Maybe he should have just gone back to bed. Lucas' stomach summersaulted continuously as he stood in front of the Gowen Petroleum office. Before him were gathered over twenty men, all with worried and tense expressions.

They seemed to know this wasn't just a normal pay day. And after putting them off once already while he rested, he really couldn't keep things from them anymore. They deserved to know.

Nervously he cleared his throat.

"Thank you all for coming." He started, causing the men to grow silent. "Now I know you're all here for your pay checks, and I promise I'll give them out shortly. But first there's something I need to tell you all…."

How did he tell them that they no longer had a job? No income for their families. His chest tensed, and he took a fortifying breath.

"Due to situations beyond my control, I've decided…."

"Just a moment, Lucas." Suddenly Henry Gowen made his way out of the crowd.

"Henry?" Lucas' eyes widened. Had he been there the whole time? Lucas worked to keep his composure. "What can I do for you?"

Henry walked up the steps to stand beside him, his voice low. "You can step inside before you make a big mistake."

Lucas' brows furrowed. "I don't understand."

Henry merely shrugged, motioning toward the office. "I don't expect you to."

Feeling very confused Lucas turned back to the men. "One moment please." He then followed Henry back into the office, closing the door behind him.

He eyed Henry who paced the floor in front of him. "What's this about?"

Henry held up a hand. "Just let me talk." His face twisted, his hands clenching then stretching out stiffly. "Now I am not going to pretend that I'm especially pleased with how things have turned out. Nor am I saying that we are on friendly terms again."

Lucas' chest constricted, as he saw the hurt in Henry's eyes. The man would barely look at him, pacing uncomfortably back and forth.

"But this town," he continued, "And these people are all I've got left. And I'm not about to watch them go hungry on account of my foolishness."

Henry's eyes almost seemed to mist over, and Lucas wished there was some way he could go back and rewrite the past. He'd never wanted things to go the way they had. But Henry had left him no choice.

Still, it hurt to see the man so riddled with guilt and hurt. "Henry…" He tried but again Henry held up a hand to silence him, his voice hardening.

"Just let me finish. I looked up an old acquaintance of mine. He invests in companies from time to time if he considers them a good risk. Now it took a lot to persuade him, but if you're interested, he's willing to invest."

Lucas' mouth had dropped lower with every word from Henry. He blinked in shock, unsure whether he was dreaming. "Are you serious?"

Henry just rolled his eyes. "Would I tell you this if I wasn't?"

It seemed too good to be true. Lucas stepped forward holding his hand out to Henry. "Thank you, Henry."

Henry stared at his hand for a moment before finally grasping it in a light shake. Lucas smiled, feeling like a giant boulder had finally been removed from his shoulders. "Thank you." He couldn't quite get his words above a whisper.

Gowen Petroleum was saved. He didn't have to shut the company down, and everyone could keep their jobs. It was a miracle really.

Something crossed Henry's face before he started toward the door. "He'll be here in an hour to sign the papers."

Lucas' heart stirred as he watched him go.

"Henry…." He started, causing Henry to stop. He turned back toward him, and Lucas worked to find the right words. "I'm not proud of how things ended between us."

"What's done is done." Henry grunted, shrugging his shoulders. "We can't change the past."

Lucas nodded sadly. "True, but that doesn't mean we can't fix things."

Henry eyed him cynically. "And what would you suggest?"

Lucas took a step toward him, taking a breath. "I want us to be partners again. I can't do this on my own, and you know this business inside and out."

Henry's brows rose sarcastically. "Don't I know it."

"What would you say to a fifty-fifty partnership?" Lucas continued, praying Henry would agree. Not only did he want him back for his business knowledge, but as a friend. He didn't know Henry incredibly well, but he knew enough to know Henry needed a friend.

Henry snorted, a slight smile turning the corners of his mouth. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves." He then started back toward the door.

"Please?" Lucas took a quick step forward, realizing how desperate he sounded. But truthfully, he was desperate. Henry stopped just short of the door, his back to him.

Lucas sighed. "I know this company means a lot to you."

Henry's shoulders slumped, and Lucas held his breath as he waited for his response. Finally, Henry spoke, his voice hoarse. "I'll think about it. That's all I'll promise." And with that he left without another word.

A knock sounded on Elizabeth's door late in the afternoon. Quickly she finished the sentence she was typing, and rose to see who was there. She smiled as she passed Little Jack, who slept peacefully in his playpen.

