After the bar fight, Jack Jr. decided he needed to focus on his house as well as his mother's house. The group who wanted to help build the houses grew. Nathan had called, telegrammed and wrote letters to former Mountie's who Nathan knew and those who knew Jack Sr. They wanted to help a Mountie's son. If Jack Jr's calculations were correct, his mother's house would be done by summer and his house would be done by the end of summer.

Elizabeth did not see Nathan after their dinner. She was getting ready for school. She planning out lessons and needed to get the classroom ready. Nathan was overseeing two criminal trials. Neither had time to see each other.

The Friday after school started, Elizabeth was in the classroom, getting ready to leave. She heard a knock at the door. Elizabeth turned around. It was Nathan at the door.

"I have an apple for the teacher" Nathan said holding up the apple. He walked over to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth smiled, "trying to improve your grades Mr. Grant?" Elizabeth teased

"No. If I was going to bribe you, I would do it with flowers and chocolates"

Elizabeth laughed.

Nathan gave Elizabeth the apple. He looked at the chalkboard. On it, it said Mrs. Thornton.

Elizabeth saw Nathan looking at the chalkboard.

"I never legally changed my last name. Lucas told me to keep it for the books. But everywhere else I was Mrs. Bouchard. But being back in Hope Valley, I feel like Thornton suits me better"

Nathan thought for a moment, "So do I" he said

Elizabeth laughed.

"So, I didn't come over just to give you an apple. I was hoping you, Jack Jr. and Sophie would like to come over tomorrow to see Sargent Jr. and go riding. I have a great beginner's horse for Sophie. What do you say?"

Elizabeth thought about it. She hadn't ridden in so long and a family outing would be nice.

"It sounds like a wonderful idea" Elizabeth told Nathan.

"Great! Does after lunch work?" Nathan asked.

"Sounds perfect" Elizabeth said with a smile.

"I will see you tomorrow" Nathan said. He walked out of the classroom. Elizabeth had to catch her breath. He always made her have to catch her breath after he would leave a room.

Jack Jr. was waiting outside for Sophie to get out of school. His mother had seen him earlier and told him about Nathan's offer to see Sargent Jr. and have Sophie try riding a horse. Jack Jr. knew how excited she would be and couldn't wait to tell her. The children were making their way out. Jack Jr. saw Sophie and waved to her. She ran into his arms and he picked her up.

"Hey Sophie girl, how was school?" Jack Jr. asked

"It was so much fun" Sophie answered.

"That's good. I have something to tell you. Grandma came to see me after she was done with school and tomorrow we are going to Mr. Grant's house to meet Sargent Jr. and to give you a riding lesson."

Sophie opened her mouth in excitement. Jack Jr. put her down and she ran over to Katherine.

"Mrs. Guff! Daddy is taking me to see Sargent Jr. and then I'm going to learn how to ride a horse!"

"That sounds like a lot of fun" Katherine said. Katherine walked over to Jack Jr.

"Hello Jack"

"Hello Kate" Jack Jr. said smiling.

"Can Mrs. Guff come with us tomorrow?" Sophie asked Jack Jr.

Jack Jr. thought for a moment and smiled.

"Only if she wants to come" He said

"I don't want to impose. It sounds like a family outing" Katherine said.

"No imposition at all. You can see it as a teaching moment. I haven't been riding since I was ten years old. You can show me how to ride so I don't fall on my face." Jack Jr. said

Katherine laughed.

She thought for a moment. "I haven't ridden in a couple of months. Why not! It sounds fun" she said

"Great!" Jack Jr. said. Sophie was jumping up and down with excitement.

Sophie and Jack Jr. helped Katherine lock up the classroom and escorted her to her car. When they were at her car, they heard someone from a car.

"Yoo-hoo"

It was Violet Collins from swing dancing. She parked her car and walked over. She was wearing a form fitting dress and high heels. She took off her sunglasses and placed them in her purse.

"Jack Jr.! Katherine! Hello" Violet said

"Hello" they both said in unison

Violet saw Sophie and bent down

"Who is this cutie?" Violet asked

"This is my daughter Sophie. Sophie, this is Miss Collins.

"Aren't you darling" Violet said to Sophie.

"My daddy is teaching me how to ride tomorrow. Mrs. Guff too!"

Violet stood up, "Really?"

"Yes. Would you like to join us?" Jack Jr. asked

"Stinky horses and poop. I think I'll pass. But I was hoping to have a word with you in private" Violet said

Katherine saw that as her cue to leave.

"I'll see you both tomorrow. Nice seeing you again Violet" They said their goodbyes and Katherine drove off.

"The theater is playing Casablanca tomorrow night and I was hoping you would accompany me." Violet asked

Jack Jr. blushed and started fidgeting with something in his pocket. It had been a while since a woman had showed an interest in him.

"Tomorrow night is family night and Sophie really enjoys that time" Jack Jr. said

Violet bent down to Sophie.

"You don't mind if I take your daddy from you for one night"

Sophie shook her head.

"It's settled" Violet said

Having no excuses left. Jack Jr. agreed to the date.

"Wonderful! Pick me up at 6 tomorrow" Violet said and wrote down her address. Violet waved goodbye, got into her car and drove off.

Jack Jr. crouched down to Sophie.

"I don't have to go. I know how much you like family night"

With a serious face, Sophie took Jack Jr.'s face in her hands.

"Daddy, you need a woman"

Jack Jr. burst out laughing and kissed Sophie on the head.

"Let's start practicing your riding" Jack Jr. said. Sophie crawled on his back for a piggyback ride. Jack Jr. made horse noises all the way home.