He looked out of the taxi window, as the sun began to set. Travel had begun at 8 AM this morning and he was exhausted. They were driving through the town, and he saw a few basic storefronts: craft store, drug store, grocery store, post office, and a cafe. Beyond the town he saw a cluster of homes, and a building labeled "Hope Valley School." He looked over at Elizabeth, who had begun to quietly snore. She's really comfortable on my shoulder. Not that I'm complaining. He lightly kissed her head and suddenly her eyes opened.

"How long have I been asleep!? I'm sorry I fell asleep on you."

"Probably thirty minutes. It's okay. Absolutely nothing to apologize for. I think we're almost here though."

The cab pulled over at the inn and Jack swung his bag over his shoulders so he could hold all of Elizabeth's bags. She smiled, so grateful that she did not have to lug everything inside. They got to the front desk and checked into their rooms for the night; Elizabeth would have to wait until the next morning to try and navigate her way through town to the apartment she had rented. Jack dropped off her bags inside her room and smiled at her.

"Whenever you need to leave, let me know. I'll take your bags out for you if I'm around."

"You are too sweet. Do you want to grab dinner?"

"I need to head off and find the office to relieve someone.. But I'm sure I'll be free within the hour. Can you wait until then?"

"Of course! I'll spend that time freshening up and sending off some emails. Can I get your number?"

Jack laughed at himself as he left the room and went to his own. This morning, he thought he would be in Honolulu, surrounded by the ocean and girls in bikinis. Now, the only girl he could think of was the beautiful, smart Miss Thatcher that had fatefully been on the same journey as he was. He quickly unpacked and headed out to find Special Agent Brandon. Ian Brandon was sitting at his desk when Jack walked in.

"Special Agent Thornton, right? I can't begin to thank you enough for showing up. My dad's gotten real sick and my mom needs help with the kids and the ranch. I need to be gone for at least two months."

"Not a worry. I think I'll like it here. Just tell me everything I need to know so I can get started on things."

"You'll have your pick of assignment after this. You can stay here on a permanent basis or you can head off and go to any office you want."

For now, Jack couldn't even think of being in a different city from Elizabeth. He checked his phone and saw a text from her: *All done! I found a cafe a quick walk from the inn - Abigail's. Want to meet there in fifteen?* *Yes, see you in 15.*

Ian went through all the case files and Jack was surprised at how many things were going on in this small town. A few fraud cases, a bank robbery, and a recent mystery murder of the school teacher. What the hell? The teacher was murdered…..? And now Elizabeth is here to replace him? Let's hope there isn't a pattern.

"We liason a lot with the police force here. You'll be an honorary cop and do FBI work as well. It's a lot of things to take on, but the people here are really nice and helpful. A few restaurants in town. Try to head to Trevoy's Tavern for a quick drink and music, or Abigail's. She serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Everything is great there."

"Thanks Ian. Have safe travels and I hope things turn out well. Send me an email update when you can."

"Will do. Thanks Jack."

Jack organized the files and cleared out the desk for his own things. He checked the time and headed out to find the cafe. A few minutes walk led him to a busy cafe and a waving Elizabeth. She looked absolutely beautiful, her hair was tied up and she was wearing a pretty blue dress.

"How was the office?"

"It was good! I'm looking forward to learning more about the town tomorrow. I'll have to look into getting a motorcycle or something to get around town."

"Do you want to explore town tomorrow together? I have to find the apartment I rented.. You should also look into more permanent housing! We can try to find a dealership and in general explore the area and maybe - oh. I'm going on and on again." She blushed and Jack smiled.

"I would never get sick of you talking. Don't worry. Let's do everything tomorrow, I should be up at around 7. Breakfast than exploring?"

"Yes. That's a plan."

They spent the rest of dinner, laughing and joking about themselves. It felt as if they had known each other for forever, not just a few hours. Elizabeth gazed at him, his hazel eyes, his dimpled smile, his day old stubble. He's hot. He's beautiful. He has to be single, right? If he had a girlfriend then he would not be this nice and invested in me.. I know I came to teach but a relationship wouldn't hurt! Especially in a town where I know absolutely nobody yet..

"What are you thinking about? You have that eyebrow furrow again."

"Oh nothing! Just… things…" She smiled and his expression told her that he knew she had been thinking of him.

They walked back to the inn after dinner and he walked her to her door. She stood there, not wanting to say goodbye. She quickly gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek, leaving him standing there with his mouth gaping. She ducked into her room and Jack stood there smiling. When he got to his room and checked his phone, he saw that she had texted him already.

*I'm glad we're here together. Good night!* *See you in the AM. Sleep well. Sweet dreams.*