She opened the door, and her eyes grew wide as she found Nathan standing on the other side. "Nathan?" She looked at him puzzledly, eyeing the basket he held.

"Hi." He smiled weakly. His eyes fell for a moment and then came back at her, seeming very nervous for some reason. "I thought I'd…see how you're doing." He stuttered, his feet shifting beneath him. "I also thought you…might be hungry so…" He raised the basket, sending a delicious aroma to her nose.

Her stomach twisted. She was touched at his sweet gesture, yet couldn't help but feel uneasy "Thank you." She finally managed. "That was…really thoughtful of you."

His eyes then looked past her into the house. "May I?"

Her chest tightened, feeling uncomfortable at the thought, but she forced a smile. "Sure."

Nathan smiled back, and walked past her into the house. He then placed the basket down on her dining table…right next to Lucas' bouquet of flowers he'd left her the other day. Silently she held her breath and prayed Nathan wouldn't notice the card next to them.

Thankfully he didn't, and turned back to face her. "So, how are you doing?" His eyes held a genuine concern for her.

She nodded, unable to help how stiff the action felt. "I'm fine."

"Good." He smiled weakly, coughing nervously. "That's uh…. good."

Silence settled between them. Nervously she clasped her hands together, unsure what to say. Thankfully she didn't have to think long as he soon spoke.

"You know, I never got to tell you I'm sorry for how our dinner… turned out the other night."

Instantly her stomach started turning, realizing where this conversation would be going. Quickly she held her hands up in protest. "You don't need to apologize."

He shrugged, looking very much discomforted. "I know…I just…pictured things turning out…differently."

And she knew exactly what he meant by "differently." Truthfully, she'd known from the start why he'd asked her out, and in a sense, she didn't regret saying yes. The evening had provided her searching heart with at least one answer.

However, she now felt incredibly guilty for giving him any false hope. But she had warned him that it wouldn't be a date. Just friends.

She watched him shift his feet beneath himself, his mouth working. "I was wondering if you'd like to…maybe try again? Maybe sometime in the future?"

Her stomach suddenly dropped, her chest tightening. She'd had a sinking feeling that he would ask her that. She'd also been dreading this conversation, however needed as it was.

Ever since their dinner she had known that Nathan wasn't the one for her. However, telling him that was a whole different story. She sighed, unsure how to start.

"Nathan…"

Instantly his face fell, his lips pulling in a sad smile. "I'll take that as a no."

Her heart twisted inside her at his obvious disappointment. "You are such a wonderful guy, and I'm flattered that you'd ask me…. but…"

"But I'm not the guy for you." He finished for her with a sigh. Suddenly his face tensed. "Is this because of Lucas?"

And this was exactly how she feared this conversation might go. She knew that Nathan did not have a good opinion of Lucas, but the truth was her decision had nothing to do with Lucas. Well, mostly nothing.

She shook her head softly. "This isn't about Lucas…"

Nathan's lips pressed tight. "I think it is."

"Nathan…" She sighed hopelessly. Oh, how did she make him understand?

"Look," His hand went to rub the back of his neck. "I know this is none of my business…but…" He hesitated and she found herself holding her breath. Finally, he spoke, his words tumbling out.

"Are you sure about this? Like are you really sure?" He shook his head, his face twisting. "I know Lucas appears charming, and grand but…"

Her mouth dropped open at his accusations. Is that really what he thought? That she'd gone after Lucas because he was more charming, and "grand." She tensed, working to keep her voice even. "Nathan this has nothing to do with Lucas."

He ran his hand roughly back through his hair, his jaw locked. "He put your life in danger twice now." His voice rose slightly, and she was taken back at his shift in temperament. "First with Amos, and now this."

"That wasn't Lucas' fault." Her hands went defensively to her hips, as she tried to keep her own voice from rising. "Whatever you have against him, doesn't give you the right to blame him for someone else's actions." Honestly what was his problem with Lucas?

Nathan tensed. His eyes went to the far wall, before finally landing on her again. "But how do you know you can trust him?"

"Because he saved my life." Her words came out softly, although they seemed to echo through the room. The realization washed over her, making her breath catch. She hadn't needed to think about her answer. She just knew.

Even before their life endangering ordeal she knew she could trust Lucas. But now, she hadn't a doubt in her mind. He would have given his life for her, and her heart swelled at the thought.

