A/N, THIS IS MY STORY FROM THE HEART SUBMISSION FOR REMEMBRANCE DAY. IN WRITING THIS STORY, I RAN INTO ISSUES OF CANON DATES NOT REALLY MATCHING UP WITH IT. SO FOR THE SAKE OF THIS STORY, IT TAKES PLACE AT THE BEGINNING OF WHAT WE KNOW IS S9. JACK WILL TURN 4 IN A FEW MONTHS.


THREE MONTHS PRIOR—AUGUST 1, 1918 HOPE VALLEY

Elizabeth had been more than ready to return to Hope Valley, but she had done a lot of thinking while she was gone. Having a month away from Lucas made her see things much clearer. It was as if being away from the situation allowed her to see everything through new eyes. Talking with her family and spending time with Charlotte made her see that she made a gross error in judgment in choosing Lucas over Nathan. Now that she thought about it, Elizabeth had simply chosen to let her fear win, and Lucas was only a prop to conveniently hide behind. Her cheeks flushed as she recalled engaging in embarrassing displays of affection, even though it made her uncomfortable. She couldn't even bear to think about the private reading she had arranged for Lucas. The first thing she would do was get rid of the dresses from their date in the backyard and from that reading. Looking back, Elizabeth now realized it was a desperate attempt to replicate the feelings that only Nathan and Jack had ever created in her. But it was ineffective and did nothing but cause others to be deeply hurt. She ached with regret for how she hurt Nathan and Allie, who were undeserving of it.

To make matters worse, she realized how in focusing only on herself, she neglected the one person she had a duty to protect. Jack was utterly dependent on her, and she often put his care off to others. That changed immediately, and she vowed it would never happen again.

On top of that, she worried about Henry and how he looked when they had lunch in Hamilton while he was visiting his son Christopher and Rachel. They had come for a visit to see Christopher's mother, and Henry had come for a week at the behest of Faith, who ordered him to take a break from everything. Elizabeth sensed something weighing on him, but he wouldn't say what it was. They had talked about the misgivings they each had about Lucas. Christopher had told her about Lucas' scheme to bring him to Hope Valley and that whole fiasco that Lucas covered up. He had also told her about the confrontation he had witnessed at the drilling site when Lucas accused Nathan of not doing what was best for Allie and her.

No sooner had she and Jack got off the shuttle from the train station and arrived at the café Lucas was there, wanting her attention. She had told him that she was tired and really just wanted to get her and Jack home. But as usual, Lucas didn't listen to her wishes and began wheedling her to go see the surprise he had. Elizabeth hadn't missed his look of annoyance when Jack was demanding her attention and wanting to go see Uncle Bill and Mountie Nathan. When she mentioned the surprise that Lucas wanted them to see, Jack was curious, but Lucas started to object. Silencing him with a raised brow, she took her son by the hand. Jack went to reach up for Lucas' hand, but he moved it before Jack's hand could reach it. All of these things began to stack up in her mind and weighed heavily on her heart as the walked toward the church. It stood for a love that was true, and when she compared it to the man beside her, he didn't measure up.

The final straw came when he had arranged for the use of the Hot Air Balloon that had been set up beside the school. The whole town was gathered, and looking at the spectacle made her self-conscious. To her annoyance, he then proceeded to show off by piloting the balloon himself. Her father's words returned to her as the balloon began to rise.

"Elizabeth, I have found through business and life that if something is truly valuable, attractive, and of good quality, it doesn't need anything extra to make it desirable. Do you understand what I am saying?"

Then her words to Abigail popped up in her mind. "I've seen charmers like him before, and they all soon wither on the vine. Lucas hadn't even bothered to read that Virginia Woolf book. But something told her that Nathan would have without a doubt. He would never do something to gain the affection of another person. He would do it out of a sincere desire to do something nice without even considering what he would gain from it. The proof of that was hanging in the library. Nathan remembered she liked Emerson, which turned out was something they had in common. He painstakingly made her the beautiful plaque, appreciating that she had been there for him and Allie. It was lovingly handcrafted explicitly for her, and now she could see that it was obvious that it was a gift coming from his heart.

Suddenly she saw what her father had been trying to make her see. Jack won her heart because he never pretended to be anything other than what he was. He spoke the hard truth even if it caused problems between them. Yes, he did do a couple of extravagant things like the Mountie ball in the saloon, the dinner on their land, their first date, and of course, her proposal. But he did them to show his love and appreciation because he already had her heart. She smiled as she remembered his courting gift of the drawing he had made.

He never hesitated to work beside her for the town they loved. He supported her with her calling on many occasions, helping guide her students. One event that stood above the many was when he came home for a few days. He didn't hesitate to help with the float and build a crib for Robert's Christmas wish, even letting the boy help. What made it even more special was that he had relished it.

