Nathan's long stride took him down the passageway of the university football stadium. He headed for the field, knowing Lee would be there with his players. They were deep into spring training, preparing for the upcoming fall season. Strolling onto the field, Nathan saw Lee coaching his players, so he found a shady spot on a bench and waited for his friend to finish.

Lee had confided in Nathan that Jack was his twin, and Nathan had returned the favor by letting Lee know that he had overheard his conversation with Jack and knew he was Allie's biological father. The two men were at a loss as to how to approach Jack moving forward. Lee felt slightly betrayed that his brother left right after finding out about their connection, though he understood why Jack had done it. Nathan wasn't sure what he wanted from Jack, but he knew that his friend was running, even if he was doing it because he thought it was in everyone's best interest.

Nathan and Lee knew better. They both agreed that they wanted Jack to come back to Hope Valley, but they were unsure how to convince him. Lee spoke to Jack more frequently than Nathan did. In the month Jack had been gone, it became more and more clear to Nathan that he had left a hole in their lives.

Jack was family. He had become family in the months he spent in their little town. Now it felt like they were in the midst of a family rift, and Nathan knew it needed to be healed.

The only question was how.

Lee's whistle blew sharply, and the college boys jogged toward the locker room. Walking over to Nathan, Lee joined him on the bench. "Hey, Nathan. How's it going?"

"Fairly well," Nathan said. "I'm glad summer break is coming up in a few weeks."

"You and me both," Lee said, crossing his arms and leaning back against the wall. "For more reasons than one."

Nathan smiled. "Are you excited about your wedding?"

Lee grinned. "Of course I am! I can't wait to marry Rosie. She is the light of my life. I'm glad we're getting married the same weekend summer break starts."

"We're all excited for it too," Nathan said. "You and Rosemary are going to be very happy together."

"I think so," Lee said, a look of peace on his face. The two men sat in silence for a few moments. After a while, Lee glanced at Nathan. "You're here because of Jack, aren't you?"

Nathan nodded. "I am. I've been thinking about solutions, Lee. Jack is your brother and he's my Allie's father. The two of you are his only surviving biological family. I know he has a good relationship with his adoptive family, but I think he's missing out on a connection with you and Allie. I think we need to convince him to come back."

"Nathan, I thought you were concerned about the dynamics that could arise if Allie ever found out Jack is her father," Lee said, raising a brow. "Didn't you say that just the other day?"

Nathan let out a small chuckle. "Yes, I did. But I've come to a realization. I'm secure in Allie's love for me as her daddy. I know nothing will change that. And I also know Jack has no intention of taking Allie away. Him moving to New York without saying anything proved that. But I know that one day, Allie is going to have questions about her biological father. She knows I was Uncle Nathan before I was Daddy. Someday she's going to put two and two together. She's going to have questions. I have no idea how Elizabeth and I are going to explain that when the time comes, but I do know that I'd rather she know that Jack loves her very much and that he's been a part of her life in whatever way he could once he found out their connection." He let out a breath. "I don't have all the answers and I don't know if any of that made sense. But I think Jack should be here." He paused. "If he wants to be. Elizabeth thinks he wanted to stay but felt like he had to go."

Lee nodded. "I got that impression as well." He smiled gently. "And Nathan? You're a good man and an excellent father. You're always thinking of Allie first. She's in good hands."

Nathan blinked back sudden tears. "Thanks, Lee. That means a lot."

Lee let out a long breath. "So. What do we do?"

Nathan smiled. "What do you think about taking a little trip to New York City?"

A slow grin spread over Lee's face. "A little surprise visit?" he asked, his eyes dancing with mirth.

"Exactly," Nathan said. "Maybe between the two of us, we can convince Jack to come home."

Lee gave a firm nod. "I'm in. When do we leave?"

"I'll have to talk to Elizabeth, but why don't we aim for this weekend?" Nathan suggested.

Lee nodded again. "I'll start looking at plane tickets."

"Do you have to go?" Allie asked, looking up at Nathan with wide eyes. "I wanted to go to the zoo this weekend."

Elizabeth smiled gently as Nathan scooped Allie into his arms. Their daughter didn't know why her daddy was going on a trip. They hadn't wanted to get her hopes up. Every few days over the past month, Allie had asked when Uncle Jack was coming to visit. She missed him as much as the adults did.

"Mom and Auntie Faith will take you to the zoo," Nathan said. "Then maybe you and I can go in a couple weeks. How's that?"

Allie's lower lip stuck out, a sign of her stubbornness, but she soon traded it for a little smile. "That sounds good. Thanks, Daddy." She planted a kiss on his cheek.

Nathan held her close and kissed her forehead. "I'll miss you, munchkin," he said. "You be good for your mom, okay?"

Allie nodded. Nathan set her gently on her feet, and Allie stood back, taking Elizabeth's hand. Nathan and Elizabeth shared a smile, both grateful that Allie was doing so well. Her cancer was officially in remission and her energy levels were back. Her shyness and withdrawn nature had vanished entirely. Nathan had told Elizabeth a few days ago, with tears in his eyes, that his little girl was fully back.

