Elizabeth couldn't speak for a moment. All she could do was look at Nathan.
"I thought Ally's father…"
"Abandoned her when Colleen died?" Nathan interrupted Elizabeth. "Yes, that would be Jesse Walker."
"How did he know where you both were?"
"That is a very good question," Nathan admitted. "Granted, it doesn't take much—as you saw when my dad came to Hope Valley" Nathan looked down at the document in his hands again. "This documents that Jesse struck it rich in oil, has married, and is seeking to regain custody of Ally."
Elizabeth reached for Nathan's hand. "What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to talk with Bill for starters." Nathan looked into Elizabeth's eyes. "I'm sorry I can't help you carry your books home."
Elizabeth managed a small chuckle. "I'll survive. But please let me know how I can help you."
"Don't say anything to Ally," Nathan pleaded. "I am hoping I can get this figured out without her knowing." Nathan lifted Elizabeth's hands to his lips and kissed it. "Thank you for understanding, Lizbeth."
"What do you think Bill?" Nathan was pacing the judge's office as Bill was looking over the document Nathan had brought in.
Bill put the papers down and rubbed his forehead. "First of all, these are legitimate. Do you know if he has a copy of Ally's birth certificate?"
Nathan sighed. "I don't know. But I have records of becoming Ally's legal guardian."
Bill looked down again. "Unfortunately, if his parental rights hadn't been terminated, and you were awarded guardianship due to his absence, this Jesse Walker is within his rights."
"You can't be serious, Bill!" Nathan stopped in the middle of the room.
"I'm sorry, Nathan," Bill stood up. "The law is the law. I don't like it. I don't think it makes sense."
"You know I am going to contest this, right?" Nathan looked Bill square in the eye. "I will not let Ally go to live with some stranger."
Nathan paused for a moment, seemingly collecting his thoughts. "Will you be my attorney Bill? I know you're a judge and not a lawyer, but…"
Bill clapped Nathan on the shoulder. "Say no more. Anything you need."
"Thank you." Nathan said
Wesley Campbell walked into the Mercantile. He had been told at the saloon that there was a call for him. Florence patched it through and against her better judgment, she listened in. It wasn't something she did anymore, but this was a well-dressed stranger. His arrival in Hope Valley had caused quite a stir. Maybe this phone call would give her an idea of what it was about….
"Hello Mr. Walker," Wesley Campbell spoke into the receiver.
"Did you find my daughter?"
"I found her guardian. He was less than happy to hear from me."
"Is there going to be a problem?"
"Yes Mr. Walker," Wesley Campbell admitted. "I think we have a fight on our hands."
"I really can't be bothered with this right now. But I need my daughter under my roof. It is vital to future dealings."
"Mr. Walker," Wesley continued to speak in a tone of voice that Hope Valley residents could hear. "I think you need to come to Hope Valley."
Florence heard a sigh on the other end of the line.
"Fine. I'll be on the first train out tomorrow. I should be there by the end of the week."
"I will make the arrangements, sir, including finding a judge to confirm your paternal custody."
"Thank you. Remember, Ally needs to be home with me by Christmas. Make it happen."
There was a click on the other end. The phone call was over. Wesley Campbell put on his hat and exited the Mercantile.
Florence, meanwhile, sat in complete shellshock. Was the Ally mentioned Ally Grant? Was someone trying to take her away from the Constable? Florence was tempted to call Molly immediately, but she managed to think better of it. Ally didn't know her father was trying to take her back. That was something Nathan had to tell her. Not the townsfolk.
Florence shot up a prayer. Poor Ally and poor Constable Grant. Those two had finally settled in and now their world was being turned upside down. Florence also thought about Elizabeth. News had certainly traveled through Hope Valley about Elizabeth Thornton courting Nathan. Everyone was thrilled by it. But now, it appeared as if more sadness was coming Elizabeth's way….
Could no one catch a break around here?