"Julie, you look beautiful," Elizabeth said.

Elizabeth took a deep breath as Julie walked down the stairs in what used to be Elizabeth's row house. A memory came back to her, but the positions were reversed. Back then, Julie had come to Hope Valley for Jack's Christening and was babysitting with Jack while Elizabeth went off to the Founder's Day Dance.

Julie had said exactly the same thing when Elizabeth had walked down the stairs. It seemed ironic that on that night so long ago, Elizabeth would dance with Lucas, and now Julie was on her way to have dinner with him. For Elizabeth, it had simply been a kindness to ask Lucas for a dance when she'd been unable to find Nathan. Julie had decidedly different hopes for this evening.

Elizabeth was pleased for both of them. It was always a blessing when two good people found each other, and though Lucas had a rocky start in Hope Valley, he had become a trusted and even loved member of the community.

Elizabeth had to admit that in her joy with Nathan, she'd hoped everyone could find the same. She'd idly looked at the single women in Hope Valley wondering if any would be a good match for Lucas. For a while Fiona had been in the running, but once she and Kevin had discovered each other, it was clear that they were a much better fit.

Elizabeth could never have imagined the right girl for Lucas would be her sister.

Julie and Lucas were, as Archie liked to say, "two peas in a pod." And finally, due in large part to Julie's boldness, they seemed to be taking the next step.

Julie twirled to model the exact gown that Elizabeth had found in her suitcase when Julie had come to Airdrie for the wedding. The silk taffeta dress in the lustrous shade of magenta that had seemed so out of place and over-the-top in Airdrie, was now, it seemed, entirely appropriate.

Lucas and Julie had once talked about performances they'd attended, in different years, at the La Scala Opera House in Milan, Italy. At his request, Julie had described her dress to him over a quick lunch discussing menus for the saloon.

When she'd asked him what she should wear for this first date, he'd simply said, "The dress you wore to La Scala. Do you still have it?"

She'd said yes, and he'd nodded and said, "Please wear that one."

Lucas was the only man Julie had known who seemed to find that sort of thing interesting. Not because he was particularly taken with fashion, but because he had an appreciation of visualizing the whole picture of a story in his mind.

Julie had tried to gloss over the details, but he hadn't let her. "Where did you sit at La Scala?" he'd asked.

"My aunt and uncle have a box on the right side of the stage."

"Which floor?"

Julie smiled. "Third."

Lucas had nodded in appreciation. "Good seats. And you saw...?"

"Otello, in Italian, and I didn't understand a word of it. But it was glorious," Julie said, remembering.

Lucas nodded. "I saw La Boheme, also in Italian, but a friend had encouraged me to study it beforehand, so I'd know what was going on."

Julie had simply said, "I wish I'd known you then, so I could have heard that advice."

Lucas had looked at her, his brown eyes very warm, and said, softly, "I just wish I'd known you then, for many reasons."

It was one of those moments that made her lose her breath a little, when their friendship felt like it had moved onto an entirely different path – and then, the moment would pass and they'd segue back to table designs and the advantages of veal over fowl.

"It's not too much?" Julie asked Elizabeth, looking down at the bold pink of her dress.

Elizabeth laughed softly at her sister's question. Julie's style was definitely not Elizabeth's, but Julie looked stunning. "It's what he asked for, isn't it?" Elizabeth said, "Though where you would wear this in Hope Valley is a little beyond me. I'm trying to imagine you walking into either the Queen of Hearts or Abigail's wearing this dress."

Julie looked at herself in the mirror and adjusted a wayward curl. "Perhaps we're not dining in Hope Valley, sister."

Smiling, Elizabeth said, "Julie. The nearest town is Benson Hills, which is nearly two hours away by automobile, and it's freezing outside. That would make for a long night!"

Julie said softly, "I might not mind a long night..." and then she at least had the good grace to blush a little.

Slightly shocked, Elizabeth said, "Is that a blush? Julie, I haven't seen you do that since you were about twelve!"

Julie sighed. "I know. I can't seem to stop it. What's happening to me?"

Elizabeth smiled tenderly. "Maybe you care a little more about this particular date than you have in the past?"

Frowning, Julie said, "These Hope Valley men sneak up on you, don't they? Here I was, going about my business, talking recipes and place settings, and all of a sudden..."

Elizabeth hugged her carefully, not wanting to disturb her lovely hair. She held Julie at arm's length and looked keenly into her eyes. "And you feel he's serious? Lucas is very charming, but you mustn't mistake charm for real feelings, Julie. Until you know, please keep your heart safe, will you?"

Julie looked down at the floor. "I'm starting to wonder if it's too late, Elizabeth." She looked up at her sister. "But I will do my best."

"Good," Elizabeth said, adjusting Julie's necklace. "So, you have no idea where he's taking you all dressed up like this?"

"I have no idea," Julie said. "He told me he's picking me up in his car, and the rest of it is a surprise."