Elizabeth had noticed the change in their daughter. She laughed more easily and freely, and she had no problem striking up a conversation with strangers. She was precocious and vibrant. Elizabeth knew she was going to thrive in school when it started up again in the fall.

"Oh!" Allie exclaimed suddenly. "I made you a picture for your trip, Daddy. I'll be right back!" She raced for her playroom, and Nathan took advantage of the fact that he and Elizabeth were now alone. He pulled her into his arms. Elizabeth's heart started thumping harder, the way it always did when her husband took her into his embrace. She wrapped her arms around his neck, looking directly into his bright blue eyes. "I'm going to miss you, you know," she said softly.

Nathan pressed a feather-light kiss to her lips before rubbing his nose back and forth gently against hers. "It's only two days," he whispered. "I'll be home early Sunday morning. We'll be able to spend most of that day together."

Elizabeth reached up on her tiptoes, pressing her lips to his in a sweet kiss. "I know," she said when they pulled back. "And I know how important this trip is. I really hope you and Lee can convince Jack to come back."

"So do I," Nathan said, resting his forehead against hers. "I don't know what we're going to say, but hopefully we can change his mind. I know he's living out his dream, but I wonder if he's truly happy."

"Faith says he doesn't sound happy," Elizabeth said, her heart hurting for Jack. "He tries to be optimistic, but she can hear the desperation in his voice even over the phone. He's lonely, Nathan."

"We'll do everything we can to bring him home," Nathan said firmly. "I promise. Lee is just as determined as I am. He says he just found his brother, and he has no intention of losing him because said brother exhibits some stubbornness."

Elizabeth laughed. "Good. Between the two of you, something is bound to resonate with Detective Thornton."

"I hope so," Nathan said with a chuckle of his own.

Elizabeth's arms tightened around his neck. "In the meantime, just remember what will be waiting for you when you get home," she said with a lift of her brows, tilting her head to the side coyly.

Nathan's breath hitched slightly, and he bent to kiss her passionately. Elizabeth closed her eyes, loving the way his kiss made her feel and the way she felt cherished and protected in his arms. They lost track of time, only breaking apart when they heard Allie's high-pitched squeal. They glanced in her direction. She was standing a few feet away, holding a paper and wearing a grin. "Why do you always kiss Mom like that?" she asked, looking up at Nathan.

Elizabeth tried to hide her smile as Nathan pressed his lips together, trying to figure out how to explain. "Well, I love your mom very much, and so I like to show her that by kissing her," he said finally, grinning at Elizabeth. "You'll understand when you're older, munchkin. Much older."

"I guess," Allie said, walking up to them and holding up the paper. "For you."

Nathan took the picture. Allie had drawn the three of them riding bikes together. Elizabeth smiled down at her daughter. "That is beautiful, Allie. I'm sure Daddy will keep it with him the whole time he's gone."

"Absolutely," Nathan agreed. "You did a great job, Allie. Thank you."

A knock sounded at the door. Elizabeth opened it to see Lee. "Hey, Elizabeth," he said with a little wave. "Is Nathan ready?"

"Yeah," Nathan said, picking up his overnight bag and going to the door. He gave Allie one more hug and Elizabeth one more kiss, his hand lingering on her cheek. "See you Sunday," he said softly. "I love you."

"Love you too."

Elizabeth closed the door as Nathan and Lee got into the car, smiling down at Allie. "Are you ready to make some cupcakes?" she asked brightly, not wanting Allie to pick up on her slightly sad mood. She knew Nathan would only be gone a short time, but she already missed him. She felt tears spring to her eyes and wondered at the fact that she felt so emotional. That wasn't like her.

"Sure," Allie said, skipping to the kitchen. "Let's make strawberry ones."

Nathan's favorite. Elizabeth wiped a tear from her cheek and put a smile on her face. "Perfect."

Jack bent low over a case report, pouring over the details. He had thrown himself into his work over the past weeks, needing the routine of finding facts and piecing together clues to put away the bad guys. He worked long hours already. He couldn't help it. Anytime he was alone, his thoughts turned to Hope Valley. He had never felt homesick before, but he knew he had it bad for the small town with the friends who were more like family. With the friends who were family. He missed them with an aching heart, so he busied himself with his work.

Faith was going to be joining him in a couple of weeks. He had found her an apartment in the same building as his, and she already had it reserved. Jack hoped that having Faith in town would help to relieve the ache in his heart. He missed her most of all and felt lonely without her.

He reached a hand in his pocket, where a brilliant diamond ring rested. He knew he wanted to marry Faith. Now it was just a matter of asking her. He planned to give her time to settle into their new life here in the city, and then he would ask her to marry him.

"Thornton!"

Jack looked over to see his boss looking at him with a raised brow. "Yes, sir?"

"It's an hour past time for you to go home, son. Pack it up and come back tomorrow, alright?"

