They walked towards the front door, and a light breeze carried the scent of lavender, with it ensnaring Nathan's senses. He closed his eyes for a moment savoring it before composing himself just as Bill knocked. It was promptly answered by Mrs. Potts, the O'Reilly's housekeeper. Entering the foyer, they were quickly greeted by Carol and Patrick.

"Elizabeth," Carol said. "It's so nice to see you again."

Elizabeth moved forward to embrace the other woman. "Carol, it has been too long," Elizabeth said. "Thank you for having us over for dinner."

"It's my pleasure, my dear. Patrick and I know how much you have going on these next few days, so we thought we could combine some business with dinner this evening."

"Oh?" Elizabeth said, moving to embrace Patrick.

"I invited Sam Collins tonight so we could dispense with the Foundation business over dinner and spare unnecessary meetings," Patrick explained.

"That was a wonderful idea, Patrick. It will give me time to relax before the charity fundraiser and book signing." Elizabeth said.

"Dinner won't be ready for another half hour, so why don't we join Sam and his family in the parlor," Carol said, tucking her arm around Elizabeth.

When they walked in, Sam and his wife Ann immediately stood up, going over to greet Elizabeth. "Elizabeth, you look lovely tonight," Ann said.

"Thank you, Ann, and it is nice to see you as well," Elizabeth said.

The three women gravitated towards the settee facing the fireplace while the men settled in the leather wingback chairs nearby.

"Nathan, have you turned anything up yet on that smuggling case?" Sam asked.

"No sir, but my instincts are telling me it is a well-organized operation," Nathan said before turning to Bill. "Which reminds me of something, Bill. Elizabeth had called and said that Lucas has been acting secretive again. Have you noticed anything?"

"I have noticed and have been watching. Though I didn't know anyone else had," Bill replied, looking over at Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth chuckled and said, "Are you serious, Bill? The rest of us have been talking about it for a few weeks now."

"Why didn't you say anything to me?" Bill asked, annoyed that he hadn't known something about his town. Fear of missing out on something going on was probably one of his biggest pet peeves.

"We figured you already noticed and had a lot on your plate. We decided to let Nathan know since he is still one of us." Elizabeth said with a soft smile. Nathan's heart warmed at her words, and he was beginning to think that something had changed between him and Elizabeth. If he was correct, then he wasn't going to waste the chance he was being given.

"We need to get a Mountie in Hope Valley, Patrick," Sam said, startling all of them. "Bill, since you keep running the others off, why don't you and Nathan help us find one,"

"It would make things easier, I will admit, but I'm not one to rush into a decision like that. Hope Valley has been through a lot, so unless you are willing to have Nathan or someone like him, why not get Kinslow to come for now?" Bill asked.

"Gabe probably wouldn't mind, and in the meantime, we could be working on getting another replacement," Patrick said, looking at Nathan. "It's not far from Brookfield, and as I understand it, he has done it in the past?"

"Yes, he is known and trusted by the town, works well with Bill, and we would be in a better position to coordinate the investigation," Nathan replied.

"Well, that will be our solution then for the interim," Sam said. "Patrick, let Kinslow know tomorrow so he can prepare for that. I'd like him in Hope Valley by Monday morning."

"He will be arriving tomorrow with Miss Walsh to attend the Presentation dinner on Saturday so that we can talk to him then," Bill said.

Nathan looked over at Elizabeth, brow raised. She just smiled, nodded, and mouthed, "surprise." The rest of the evening was spent discussing the arrangements for the dinner and enjoying some light conversation. Nathan had managed to outmaneuver Bill and grab the seat next to Elizabeth. Bill just smirked at Nathan's smug look with a silent promise of payback. Elizabeth had picked up on the undercurrents and raised a brow in question. Bill just shrugged, transporting them back to the desk war days. She chuckled then because she knew that she had become the desk. Rather than make her mad, she shook her head and giggled as butterflies began dancing in her stomach at the thought of it. 'Bill, I hate to say it, but you are going to lose this one, she thought silently, 'because I'm firmly rooting for team Nathan.' In fact, she let the men know she was aware of their battle on the drive home. Bill had been waiting to help in the back seat by taking the front seat next to Nathan instead. This left him no choice but to sit in the back for the drive back. He had leaned over to whisper, "well played, Elizabeth." She just chuckled in response, and the rest of the drive was quiet.

They arrived back at the house to see that the slumber party was in full swing. Judging by the giggles that were heard, Rosemary was in her element.