Elizabeth shook her head. "I still can't believe how many cars there are in Hope Valley. What is that now, five? They smell terrible, and they spook the horses," she said, frowning.

Laughing, Julie said, "Oh, it could be Nathan standing here! You two couldn't be more perfect for each other." Julie tossed her red curls over her shoulders so Elizabeth could adjust her collar. "I, on the other hand, love automobiles, and if you'll notice, I will complement the deep maroon of his car tonight."

To Elizabeth's incredulous smile, Julie said brightly, "Attention to detail, dear sister. It wins the day."

And on cue, there was a knock at the door.

Julie took a deep breath and looked into her sister's eyes. "I'm nervous. How can I be nervous after spending so much time with him?"

Elizabeth kissed Julie's cheek tenderly. "Because this is different." She raised her eyebrows. "Ready?"

Julie nodded bravely and lifted her chin. "I can do this. I'm a Thatcher. Yes, I'm ready."

Elizabeth went to the door and opened it, and there was Lucas in full tuxedo holding a bouquet of flowers the color of Julie's gown.

"Good evening, Elizabeth," he said, smiling.

Elizabeth had to admit that he looked very handsome, in his Lucas sort of way. Nothing even close to Nathan in his red serge, but she could see how Julie would be taken by him, especially when he smiled. There was a combination of worldliness and boyishness that matched Julie's cosmopolitan experience and her little girl voice and nature.

But Lucas wasn't looking at Elizabeth anymore. He was looking past her at Julie, who was posed perfectly, as if a photographer had placed her there. Head tilted adorably, eyebrows raised in a question, an enigmatic smile, her lovely black lace fan open in her hand and covering just enough of her décolleté to be modest and enticing at the same time.

It had been a long time since Elizabeth had seen Julie in full bloom in her natural element, and she had to close her mouth consciously. And since she had quickly become peripheral to what was going on in the room, Elizabeth opened the door wide and stepped back, allowing them full view of each other.

Lucas made a light sound on a sigh, saying, "Julie, you take my breath away."

Elizabeth thought she might not need to worry quite so much about her sister's heart.

She saw them off from the doorway and Elizabeth felt more like the mother in this scenario than an older sister. She had actually called out, "Don't be too late!" before she could stop herself.

She closed the door and leaned against it, facing the lower level of what used to be her home. Things hadn't changed much, in part because Julie spent so much of her time either at the saloon or at Elizabeth's house, and she hadn't spent a lot of energy redecorating. And for someone who talked incessantly about food, Julie was not what anyone would call an accomplished cook.

So many memories here, Elizabeth thought. It had started as Abigail's house, and was the place she'd moved into after burning down the teacherage in her first week in Hope Valley. Then it became hers, then hers and Jack's, and now Julie's.

Elizabeth had spent more hours here with Nathan than she had in her entire courtship and marriage to Jack, so it was Nathan, Allie and little Jack she saw as she looked at the dining room table, the stove, the back door that led to the yard, and the sofa in front of the wood stove in the living room.

It had served her well, this little place. But now she had her own house, which was rapidly filling with people she loved. Elizabeth gathered up her things and turned out the lights, leaving just the porch light on for Julie. Then she walked down the steps and up Rosemary and Lee's steps as she had so many times before.

The door opened before she even knocked and Rosemary took her arm and pulled her inside.

"That was a sight to see!" Rosemary enthused. "Lucas in his tuxedo? And that dress Julie had on! They looked as if they were heading out to a Broadway show in New York!"

Elizabeth laughed. "First of all, you were peeking through the window again. And second, it was La Scala in Milan that they were heading toward."

To Rosemary's confused look, Elizabeth only shook her head. "It's Julie and Lucas... neither of them really have their feet here on the unsophisticated frontier, you know." Realizing Rosemary still expected her to explain, Elizabeth gave her the short version. "They've both been to La Scala at different times, and he wanted her to wear the dress she'd worn there."

Rosemary tilted her head, charmed. "Oooh. That's very sweet!"

Elizabeth went to the stove to get hot water for tea. "He's quite taken with her, I think, Rosemary. And Julie was... blushing."

Rosemary's eyebrows shot up. "Julie? Blushing? Oh, my!"

"Where's Lee?" Elizabeth said. She held up the tea. "Want some?"

"Yes, please, I'd love a cup. You and I haven't had a good chat, just the two of us, for days! Your house is so full all the time." Rosemary sat down at the table. "And Lee is at the office, setting up the lumber for the trusses of the roof. Now that we have the walls up, we can close it in before it snows."

Elizabeth smiled. "I'm so happy you'll be there soon. Nathan and I walked through it last night. The rooms are so large, and the layout looks perfect. You'll love the way the light comes in your bedroom in the morning." She sat down, waiting for the water to boil. "I can't wait until I can just walk over and say hello whenever I want."

