Elizabeth sat at her desk, drumming her fingers against the wood. Though it was early August and a month into summer vacation, she had been restless at home. She thought if she came here, she might be able to focus and prepare for the new school year that would begin in mid-September. But she had not been able to keep her mind on her work. Instead, her thoughts continually drifted to a tall, dark-haired man with bright blue eyes who was quickly becoming more dear to her than she would have thought possible in such a short time. Nathan had been in Hope Valley for just two months. Despite the short acquaintance, Elizabeth felt almost as close to him as she did to Abigail or Rosemary.

That made no sense to her. Abigail and Rosemary had become her friends over the course of five years, going through ups and downs together. How could she already feel that close to a man she barely knew? Was it simply because he was a connection to her late fiancé?

Kindred spirits.

The thought whispered through her mind like a soft breeze. She'd heard the concept before, where two souls were so closely connected it was almost like they were one. She had never put much stock in it, but after meeting Nathan, she was beginning to wonder if there was some truth to the idea.

Footsteps sounded at the door. Elizabeth looked up, her heart flipping in her chest as she saw Nathan walking toward her, holding something in his hands. He smiled in greeting. "I hope you don't mind that I came here," he said, sounding a little hesitant. "I saw you walk to the school and wanted to give you something." He held out a wrapped box. When Elizabeth took it, he stuffed his hands in his pockets, shoulders hunched, looking so much like an uncertain child that Elizabeth had a sudden urge to lay a reassuring hand on his arm. Instead, she turned her attention to the box.

"What is it?" she asked, beginning to unwrap the paper.

Nathan shuffled his feet. "Just something I made recently. I thought…well, I thought you might like it. It's a keepsake of sorts."

Elizabeth finished taking off the paper and placed it on her desk. She removed the lid and carefully took out the wooden object. She put the box and lid on the desk and began to examine the keepsake. Her jaw dropped and she inhaled a deep breath.

Nathan had carved a Mountie sitting beneath a tree, his knees propped up and his head tilted to the side in concentration as he wrote a letter on his lap. The detail was incredible. She could see every leaf on the tree. She could see the details on the Mountie's uniform, with his hat sitting at his side. There were even small marks on the letter, as if actual words were being formed. A small bird sat in a low branch, its mouth open in song. A faint smile was on the Mountie's face as he wrote.

It all seemed so real. And she knew exactly who it was writing the letter.

She looked up again, tears welling in her eyes. "Jack?" she whispered.

Nathan nodded, smiling at her tenderly. "I can't tell you how many times I saw Jack like that," he said, his eyes lost in a memory. "Whenever he was writing to you, he would sit under a tree just like that. He'd get lost in his writing. The softness in his eyes always got to me. It was so obvious he loved and missed you greatly. And he always had a little smile while writing. I think it's because he felt so close to you in those moments." He took one hand out of his pocket to gesture at the carving. "I thought this might give you a little consolation, a little look at what Jack did while he was away. You might have been separated by space, but you were never far from his thoughts. And you were always, always in his heart."

The tears did fall then. Elizabeth let out a muffled sob before throwing her arms around Nathan's neck, careful to keep a tight grip on the precious gift he'd given her. He seemed slightly taken aback, but he recovered quickly and held her gently in his arms.

"Thank you," Elizabeth whispered, pulling back after a few brief moments. "I can't tell you how much this means to me."

He smiled, tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear. "You're welcome."

As silence grew between them, Elizabeth searched her mind for something to say. She wasn't quite ready for Nathan to leave, and she sensed he wasn't in a hurry either. She tilted her head, smiling up at him a little teasingly. "Not that I mind you coming here to see me, especially since such a lovely gift was involved, but you know you could have brought this to the café at lunch?"

He shook his head. "I'm afraid not. I also came here to tell you I won't be able to make lunch today. Though I haven't officially opened my shop, Lee ordered several pieces of furniture for his office. I have to pick up the lumber today, and I'm afraid the only time that worked was over our lunch period."