An awkward silence settled between her and Nathan. He appeared lost in thought, and she wasn't sure what to say. Finally, he spoke, his words catching her off guard.

"Is this because…I'm a Mountie?" His voice was soft, a sadness lacing his words.

Her heart pulled at his apparent turmoil. This was another thought that had crossed her mind. Had she decided she wasn't romantically interested in Nathan due to his profession? But she'd eventually found that her choice had nothing to do with him being a Mountie. A revelation that had relieved her greatly.

"No." She sighed softly, trying to will him to believe her. "I've thought about it and I can promise you my decision has nothing to with Lucas or your job."

Nathan's shoulders dropped, seeming to admit defeat. "I just don't want to see you get hurt."

And she could tell behind the hurt and sadness in his eyes, that he truly meant it. She looked to him gently. "And I appreciate your concern."

Both of them fell silent for a moment, before he nervously cleared his throat. "Well, I guess I'd…better get to my rounds."

He walked quietly to the door, and opened it to leave. Inside her heart played a game of tug-of-war. She hated to see him hurting, and knowing she'd caused the hurt only made things worse. But he needed to know the truth.

In her heart she wanted the best for him. He deserved to find true love. It just wasn't her.

Quickly she stepped toward him before he left. "Thank you, Nathan." She tried to give him a comforting smile.

His brows furrowed. "For what?"

"For everything." She replied, truly meaning it. He'd been so sweet, and worked night and day to protect her and her son. And for that she would be forever grateful.

"And I truly wish you all the best." She added, willing him to see she really meant what she said. "You deserve it."

Nathan nodded, as he seemed to try and give her a smile. "Thank you." He answered, his voice low, before turning to leave. His shoulders slumped as he walked down the road, and her heart pulled inside her at his apparent hurt.

After a moment she closed the door, before turning her back to rest against it. Slowly she exhaled, trying to calm her swirling emotions. Inside she was relieved that they'd finally had this needed conversation. Now only time would tell how he handled things.

She still wanted to be friends with him as well as with Allie. They had a lot in common, and understood the struggles of being a single parent. But she wasn't sure if that was an option anymore.

Her insides squirmed, a feeling of frustration, and guilt wringing her stomach. If only she'd done this sooner, maybe she could have saved him at least a little pain. Things were just so confusing right now.

At least things between her and Nathan were finally resolved, and she knew who she actually had feelings for. But what did she do now? The answer seemed simple enough. Then why did it feel like there was a giant wall holding her back?

Suddenly Nathan's words rang through her mind. Are you sure? The question assailed her like a dart to a board. Was she?

She already knew that she had feelings for Lucas, deeper than she would have first guessed. Watching him protect her, seeing him be put in such pain for her, all had revealed just how much she cared for him. And she was definitely attracted to the man.

Every time she heard his voice her heart skipped a beat. His smile lit up every room he entered, and he was all she could seem to think about these days.

But could she love him? Glancing down her wedding ring glared back at her, feeling heavier than before. She'd loved Jack with all her heart and soul. Inside she knew that Jack wanted her to be happy, and to find love again. But could she love someone the way she had loved him?

Lucas deserved more than half of her heart. He deserved every piece of it. But could she do it? Could she move on, and love another man?

A crippling pain rose in her chest, a lump forming in her throat. Slowly she walked back to the settee, before collapsing into it. She leaned her head back, moisture stinging her eyes.

"Lord, help me." She prayed, a tear slipping down her cheek. "Show me what to do."

Elizabeth wasn't sure how long she'd sat, eyes closed, just trying to calm her spinning emotions. Her eyes fluttered open, taking in the room around her. The sun still shone brightly through the windows, so she couldn't have been sitting long. Perhaps she'd simply dozed off for a moment.

She stretched her arms a bit before slowly rising. Looking over she found Little Jack still sleeping soundly in his crib. She smiled at the sight of his precious face, before looking toward her desk.

Maybe writing would distract her from her tumbling thoughts? Most likely not, but anything was better than wallowing in her confusing feelings.

Her heart still carried the weight she'd felt ever since her adventure with Lucas. Oh, when would she finally find some peace? An answer that would solve the disputes in her warring heart.

Slowly she walked past the stairs, when suddenly something on the small dresser next to them caught her eye. A small folded piece of paper laid there, striking her with a cord of familiarity. Her brows pinched as she reached for it, slowly unfolding it in her hands.

