that reached the floor and covered her Caribbean blue white trimmed heels. Her long, thick almond brown tresses were curled and pulled back and held with a coral comb then let loose to fall down her back below her waist. The neckline was low and wide enough to reveal her shoulders and collarbone but nothing more. She wore no jewelry and looked as beautiful as ever. "Now follow me." Abigail said leading her to the cafe.

Jack had finished reading and looked at the clock. Abigail would soon be over with Elizabeth so he put his Bible away and straightened out his suit. He made sure the ring was in his pocket and then sent one more prayer up. Then he heard footsteps outside the door and stood by the table waiting. The door opened and in walked Elizabeth. The candlelit lighting put a glow about her that made her even more beautiful. "Jack." Elizabeth said as she looked at the transformed cafe and Jack looking as handsome as ever. Jack stepped forward and took Elizabeth's hand. "Please come and sit." he said leading her to a table. "Wait Jack." she said as he began to pull her seat out. "I need..." Jack interrupted her by putting a finger to her lips. "Whatever it is it can wait. Let's put the talking aside until after the dinner." he said. Elizabeth nodded smiling. Jack smiled too his worry fading away for the moment. He brought out their plates and drinks then sat down. He said a blessing over the food and then began eating. After they'd finished their main course Jack brought out pieces of Abigail's famous cheesecake. "Jack this is so romantic." Elizabeth said after a few moments. Jack looked up and smiled his hopes lifting. "I hoped it would be to your liking." he paused for a moment then put down his fork. "I want you to know that what happened in the mine and afterward made me think more than I have been." he began. "Jack I know." Elizabeth began. "Please let me finish. So much has happened since I came here for this town and between us. I don't want to wait and take the chance of losing you to anyone or anything." he said looking deep into her eyes. "Jack. I don't want to lose you either." she said reaching across the table and taking his hand. "Than if you really mean it..." Jack started as he got up and went over to her and knelt in front of her and reaching into his jacket. "Elizabeth Thatcher I have loved you from the moment I saw you and no matter what anyone says of my job or the future will you..." Elizabeth's heart began to beat faster and as Jack spoke she felt her love for him grow. "Yes." she said before he could continue. "Yes Jack Thorton my love. I will marry you." she said. Jack stood and pulled her up with him. He looked into her eyes and she put her hand to his cheek. "You don't know how happy I am to hear those words. I thought..." he stopped as Elizabeth wrapped her arms around his neck. "We can talk later. Right now lets seal this promise with a kiss." she said bringing her mouth to his. Jack forgot all about his doubts and fears in that moment. He pulled Elizabeth tight against him and ran his hands through her hair pulling out the comb and dropping it. Now if this were an episode the camera would zoom out and focus on the candles on the table and we would watch as the candle shrunk lower and lower. Soon the camera would fade preparing for the next chapter.