Elizabeth felt a stab of disappointment. She tried not to show it. "I understand," she said, truly meaning it. "This will be good for your business. If people know Lee trusts your work, they automatically will too."

Nathan smiled, looking down a little bashfully. "I hope I can make pieces worthy of their trust," he said modestly.

Elizabeth smiled. "I've seen your work," she said, holding up the carving in her hands. "I'm sure you will."

Nathan's ears turned red. He stammered out a thank you, shuffling his foot. Elizabeth bit back a laugh at the endearing show of humility. Her heart still beat with disappointment at the thought that they wouldn't share a meal today. All at once, a thought sprang to mind. Before she could analyze it, she blurted it out.

"Would you like to come over for dinner tonight?"

Nathan looked at her in surprise. Elizabeth blushed and hurried to explain. "It wouldn't be just us. I'm having tea with your sister this afternoon, and I was planning on inviting her to stay for dinner." She drew in a deep breath. "Will you join us?"

He paused briefly. For a tense moment, Elizabeth thought he was going to refuse. But then a smile graced his face and he nodded. "I'd love to."

She couldn't help the smile that bloomed on her face. "Wonderful. Dinner will be ready at 6:00."

Nathan nodded. "I'll be there. Thank you, Elizabeth. That is a kind invitation."

"You're welcome," she breathed.

They stood in slightly awkward silence for a beat, then Nathan stepped back. "Well…see you at dinner."

"See you then."

He nodded in farewell, then walked from the building. Elizabeth released the breath she'd been holding. Going around her desk, she sat in the chair once more. Looking down, she lifted the wooden carving in her hand. She carefully placed it on the desk, once more admiring the detail Nathan had put into his creation. The fact that he had done that for her, as a reminder of Jack, warmed her thoroughly.

She smiled, running a hand along the beautiful image. She knew just where she would put it.

Colleen walked down the lane, holding Allie with a basket slung over her arm. She was looking forward to some girl time with another woman. Elizabeth had made overtures of friendship with her. Colleen was thankful. Rosemary had also been friendly, and the two women had begun bonding over their pregnancies. While Rosemary was absolutely glowing at the thought of having a baby and Colleen was reticent about her baby's coming, they were able to relate over the changes in their bodies and the nervous anticipation that came with the future unknown.

This tea with Elizabeth was exactly what she needed. It gave her a sense of normalcy that she was desperately craving.

When she reached Elizabeth's rowhouse and knocked, the door was answered almost immediately by her new friend.

"Hello!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "Let me help you with that." She took Colleen's basket, then gave her a brief hug. "It's so good to see you." She grinned at Allie, shaking her small hand. "And it's good to see you too, sweetie."

Allie grinned widely. She liked Elizabeth. Once they got settled inside, the little girl reached out for her. Elizabeth happily took her. "Want to help me boil some water for tea, Allie?"

"Yes!" Allie exclaimed, clapping her hands.

Elizabeth smiled at Colleen. "Please, make yourself comfortable," she said, motioning to the table.

Colleen did, taking in the spread before her. There were finger sandwiches, petit fours, and miniature scones. "Elizabeth, this looks wonderful," she said. "Thank you for taking the time to put this together."

"It's my pleasure," Elizabeth said. She looked at the tea tins above her stove. "Do you prefer peppermint or chamomile?"

"Peppermint, please," Colleen said. "That seems to settle my stomach best."

Elizabeth smiled. "Peppermint it is." She placed the tea bags in some cups, then placed water in a kettle on the stove to boil. She sat across from Colleen, settling Allie on her lap. The little girl snuggled against her chest, looking as comfortable as could be. The two women chatted easily about their days until the kettle whistled. Allie wiggled down from Elizabeth's lap and wandered over to her mother while Elizabeth poured the water into the cups. She reached up for Colleen, who willingly placed her on her ever-shrinking lap.

Allie noticed. She put a hand on Colleen's stomach and frowned. "Why tummy big?" she asked, looking disgruntled that her favorite spot was getting smaller.

