CHAPTER 7-BUTTERFLIES

As Elizabeth walked away from Nathan, she couldn't resist the urge to look one more time. The new Mountie was a devastatingly handsome man. 'He will have all the women in Hope Valley swooning over him. For some reason Elizabeth was not happy about it all. In fact, if she had to put a name to it she would truthfully have to say its Jealousy... She recalled earlier how she glanced at his finger and there wasn't a ring there so most likely he wasn't married. When Elizabeth turned to look back over her shoulder she was startled and saw that Constable Grant was in fact looking back at her. He smiled, a crooked half smile, that only made him more appealing. It made him look mischievous as he tipped his hat to her. The butterflies in her stomach that had quieted began to build again and her heart was beating fast. 'Elizabeth what are you thinking? Jack has only been gone for a year and a half.' She thought to herself. She nodded in response to his hat tip and smiled back at him before turning her back around and heading for the café. She really needed to speak with Abigail.

Nathan watched her go and couldn't believe how beautiful she was. But her beauty was more than just on the outside it was on the inside as well. It was a wonder he was even able to form a sentence in his mind around her. He didn't have much experience with women because Mountie business and Allie tied him up. But if he had to guess he felt like he flustered Mrs. Thornton too. Whether it was physical attraction like on his part or because she was struggling with seeing someone else in her deceased husband's office. Before he even finished the thought the guilt that brought him to Hope Valley reared its ugly head. 'No matter what Mrs. Thornton is off limits' he thought to himself. With a sigh he turned and went back in his office.

Elizabeth entered the café so quickly that one would think she was being chased by angry mob. Rosemary and Abigail stood up from the table where they had been having a cup of tea. Thankfully the café wasn't open yet for the dinner rush so they could talk.

"Elizabeth are you OK?" Rosemary asked as she went over to her friend. "What happened? Did you see Constable Grant?"

Before she could answer Abigail spoke up and said a sly grin on her face "Oh she saw him alright and that's the problem, isn't it?

All Elizabeth could do was nod as she caught her breath. "Oh Abigail, what am I going to do. I shouldn't have any reaction to someone else. Jack has only been gone a year and a half."

"Let's grab a seat and I'll go get more tea. Then you can tell us all about what happened. Sound good?" Abigail said.

Elizabeth nodded and turned to Rosemary "You were right he is very handsome. All the single women in town will be swooning over him." Elizabeth said with a grin. Abigail came over to the table carrying a tea tray. You don't mind if Clara joins us do you?"

"Of course, not," said Elizabeth. Her and Clara formed a special bond through their grief. Both lost their husband shortly after they married. Clara sat down next to Abigail with a smile. "so tell us what happened and don't leave anything out" urged Rosemary. They all laughed at her excitement.

"I approached the stairs and as I went in I studied him for a moment before introducing myself. He had been at the desk working on paperwork. We both were a little awkward, but it was sweet. He has the most luxurious black hair I have ever seen. I had to fight the urge to run my fingers through it. I bet it would have felt very soft. Oh, and his eyes are such a pretty blue Abigail but when he looks at you it's like he sees into your soul." She said laughing at the expressions on the others faces.

"WOW" said Clara "he definitely made a good impression on you Elizabeth. But I sense there is something bothering you and I think I know what it is. May I share with everyone?"

"Of course, Clara. Feel free to say what is on your mind. I have a feeling you probably do know."

"You're having feelings of guilt and feel like you are betraying Jack by being attracted to the new Constable. But Elizabeth Jack wanted you to open your heart again. Having a new love doesn't diminish the old one. The heart will expand so Nathan would fit next to Jack. Besides no one is saying you have to marry him tomorrow. Just allow yourself to open your heart to the possibilities. Start with the friendship and see where it leads."

"I think Jack would be happy for you Elizabeth. Jack only cared about one thing when he was alive and that was for your happiness. If you were happy then he was too. I agree with Clara and think it's great advice." Rosemary said.

"Both of them are correct and Elizabeth there is not a set timetable for you to begin a relationship after the death of a spouse. You know how I developed feelings for Bill during that whole trial mess. Truth be told ladies I still have them, but that time has passed and it's too late. Now we are close friends and business partners. Noah hadn't even been gone a year yet at that time. Remember?"

Yeah, I do Abigail. But I think you can still have a chance and he has never had much interest in other women. Personally, I think he is still carrying a torch for you. There really is only one way to find out Abigail." Elizabeth said.

"Why don't you ask him to dinner at your house and see how it goes." suggested Clara.

"That's a great idea or if you want, we could do a dinner at our house and invite him so you're not alone with him." Rosemary added.

"You know Elizabeth you could be getting all worked up for nothing too. He could have a wife and children that he is waiting to bring them to Hope Valley." Abigail warned.

"Oh no I don't think he is because I glanced at his finger and there's no indent or ring. "Elizabeth hastened to reply as she began blushing.

The others looked at her with smirks on their faces amused by her feelings for the new Constable. They were all happy because this was the first time Elizabeth's smile reached her eyes and her sparkle was back.

"Well Bill didn't wear one either while he was here. You know all the drama that caused. Of course, Henry did play a part in it." Abigail said.

"I've been meaning to ask you about Henry Abigail. When you were at your mothers' you guys corresponded. Is there something going on there? If there is how does it affect Bill? asked Elizabeth.

"Has he asked you on a date or indicated that he would like to court you? I don't think anyone in town would be surprised or upset. But if Bill is in your heart than make sure Henry is aware of it." asked Rosemary.

"Are you going to agree or is Bill the one who holds your heart? Henry has certainly come a long way and deserves to find someone." asked Clara.

"You know when Bill cleaned out the files and desks from the Mining office, he found a letter where Henry tried to do the right thing, but the mining office told him everything was fine." Elizabeth said.

"How in the world did we get off the topic of Elizabeth? Abigail said nervously. As she looked at the other 3 ladies, she knew she had to fess up because they would allow nothing less.

Well, regarding Henry I don't think there's much chance because we are just friends. Now regarding Bill I'm afraid to let him know how I feel since if I misread him would make things awkward. Which then ultimately affects our business and Hope Valley relationship as Mayor and Sheriff. So that's the end of that ladies alright?" Abigail answered as she took the tea tray back to the kitchen and prepared to open the café for the dinner rush.

She missed the look that passed between the three women. Had she seen it she would have known they were about to get involved. They were going to help a woman they loved and considered a mother figure have a relationship with their father figure. As they stood and prepared to leave. Rosemary looked at the other two women and with a wink softly whispered "don't worry and just leave it to me. Both of you have enough on your plate." The women nodded with a smile and then Clara went to help Abigail while Rosemary and Elizabeth headed for home.