"You're going to work at a saloon?" Nathan exclaimed. Colleen and Nathan were walking over to the schoolhouse discussing how their day was going so far.
"Yes, I am" Colleen said.
"But why? Out of all the places to work, why would you choose a saloon? Nathan asked.
"It was the only place that was hiring." Colleen said.
"Do you know what happens in saloons?" Nathan said with an eyebrow raised.
"The owner assured me that he is running a reputable business and nothing inappropriate will happen" Colleen said.
"Uh-huh" Nathan said.
"I can handle myself Nathan" Colleen said.
Nathan nodded.
Once they reached the schoolhouse, they walked up the steps and Nathan knocked on the door.
Elizabeth was sitting at her desk and looked up and smiled.
"Mr. and Mrs. Grant, how lovely to meet you" Elizabeth said.
"Um, we aren't married we are brother and sister" Colleen said.
Elizabeth frowned and looked over at Nathan.
"I saw your wedding ring and assumed you moved here with your wife." Elizabeth said.
"I wanted to tell you earlier but we were interrupted" Nathan said.
Colleen had a smirk on her face.
"I'm just his sister. He isn't really my type." Colleen said.
Nathan gave an angry glance at Colleen.
Nathan softened his glance and looked at Elizabeth.
"I moved here with my sister and niece. My wife passed some time ago" Nathan said.
"I'm sorry to hear that." Elizabeth said.
Nathan smiled at Elizabeth.
"Please come have a seat" Elizabeth said motioning to the two chairs in front of her desk. Nathan and Colleen took their seats.
"Please tell me about Allie's education history." Elizabeth asked.
"Allie was enrolled in school at the age of five. But due to circumstances with my ex-husband, we moved around a lot. After a while, I decided to homeschool her. After her father and I separated, we moved to live closer to my brother and enrolled her in school." Colleen said.
"Do you have anything to add Constable?" Elizabeth asked.
"Nathan, please." Nathan said with a smile.
Elizabeth smiled back.
"Nathan, do you have anything to add?" Elizabeth asked.
"Not really. Colleen is the brains of the family. I'm just here for moral support" Nathan said.
"Don't sell yourself short Nathan. You taught her how to fish, taught her woodworking, showed her how to build a fire and much more. You are the constant in her life." Colleen said.
Nathan smiled.
Elizabeth wiped tears away from her eyes.
"Allie is lucky to have you two" Elizabeth said.
Nathan and Colleen nodded.
"I can't wait to meet Allie tomorrow. School starts at 9:00 tomorrow. I have a list of supplies that I ask the child to try to bring from home. If they can't, it's fine, I have the supplies here" Elizabeth said handing the paper to Colleen.
Everyone got up from their seat.
"Thank you, Mrs. Thornton" Nathan said.
"Please, Elizabeth" Elizabeth said.
"Okay. Elizabeth" Nathan said. Colleen watched this interaction between them. Colleen noticed that he was doing her favorite Nathan smile. She had not seen this smile. Not since Angela. Colleen decided to hatch a plan right then and there.
"Elizabeth. Nathan, Allie and I were going to go to the café to get some pie after dinner. Would you like to join us?" Colleen asked.
"We are?" Nathan said confusingly.
"Yes" Colleen said.
"That sounds delightful. I'll have to find someone to watch my son. Let's plan for 7:30?" Elizabeth said.
"7:30 it is." Colleen said.
All three of them said goodbye.
Later that night after dinner, Colleen went outside to Nathan's room.
"Nathan. I'm too tired to go out for pie. And Allie has a big day tomorrow. I think she and I should stay home.
"Oh no, that's too bad. Should I cancel with Elizabeth?" Nathan asked.
"NO" Colleen exclaimed.
Nathan gave her a confusing look.
"I mean, no. It would be good for you to get out. You can learn more about this town." Colleen said.
Nathan nodded.
"That's true. I'll bring back some pie." Nathan said.
Colleen smiled. Nathan finished getting ready. He said his goodbyes to Colleen and Allie and left. Colleen watched Nathan out the window and smiled.