Elizabeth couldn't help but notice that since returning from his walk her father seemed distracted. As promised, he took them to Abigail's cafe for breakfast and while her mother chatted away, her father was unusually quiet. Once they were back at Elizabeth's, Grace excused herself to write to Viola, leaving William with Elizabeth. Elizabeth went to her room to nurse Kate. As she rocked Kate to sleep, she thought about her father. Something was bothering him and she couldn't pinpoint what. She debated whether or not she should bring it up. As Kate fell asleep in her arms, Elizabeth carefully carried her back downstairs. She found her father in the parlor.

"Father?"

"Hello, Beth," he said absently. Elizabeth set Kate in her bassinet by the desk.

"Is everything all right?" She asked carefully. William was silent for a moment.

"Beth." William's voice was fatherly. He turned to her as Elizabeth sat diagonal to him. "I want you to know—" He paused and took a deep breath. "I'm proud of you." His voice shook slightly with emotion. Elizabeth was taken aback.

"Father—"

"Truly, I am. You and Jack, both." He looked her straight in the eye. "I know I've been hard on Jack and you. And I was wrong. I know we could have supported you better than we had. I hope you never doubted our love for you, Elizabeth. Your mother and I just want the best for you girls."

Elizabeth shook her head. "I never doubted that you loved me, Father. I know everything you've done for us has been out of protection. I'm sure Jack would do the same for our little girl."

William smiled slightly. "It's hard for a father to let his little girl go." He paused again. "You are an incredible young woman. To be completely honest, I truly admire the woman you've become. You're bright and such a strong woman. You've always been respectful to your mother and me, even if we've disagreed. You've built a wonderful life here. You've made me very proud."

Elizabeth wasn't sure what to say to that. "Thank you, Father." They were silent once more.

"Coming back this time, I've had some time to think. And there's something about this quaint little town. You know, Beth, Hope Valley keeps bringing to mind my childhood." Elizabeth looked at William curiously, waiting for him to finish. "I had forgotten my roots. Your grandparents struggled to keep us fed, but everyone was happy. Our community was quite knit together. Very much like Hope Valley. I was determined for my parents sake to make something of myself and support them in their later years. And afterwards, I was determined to climb the ranks. But with each promotion, I grew farther and farther away from my roots. I'd forgotten that money isn't everything."

Elizabeth had never heard that story before. Her grandparents passed away when she was a little girl and Elizabeth didn't remember them very well. She had no idea that her father grew up poor.

"Father, I truly do appreciate everything you've done for me growing up. You've never stopped me from my dreams and my aspirations. And," Elizabeth broke into a smile. "I'm not sure if you realize this, but you are the reason why Jack and I are together."

"What do you mean?"

"Hope Valley was never supposed to get a constable, but I found out that a "very important person" requested for a Mountie to be stationed here. And they sent Jack." Elizabeth chuckled at the memory.

"Is that right?" William said, cracking a smile. "Well. It must have been a divine appointment."

"It certainly was," Elizabeth said. They continued to talk, something they hadn't done in years. Elizabeth enjoyed chatting with her father and catching up from years gone past. Unbeknownst to her, William tried hard not to have a favorite among his three daughters. However, he always knew from the time she was a child that they had a special bond that he didn't have with either Viola or Julie. Elizabeth was the apple of his eye.

After another hour, Elizabeth excused herself to get supper started. William stayed seated for a moment before taking a deep breath. There was something he had to do. He walked to Elizabeth's writing desk and scribbled a note for her. He took his hat and headed out the door. With each step he took, he prayed. He counted the row houses and knew which one he needed to go to. He took another deep breath before knocking. The door opened and there she stood— Julie Thatcher. Her green eyes were bright with surprise and perhaps fear.

"Father, I'm so—" Julie started to say, but instead for the first time they embraced. Tears were shed and William held on to her for several moments. Tom, not realizing who was at the front door, was shocked to see William Thatcher. He stood behind Julie unsure of what to do or say. William looked Tom in the eye and before Tom could say anything else, William extended his hand. Everything was forgiven.

Dear Jack,

… And the "Runaway Julie" saga has officially come to an end. Father paid Julie a visit, to which Julie told me later when she opened the door and saw him, she didn't know whether to cry or faint. I know she can be slightly dramatic, but considering the circumstances, I'm sure she probably would have done both. What's more is that he shook Tom's hand before saying anything. Isn't it wonderful that we can finally put everything in the past? Julie said they didn't speak about the past at all and while it was strange and a bit uncomfortable, things started to ease a little as they talked a bit. They mostly spoke about the war and business at the saw mill.