Jack's stomach dropped at the thought of being alone with his memories, but he nodded slowly. "Yes, sir."

The taxi ride home was too short for Jack's liking. Just like that, he was in his apartment, alone and emotionally unguarded. His thoughts automatically turned to Allie. To Lee. To Nathan and Elizabeth.

To Faith.

He groaned, closing his eyes. He hadn't realized that forming friendships could lead to this kind of pain. All he wanted was to get on a plane and go back home. He wanted to be by his daughter and his brother. He wanted to be by his friends. He wanted to marry Faith and live their lives with the community that they both loved.

A deep sigh came from the depths of his soul. Coming here had been a mistake. He'd thought it was his dream. He thought he was doing the right thing by leaving Hope Valley and letting everyone get on with their lives. Without him.

Now he wondered if he had made a rash decision.

A knock sounded at the door, breaking into his thoughts. Grateful for the interruption, Jack quickly answered it, but when he saw who was standing on the other side, his mouth gaped in shock.

"Hello, Jack," Nathan said, stepping into the room with Lee.

Jack couldn't speak for a full thirty seconds. He stared at his friend and his brother, mouth still hanging open. "What are you doing here?" he gasped as he shut the door.

"We're here to bring you home," Lee said succinctly. "We don't think you belong here in New York. I'd even hazard a guess that you're not happy."

Jack crossed his arms in a classic position of self-preservation. "It's fine," he hedged, unable to meet their eyes.

Nathan put a hand on his shoulder. "Jack," he said, his tone gentle. "You don't have to put on a brave face for us. We know you too well."

Jack felt his throat tighten. He motioned to the couch and chairs in his living room. The three of them made themselves comfortable. Jack sat forward in his chair, elbows resting on his thighs. "There are things you don't know," he said, addressing Nathan. "Things that might make you change your mind if you knew the truth."

"Like the fact that you're Allie's father?" Nathan said, his voice calm.

"Exactly…" Jack said, before freezing in horror. He lifted his eyes, meeting Nathan's gaze head on. "You know?"

Nathan simply nodded.

Jack felt like he couldn't breathe. "How?" he rasped.

Nathan scooted forward on the couch, not breaking eye contact. "I was coming over to invite you for dinner when you and Lee were talking," he said. "The door was open, and I heard the two of you, so I decided to go back to my house so you could continue your talk. Then I heard you say that Allie was your daughter." He smiled ruefully. "I won't lie - it was a shock. It took me some time to process that. I wondered if you might try to take Allie from us…"

"I would never do that!" Jack exclaimed, tears springing to his eyes. "I promise, Nathan, I would never…"

"I know that," Nathan said, gently cutting him off. "When you left for New York without telling me and Elizabeth about your connection to Allie, we knew you were dedicated to doing what was best for our little girl. You put her needs ahead of your own." He clasped his hands together in a position of supplication. "But Jack, we want you in Allie's life. We want you in our lives. You're family."

"And I want you in my life," Lee said, putting a hand on Jack's shoulder. "You're my brother, and you've become a good friend in the short time you were in Hope Valley. We came here to bring you home. If you are open to it."

"We can't force your return," Nathan said. "But we want you to come back. Your house is still unrented. I'm sure the owner would be happy to let you have it back." He smiled. "Or you could look to buy a home for you and Faith to live in once you're married."

Jack's head snapped up. "How did you know I'm planning on asking her to marry me?"

Lee and Nathan both laughed. "It's obvious how you feel about her," Nathan said, amusement in his voice. "I'd wager you even have a ring."

Jack's mouth fell open once more. "Are you sure you don't want to be a detective again?" he asked, eyeing Nathan with a raised brow. "You seem sharp as ever."

Nathan grinned. "Nope. That life is behind me. But those skills will always be with me." He leaned forward once more. "What do you say, Jack? Will you come home?"

Jack looked from Nathan to Lee. His brother was wearing a pleading expression and had a hopeful look in his eyes. Jack inhaled deeply, feeling a release. The fact that Nathan was so welcoming and asking him to come back spoke volumes to him. The fact that Lee wanted him to come home so they could develop their brotherly bond spoke volumes to him.

He didn't need any more convincing. "Alright," he said simply.

Nathan and Lee blinked in unison. "So you're coming home?" Lee said, a grin spreading over his face.

Jack found himself smiling in return. "Yes," he said, a laugh bubbling up inside.

Nathan shook his head, a smile on his face too. "That was a lot easier than I thought it would be," he said, sounding relieved and amused. He stood, holding a hand out to Jack. "Hope Valley is ready to welcome you back," he said.

Jack stood, shaking his hand firmly. "Thank you, Nathan," he said, hearing a crack in his own voice. "This means a lot to me."

Lee stood as well, wrapping Jack in a hug. "I'm glad you came to your senses," he said bluntly, slapping Jack on the back.

That prompted laughs from all three men. Jack felt lighter than he had in well over a month.

He was going home.