Her heart stopped cold as she saw the familiar hand writing. A lump formed in her throat, a sharp pain shooting through her chest. It was Jack's final letter to her.

How on earth it had gotten there? Usually, she kept it in a small box back in her top dresser drawer. Tears stung her eyes as she glanced at the curly letters, each one having been memorized and locked in her heart.

She looked away, shutting her eyes tight against the pain. When she opened them again, she found herself glancing over each picture on the table. Jack's smiling face sent a tight pain right up through her chest.

"Oh, Jack." She breathed, tears slipping down her cheeks. How could she let him go?

"I need you to promise me one thing, Elizabeth..." She jumped, the words seeming to have come from right behind her. She turned, her heart racing. Jack?

Of course, no one was there. Still her heart sped inside her. The voice seemed so…real.

"You will open your heart to love again."

Again, she heard it. The words were barely a whisper, yet very real. Almost seeming to carry a presence with them.

She mulled them over in her mind. Jack had been very clear in his letter. He wanted her to be happy, and to find love again. Truthfully, she would have told him the same thing, if the situation had been reversed.

Could she? Could she finally let go of Jack and love someone else? More tears fell at the thought of letting him go after promising to love him forever.

Suddenly Bill's voice sounded, echoing in the back of her mind.

Having feelings for someone new doesn't take away what you had with Jack. He'll always have a special in your heart.

Her chest constricted. She knew Bill was right, but it was easier said than done. Inside her mind knew all the facts, but her heart didn't seem to want to grasp them.

What was it then? What was stopping her? Her stomach twisted and turned, as she fought to understand her own heart.

"I know you're scared."

She nearly jumped as Lucas' soft voice drifted into her ear. Her heart suddenly stilled, her breath caught in her throat. Was that it?

Were all her confusing emotions, her unwillingness to let go, and the walls that seemed to stop her from moving all because she was…. scared? A sob shook her, the answer suddenly becoming crystal clear.

Yes. She was scared. Scared of letting go of Jack. Scared of what it would mean if she did. Scared of allowing herself to fully open her heart again to someone new like she had with Jack.

His death had shaken her to her very core, and she hadn't known how she could live without him. Now that she was healing the thought of loving someone again seemed too frightening even to grasp.

Suddenly Lucas' smiling face flashed before her. She'd nearly lost him too. And yet…throughout the entire evening, the only place she'd wanted to be was in his arms. Instantly the thought of living life without him seemed too terrible to even consider.

Never had he left her side. She'd hurt him more times than she cared to remember by her actions, and yet he was always there. Waiting.

His words played through her mind. "I'll be here no matter what." He'd proven that. And inside she knew he would give her as much time as she needed to move on. But could she?

Again, Jack's words fell over her. Quietly. Softly. "Open your heart to love again."

The slightest bit of peace slowly trickled in, acting as a light in her searching soul. She didn't know how. Didn't know why. But suddenly she knew in her heart that she had Jack's blessing. His permission to let go. To move on.

Tears flooded her eyes, spilling down her cheeks. A feeling so strong wrapped itself around her heart. Like a warm embrace, filling her chest. Her breath caught in her throat as it slowly dissipated, leaving nothing but a beautiful and warm peace.

Instantly the weight she was carrying seemed to fall away. She breathed in deep, a refreshing breeze seeming to blow through her. A smile pulled at her lips and she found herself wanting to laugh for no reason. Maybe it was simply the joy of release. Of letting go.

Suddenly her eyes caught the vase of flowers on her dining table. Lucas' flowers. Slowly she walked toward them, picking up the small card on the table.

For the bravest woman I know.

She smiled, reaching a tentative hand toward the blooms. Her fingers caressed the delicate petals, her heart swelling inside her. Suddenly her mind went back to the other night as they'd danced on the dock. His face flashed before her, his dark eyes as they'd gaze deep inside her.

Inside a feeling so strong suddenly sought to consume her. Instantly it was as if she could feel his arms around her, holding her close. Nothing else had mattered in that moment. Only him.

Her chest swirled with emotion, as she realized how much he meant to her. How much she…. loved him. Her eyes opened wide, the air being sucked right from her lungs.

Immediately her first instinct was to deny it. But this time she couldn't. It was like someone had suddenly struck a match, illuminating the truth that had been there all along.

She loved him. It wasn't a question. There were no more doubts, or even the fear that sought to choke her. Just truth.