It was the day after Elizabeth's confrontation with Lucas. So much had happened that morning. Both Julie and Rosemary had left town early that morning. It was now nearly schooltime and Elizabeth waited for her students.

"We're here!" Allie called, running towards Elizabeth. Nathan was right behind her, removing his hat. "What's Jack doing at school?" Allie asked, dropping her pail on a table near the front of the school.

Elizabeth knelt next to her baby's cradle, located near her desk. She watched Allie and Nathan approach.

"I didn't have anyone to watch Jack today. My sister left on the train early this morning, Laura is sick, and Rosemary is visiting Brookfield. So I'm watching Jack. I'm sure most of the children will enjoy the distraction," Elizabeth smiled at Allie. "Speaking of the other children, a few of them are outside if you'd like to play with them."

"Sure!" Allie said, scrambling outside.

Elizabeth turned to Nathan. "Hello, Nathan." She watched him struggle to form words.

"Hi." He paused for a few, long seconds. "I could not stop thinking about your ring -"

Elizabeth interrupted him. "If you're about to tell me you're going to waste your time looking for it, please don't. The wedding ring is very special to me. But at the same time, it's just that. A ring. It's a lost cause, I looked thoroughly for it yesterday. But thank you."

A frustrated look came upon Nathan's face. He tucked his hat under his arm. With much energy, he dug into his uniform pocket. "I already found it." He pulled the gold ring out of his pocket, holding it gingerly in his hand.

Elizabeth could not help but gasp. "Nathan. . . I. . ." She paused. "I'm very clearly speechless."

He chuckled. "I'm glad." He held the ring out in the palm of his hand.

She slowly took it from him. "You have no idea how much it means for you to retrieve this." She gazed fondly at the ring that she held in her hand. "Thank you," she said sincerely. A small smile graced her lips.

Nathan stuttered. "Of c-course."

Elizabeth slipped her ring into her small skirt pocket.

"Aren't you going to wear it?" he asked, surprised.

"There is something to be said about beginning again. I still love Jack, but I realized this ring is only a reminder of the life I could have, with him. It makes me feel. . . bitter. I strive not to be bitter, so for my own sake, I take it off." Elizabeth swallowed the large lump in her throat.

"I'm sorry."

"It's not your doing," she said gently.

"I know you have it hard. . . so if there's any way I can be of service, let me know," he said.

"That's very kind of you, Nathan. I may take you up on that offer some time," she said.

Baby Jack cooed, almost as if to agree with Elizabeth. She smiled at her beautiful, little son then looked back at Nathan.

Elizabeth smoothed her skirt with her hand. "School is about to start."

"I knew that," Nathan said, flustered. He adjusted his hat on his head. As he turned to leave, he felt a gentle touch of a hand on his shoulder.

Elizabeth smiled at him. "Thank you, again."

"Of course."

As Nathan left, she went to her desk, grabbing her beloved cowbell. It was time to ring it to begin the school day. She walked outside, watching Nathan disappear behind a bend. She turned her attention to the children.

"Time for school!" she called merrily, ringing the bell.

The children began collecting any items that they had outside and scrambled up the stairs. They found their seats.

Elizabeth scanned the field. There was still a child out there. . . far out there.

"Robert and Emily, you two are in charge of the classroom while I am gone. There is a child is must see to."

The pair nodded enthusiastically. "Sure, Mrs. Thornton!" Robert said cheerfully.

Elizabeth picked the hems of her skirt up, making her way through the field in front of the school. The child was drawing nearer and nearer to her.

"Hello?" she called, approaching the child.

The child darted toward Elizabeth rapidly. "Mrs. Thornton!" the child hollered.

Elizabeth recognized that voice. It was the voice of one of the dearest children she had ever met. As the child approached, she saw the child's features. His moppy blond hair. His blue eyes. His innocent, sweet face. "Cody!"

Cody ran into Elizabeth's arms, embracing her tightly. After the tight hug, Elizabeth said, "I have missed you so much!"

"Yeah, I missed you too, Mrs. Thornton," Cody said. "So has Mom."

"I have missed her as well," Elizabeth admitted.

Cody nodded his head sadly. "Grandma isn't doing too well."

"I am very sorry to hear that. It must be hard."

"I don't know her too well, but Mom does. It's a lot harder on her," Cody said meekly.

Elizabeth felt a pang of sadness for her dear friend and her beloved pupil. She forced a smile on her face. "Class is about to start. Come with me."

Cody smiled. "It'll be really nice being in class again. It's been so long!"