Elizabeth turned and sat, smiling at the innocent question. Colleen took a deep breath. She hadn't told Allie yet about her soon-to-come sibling. By her estimates, she was over seven and a half months along. Ready or not, the baby was coming in a few short weeks. Perhaps now was the time to prepare her daughter, while a supportive friend was present.

"Mama is going to have a baby, Allie," Colleen said, laying a hand on her stomach as well. "It's growing inside of my tummy. That's why I'm getting bigger. My stomach is making room for your little brother or sister."

"Baby?" Allie asked.

Colleen nodded. "You're going to be a big sister soon. Would you like that?"

Allie blinked. At that moment, the baby kicked against her hand. Allie's mouth dropped and she snatched her hand from Colleen's stomach, looking up at her mother with wide eyes. "Baby kicked me!" she stated, sounding indignant.

Elizabeth laughed softly. Colleen chuckled as well. "That's the baby's way of saying hello," she said, her smile warm and genuine. "I think she likes you."

Allie looked doubtful. Colleen smiled at her daughter. "Our family is going to grow, Allie," she said. "It won't just be you and me anymore."

Innocent brown eyes looked back into hers. "What about Unca Na'tan?" Allie asked. "And Unca Gabe?"

Colleen ran a hand through Allie's hair. "They'll be with us too," she said softly. Her daughter's mention of Gabe brought to mind his open proposal and his recent, heartfelt declaration that had both touched and softened her heart. Looking at her sweet daughter, feeling her baby kick within her, she wondered if she should accept his offer. If nothing else, it would guarantee that her children had a loving, present father in their lives. She could do worse. A lot worse.

Gabe was a guaranteed safe choice for all of them.

But that was something to think about later. Right now she needed to be present for her daughter and her friend. She looked at Elizabeth. "That went better than I thought it would."

Elizabeth smiled gently. "You're a brave woman, Colleen." She stood to retrieve the tea.

Colleen smirked lightly. "I don't know about that, but thank you for the sentiment," she replied, accepting the cup Elizabeth handed her.

"Please, have something to eat," Elizabeth said, waving a hand over the food. "There's plenty for all three of us."

Colleen placed one of each item on a plate for Allie before making a plate for herself. She sampled the cucumber sandwich, closing her eyes with pleasure. "Oh!" she exclaimed. "This is heavenly!"

Elizabeth smiled. "Thank you. Abigail gave me the recipe for all these. I've never made petit fours before, so hopefully they turned out alright."

Colleen took a bite of the miniature cake. It tasted like chocolate and oranges. "Oh…they turned out alright!" she said with a chuckle. "That flavor combination is amazing." She chuckled. "I might just eat all of these and leave no room for dinner!"

"Oh, that reminds me!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "I invited your brother to dinner tonight, with the intention of inviting you as well. Can you make it?"

Colleen felt a spark of mischief inside, one that had been dormant for far too long. She smiled to herself, stirring more sugar into her tea. "Nathan said he'd come?"

Elizabeth nodded.

Colleen bit the inside of her cheek to keep the smile from breaking free. She might not be a matchmaker, but she knew her brother harbored feelings for Elizabeth. She also knew Elizabeth had feelings for Nathan. There was nothing wrong with giving them a little push together. They already had lunch together practically every day. This would simply be a different time and a different location. She affected an apologetic expression.

"I'm afraid I can't make it," she said, managing to keep a straight face. "I already have dinner plans this evening."

A slight look of alarm filled Elizabeth's face. "You do?" she asked, eyes wide. "With who?"

"Gabe," Colleen answered automatically. "I have dinner plans with Gabe." He just didn't know it yet. She smiled as sympathetically as she could. "I'm sorry to miss out, but I'm sure you and Nathan will have a lovely dinner together."

Allie wiggled off Colleen's lap. She set her daughter on the floor, watching as she wandered over to a nearby bookshelf. When she turned her attention back to her friend, she saw that Elizabeth was eying her suspiciously. Colleen gave her an innocent smile before sipping her tea. A flicker of a smile began to form on Elizabeth's face as well. Before Colleen could question it, her friend flipped the tables on her.