"Nathan, I'm going to run upstairs and change, but I'll bring the schedule down for you," Elizabeth said. The men watched her for a few moments before they headed into the library and shut the door. Nathan turned and asked in exasperation, "Bill, I thought you wanted Elizabeth and me to be together?"

"Oh, I do, Nathan. I just figured if I had to be a third wheel, I would at least have some fun doing it," Bill said with a chuckle. "I must say that the drive home was revealing on the drive home, don't you think?"

Nathan smiled and said, "It was, but I 'm not going to read too much into it just yet."

"What happened on the drive home?" Lee asked. As they explained everything, he said, "I have to agree with Bill that something seems different. But if you want my opinion, Nathan, I think she just declared herself firmly on your team. I would be cautious but optimistic if I were in your shoes."

A knock on the door prevented further discussion as Elizabeth returned with the schedule. They were trying to act as if they weren't just talking about her but failed. Thankfully after giving them a long curious look, she left to join Rosemary and the girls.

The following day Nathan walked into the kitchen to see Elizabeth at the stove making breakfast and Jack sitting at the table playing with the Mountie that Nathan had made. He hid a grin as he could tell she didn't look like she had slept much. The picture the two of them made in his kitchen was one that Nathan wanted to imprint on his memory. Then he began to imagine that they were married, and she was cooking for the family. So engrossed was he in the daydream that he didn't realize she had asked him a question and waited for a response. "I'm sorry, Elizabeth, I was thinking about something. Could you please repeat your question?"

With an amused look, she asked what he would like for breakfast. Unknown to him, his face got redder giving her an idea that his thoughts may have included her in some way.

"Oh….UM…. Whatever you are having, Elizabeth is fine," Nathan said. "Thank you for making breakfast,"

"It's the least I can do since you are hosting us and carting me around everywhere today."

"So, based on the noise, I would say the sleepover was a success?" Nathan asked.

"I think Rosemary outdid herself, and that is saying something," Elizabeth replied, shaking her head and laughing as she recalled the pillow fight. She carried their plates to the table, and the three sat down to eat after asking Nathan to say the blessing. Nathan wished he could freeze time for a moment and soak in the experience for later.

They were soon joined by Bill and Lee, who took control of Jack. Elizabeth ran upstairs to get her purse and notebook.

"Have to say that it was a nice scene to walk into," Bill whispered. "You both looked pretty happy too."

"Bill!" Nathan whispered, "While I agree, please don't say things like that in front of Elizabeth. I don't want to mess up anything that may or may not be happening."

"Fine!" Bill replied with a smirk trying to look innocent. "But I was only making an observation."

"Observation about what?" Elizabeth said, coming into the room and startling the two men.

"Oh, that judging by how nice it is this morning," Lee added with a chuckle. "it should be a lovely afternoon. Bill, I think Nathan's team looks pretty good this year, don't you?"

Bill smirked and said, "I have to agree with you, Lee. I see a lot of potential for his team this year."

Nathan glared at the two men before turning to Elizabeth. "So, are you ready to go? I already pulled the car around the front."

"I am indeed kind, sir," Elizabeth said, affecting a British accent. She and Julie had been able to perfect when they were around their sister Viola and her family. Nathan helped her with her light jacket, and they were off. He was relieved that she was not picking up on the subtle conversation that had just happened. 'Those two are just as bad as Rosemary, ' Nathan thought as he opened the car door for Elizabeth.

The morning went by fast as Elizabeth dealt with the publishers regarding the book signing and checked on the preparations for the presentation dinner. Nathan enjoyed watching this side of Elizabeth because it was a bit different than he was used to seeing. He couldn't wait to see her at work tomorrow night, especially since he would serve as her escort.

Nathan didn't miss the many looks he caught from the men who watched her. A sparkle in her eyes made her light up and drew you in. It was what first attracted him to her and held him enthralled. He could easily recall how it had disappeared after the prisoner transport, and seeing it now made him wonder if, perhaps, she had made peace with what had happened. Lee's words came back to him that she had declared herself to be on Team Nathan by her actions the previous night. Could he be right and that it wasn't too late after all? He began to feel a bit of hope and prayed that it was so when she turned and smiled. It was his favorite one because it always reached her eyes. There was usually a mischievous twinkle reflected that made him think it was for him alone that she smiled. The familiar butterflies and comfort spread through him as a result. Seeing that smile was one of the things he most about Hope Valley. 'Who are you kidding, he thought to himself, 'Seeing her and Jack every day was what you loved most.' Little did he know, but she was having similar thoughts about him.

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A/N I had a lot of fun with this chapter for obvious reasons. This chapter goes out to all who felt cheated.