I'll be quite sad when Father and Mother leave tomorrow. It has been such a blessing having them here. Mother begged Abigail for a few of her recipes to which Abigail was tickled to give Mother. Father also told Rosemary that he would see if any of his connections in France would have any clues as to Lee's whereabouts. We're hoping that something will come up.

Please stay safe. We've heard that things are becoming tumultuous over in France. I worry daily about your well-being, Jack. And I will be ever so grateful when this war is finally over. Kate and I pray for you every day. We love you dearly.

Forever Yours,

Elizabeth

With the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the bombings in Paris, things seemed to be bleak in Hope Valley. Rosemary suggested that they have Founder's Day early this year to which many agreed to. The townspeople needed a distraction for a bit. It wasn't the same as many of the men were missing from Hope Valley. However, the children seemed to have a good time. Rosemary took charge of heading it up and welcomed the distraction. This was the first year Elizabeth would have no part in the play and thoroughly enjoyed being a spectator. After the play was over and after everyone else hurried out to the saloon for an ice cream social, Elizabeth lingered behind. She stood at the front of the schoolhouse where the mural was hung. She found that certain spot in the mural once more. That little stick of dynamite, waiting to go off, was still there. And was still a mystery as to who painted it.

"Why are you starring at the mural so intently?"

Elizabeth gave a short gasp as she flew around. "Oh, Rosemary. I didn't know you were there."

"I'm sorry. But, what are you looking at?" Elizabeth gave her a sheepish look. "Oh, come on, tell me."

Elizabeth walked over to Rosemary and dragged her to the mural. She handed her a magnifying glass and pointed to a specific spot on the mural. She crossed her arms and watched Rosemary. Rosemary gave a gasp.

"Is that you and Jack?!" She giggled. She leaned in and looked at it closer.

"It appears to be. Years ago, the original mural that was painted by Noah Stanton was destroyed in a church fire. Suddenly this popped up in the saloon and to this day, I still don't know who painted this!"

Rosemary turned and looked at Elizabeth dumbfounded. "What?" Elizabeth asked.

"You don't know who painted this?" A smile crept on Rosemary's face.

"No! And it's absurd one would paint us..." her voice trailed.

"Kissing?" Rosemary asked amusedly.

"Yes!" Elizabeth exclaimed. A chortle came out of Rosemary's throat, but a full laugh decided to escape. Elizabeth crossed her arms and tilted her head. "What is so blessed funny?"

"You! Oh, Elizabeth!" Rosemary gasped as she laughed.

"You weren't in town yet! You couldn't possibly know who painted this. In fact, so many have come and gone, the person may no longer reside here."

"I may not have been here, but I do know who painted the mural. I just can't believe you haven't figured it out yet!"

"Who do you think painted the mural?"

"It was Jack, you silly dear!"

"Jack? What?"

"Elizabeth." Rosemary crossed her arms.

"No, it couldn't have been." Elizabeth said with a laugh but stopped. "Could it?"

"He wanted to be a painter when he was younger. He illustrated your book."

Before Elizabeth could respond, the schoolhouse door opened and Abigail walked in with Oliver and Kate.

"Mummy!" Oliver released Abigail's hand and ran to Rosemary.

"Hello, my sweet boy!" Rosemary scooped him up into a hug as Oliver giggled.

"What are you two talking about?" Abigail asked walking to them, handing Kate to Elizabeth.

"Rosemary thinks Jack painted the mural." Elizabeth cocked her head.

Before Abigail could stop herself, a small smile formed on her lips. Elizabeth gasped. "Abigail! You knew all this time?!"

"I promised Jack I wouldn't tell you. Although, I'm surprised you never figured it out."

"Oh my goodness." Elizabeth sat down on the front pew.

"I told you it was Jack!" Rosemary said with a laugh. "When we were younger, an artist stopped by our school and gave us a quick painting lesson. Jack had natural talent and I, not so much. But that was when he really developed a love for painting."

"He teased me so many times over that silly mural." Elizabeth shook her head. "I can't believe I never figured it out! It all makes sense now." She stood again and walked towards the mural, looking at the tiny likeness of her and Jack kissing. The schoolhouse was silent for a moment.

"I'll help you take it down," Rosemary offered, as she started to untie the mural.

"Wait, no."

Rosemary and Abigail looked at Elizabeth curiously. Elizabeth turned to face them, tears in her eyes.

"Let's keep it up. Just for one more day. Please?"

Rosemary gave her a small smile, knowing the familiar ache Elizabeth was feeling at that moment. "Of course."