"So…you and Gabe," she said casually. "You make a cute couple."

Colleen almost choked on her tea. Rosemary had said much the same when Gabe first began bringing her flowers. This time, rather than protest, Colleen opted for the truth.

"He wants to marry me," she admitted.

Elizabeth's brows rose in surprise. She clearly hadn't been expecting that. She tilted her head quizzically, studying Colleen. "Do you want to marry Gabe?" she asked, her tone serious.

Colleen let out a breath, glancing at Allie to make sure her daughter wasn't paying attention to their conversation. The child was happily absorbed in a book on flowers. "I don't know," she said. "It would probably be the smart thing to do."

"The smart…?" Elizabeth's brow furrowed. "That's a strange answer when it comes to marriage. You said your first marriage was not good?"

Colleen nodded. "Not good at all." She sighed. "Awful, in fact. Scarring. I have some serious trust issues now, thanks to Dylan." She wrapped her arms around herself. "If I marry Gabe, I'll have a good man for a husband. I'll have a good father for my children." She smiled softly. "We're old friends. He knows me better than anyone besides Nathan. I would never have to worry about him hurting me, at least not intentionally. We could have a very comfortable life together. Maybe even a happy life."

Elizabeth was watching her intently. "Does he love you?"

Colleen blushed, remembering his passionate declaration. "Yes."

"Do you love him?"

"I…I care for him," Colleen stammered. "Like I said, he's an old friend. But love wouldn't be my reason for accepting him."

Elizabeth smiled, a knowing look on her face. Colleen wondered what she saw. She didn't have to wait long to find out.

"I've watched you interact with Gabe," Elizabeth said. "There's an ease and camaraderie between you that is beautiful to watch." She paused. "Are you sure you're not in love with him? Because from the outside looking in, I would be hard pressed to believe there are no feelings on your part."

Colleen stared at her friend. Her words made Colleen stop and think. It wasn't possible. She'd fallen in love many times over the years, with the last man she fell for being Dylan. She knew what it felt like to be in love. What she felt for Gabe was nothing like that. It was much different. As for feelings…well, she couldn't deny that she was coming to see him as more than just a friend. But to talk of love? No. She wasn't there. She might never be there.

"I wish I could give Gabe the love he wants, Elizabeth," she said softly. "I truly do. But I'm just not there."

"Could you love him?" Elizabeth asked.

That made her pause. Could she? Gabe was certainly a worthy man. She wasn't sure she could find someone who would treat her better. And he said he would wait as long as it took.

"Maybe," she admitted, her heart crying out that it could be true. "Maybe."

Elizabeth smiled, the knowing look deepening. "Good," she said, sitting back with her teacup, a mysterious smile on her lips.

Colleen wanted to ask about the look, but she was afraid to do so. She wasn't sure how, but she had the sense Elizabeth could see her heart completely unveiled. She had a feeling her friend knew Colleen's feelings better than Colleen knew them herself.

The thought made her pause. Was she that ignorant of her own heart? Thinking back to Dylan and the other men she'd dated, she had to admit that was a very real possibility. How could she have fallen in love so many times with so many unworthy men? Perhaps her definition of love was skewed. She'd always wanted a fairy tale love. But fairy tales weren't real. Romance was exciting, but it faded.

Colleen chewed on her lower lip. Maybe love was right in front of her and she couldn't recognize it. Maybe she had closed herself off to real love in search of a cheap imitation. Nathan had asked her to give Gabe a chance. Her brother was a wise judge of character. He wouldn't have asked her to try to open herself to Gabe if he didn't think she could love him.

She smiled to herself. How had he put it? That she didn't have the sense God gave a duck if she couldn't see that Gabe's love was true? She'd have to be blind not to see that he loved her. That wasn't the issue.

The issue was whether she could love him in return, the way he deserved to be loved.