Rosemary pouted. "I know! Your moving out there has cut into our gossip time. I miss you."

Elizabeth looked down at her hands, wondering how to start. She and Nathan had sworn the family to secrecy until a few selected people in town were told about Elizabeth's pregnancy. Particularly, Nathan had become quite close with Bill, and Elizabeth needed to tell Rosemary.

"Oh, Elizabeth, what is it?" Rosemary said, always able to read her friend's thoughts practically before she had them.

Elizabeth looked up, smiling. She took Rosemary's hands in hers. "I have some news," she said.

Rosemary knew immediately. The combination of joy and sorrow in Elizabeth's eyes could only mean one thing, and Rosemary had already noticed the changes in Elizabeth's moods. Plus, she was positively glowing.

"I think I already know," Rosemary said, tears springing to her eyes. "And I'm so happy for you," she said softly.

Elizabeth hugged her tightly. "I wish... oh, Rosemary, I love you so dearly. How does this make you feel? Really?"

The water was boiling, and Rosemary took the opportunity to stand and fill the cups Elizabeth had laid out.

"First, I'm ecstatically happy for you and Nathan. Oh, and Allie and Jack. And Archie and Rebecca. So many people will take so much joy in this news." Rosemary handed Elizabeth her cup of tea. "Second..." she rolled her eyes and laughed. "What was it..." she counted on her fingers after putting down her own cup. "...on your wedding night? How is that fair?"

"I know," Elizabeth said in frustration. "It's not fair."

Rosemary hugged her tightly. "I am so happy for you, really. Another baby to love, more babysitting to do, how could I be anything but happy?" Her eyes went wide, "Oh, and Nathan. He must be over the moon! A child of your own, you two. It's just lovely, Elizabeth."

"Nathan is walking a few feet off the ground these days. So am I. And I think I may be past the funny tummy stage, and just in time. If I ever see another cup of ginger tea it will be too soon."

Rosemary smiled and sipped her own tea. Then she looked up at Elizabeth. "Well, on that subject, I have some news for you," she said mysteriously. "We just found out this afternoon."

"What?" Elizabeth said, hoping against hope that Rosemary would have the same news for her.

"I told you that we spoke with Grace and Lillian about the possibility of adoption." To Elizabeth's small gasp, Rosemary said, "No, now don't get ahead of me!" Elizabeth closed her lips and stayed silent.

Rosemary took a deep breath. "There is a little girl, and she needs fostering. As far as they can tell, she's six or seven months old."

Elizabeth frowned. "As far as they can tell?"

Rosemary's eyes filled with tears. "She was left on their doorstep. No note. In this cold. Can you imagine?" Elizabeth put her arm around Rosemary and held her as she continued. "The children at the Orphanage are older, and Lillian knows they could care for her, but it would be difficult. She wanted to know if Lee and I would be able to foster the little girl until Gabriel can investigate and see if he can find the mother."

Elizabeth was speechless. On so many levels. What if Rosemary and Lee fell in love with the baby and then Gabriel found the mother? And Elizabeth knew in her heart that it wasn't even a what if they fell in love...

"Oh, Rosemary..." Elizabeth started.

Rosemary raised her hand, "I know. There's a chance we'll bond with her..."

Elizabeth raised her eyebrows.

Sighing, Rosemary said, "Okay, we will bond with her. And we might lose her. But..." She looked deeply into Elizabeth's eyes. "Can I turn this down, Elizabeth? Can I turn that little girl away? She doesn't even have a name." Now the tears did fall. "A little girl..."

Elizabeth held her tightly, and Rosemary cried softly into her shoulder. "I don't know what to do..." she said, sniffling.

"When do you need to let Lillian know?" Elizabeth asked.

Rosemary pulled back and used her tea napkin to wipe her eyes. "They'll care for her until they hear from us, but they'd like to know this week."

"What does Lee say?"

Rosemary laughed through her tears. "What Lee always says, that he wants me to be happy and that we can handle anything together." Rosemary looked at Elizabeth closely. "I trust you and your instincts. Tell me what you think. What would you do?"

Elizabeth looked at Rosemary with deep affection in her eyes, and then finally spoke. "Can you keep just a small part of your heart separate? Can you love her and know that you might lose her? You would have to do it very consciously, Rosemary." She wiped a tear from her friend's cheek. "I did it with Jack, and it allowed me to survive. There was a tiny bit of my heart that was all my own and that's the part that grew back after he died. Can you do that?"

Rosemary sat up straight and got control of her emotions. "I know I may seem flighty at times, but I've had my share of heartache in my life." She smiled and held Elizabeth's hand. "And if I turn my back on this little girl, I don't think I can live with myself."

She hugged Elizabeth. "With the love of my sweet husband and my dear friends, I'll survive, no matter what happens."

Rosemary looked at Elizabeth and smiled, her eyes glistening. "It will grow back."