Then there was Nathan. He didn't even do anything extravagant. They had never even gone to dinner, yet he won her heart; he never failed to speak his mind if he thought she needed to hear it. He wasn't afraid to disagree with her even if it made her angry. However, he was more considerate of keeping silent if it could cause her unnecessary harm. She was ashamed to realize she hadn't given him the same care. Nathan always listened to her with an intensity that made her feel respected and that her thoughts were valued.

Like Jack, Nathan worked beside her in the day-to-day activities of everyday life, especially when it came to the people of Hope Valley. Nathan even agreed to talk to Robert and serve as a mentor when Robert came to her about dropping out of school his last year to become a Mountie. He worked hard to provide a sense of security and a loving home to Allie.

Then there was her son and his obvious adoration of Nathan from the first moment they saw each other. He always took the time to show Jack he cared. He never failed to stop and spend a few minutes engaging with her son whenever he saw them out. Since it happened, even if she wasn't around, Elizabeth knew that he did that simply because he loved her son. Elizabeth had felt the same way about Allie, and one of her biggest regrets was hurting her and destroying that trust.

They hadn't even been home one day, and she could not stop her eyes from straying whenever he rode by. When it came to Nathan, she could feel a quickening of her pulse even if he had just walked into the room she was in. It never happened with Lucas, which at that moment was very telling.

As she exited the balloon, she knew she was done continuing the farce. It was time to let the curtain fall, and there was no time like the present. "Lucas, we need to talk."

"I'd like to," he replied, "But I have a meeting in a few minutes with some wealthy investors for the Oil company." He bent to kiss her lips, but she turned her head, and he caught her on the cheek instead.

Seemingly unbothered, he continued, "Wish me luck because if this goes through, I will be wealthy beyond our dreams, and I will have brought another opportunity for employment to Hope Valley."

He walked away, and she had an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach. One that told her that something was coming, and it wasn't good. She was distracted by students and their families coming up to say hello.

On the way into town, she saw Henry sitting in his car, looking dejected and exhausted.

"Henry, what is wrong?" Elizabeth asked.

"I have really messed up and essentially helped the fox get into the chicken coop. Henry said, visibly upset.

"What's going on?"

Briefly, he told her all about the investors and his history with one of them. Though it's not being spoken of, Elizabeth, I know that Jerome Smith intends to reopen the mine.

But I thought the mine was ordered permanently closed?"

"If they come in under a different company, then as near as I can tell, they can. I think it was specifically the Pacific Northwest Mining Company.

"Have you talked to Bill?"

No, because I know he will think I did this deliberately, thinking I'm returning to my old ways.

"We have to stop this, Henry.

I tried, but I don't know what to do or where to go. If the mining stuff comes up, any trust and goodwill I've built will be gone instantly, and we will be back to Coal Valley days.

"Do you trust me with these documents, Henry

Of course, I do, Elizabeth." He said, handing them over.

"This is why you have been so stressed out, isn't it?

"Yes, the investor Jerome is one I worked with at the mining company. He comes off as really nice. He reminds me a lot of Lucas. He won't hesitate to reopen the mine. He would run it the same way as they did in the past.

"Do you remember the letter you gave me that I had written to the Company about safety?

"Yes, I do," Elizabeth said.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out another worn letter she recognized as the one she had handed him. "Look at the name of the person who claims to have overseen the inspection."

"That's Lucas' investor Elizabeth," Henry said softly.

"You need to talk to Lucas then. Make him understand what is at stake. I'll even go with you." Elizabeth said.

Henry looked at her sadly. "I already have. I assure you that he is well aware of all of it."

"Mike and Fiona?" Elizabeth asked.

"They didn't know until after we were already deep into the deal. Lucas said he would talk to them once he had all the facts. Fiona sensed I was upset and then overheard when Jerome showed up at the site and talked about the old days. When she asked me about it later, I told her." Henry said.

"But I should have told her all about what was happening. She felt pushed aside and decided to go after

someone her own and immediately attracted the attention of Jerome."

"Don't worry, Henry, we will figure this out," Elizabeth said.

"I know that it will put a wedge between you and Lucas," Henry said.

"Don't worry about that." She interrupted. "I already came to the conclusion that we aren't a good fit when I came back from Hamilton. But your revelation confirms two things for me."

"What's that?" Henry asked.

"First, I was so stupid and made a real mess of it," Elizabeth answered honestly. "Second, it shows that I made the right decision and probably should have sooner."

"If I'm being honest, I am relieved you did," Henry said wryly.

"Thank you, Henry," Elizabeth said with a smile. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Lucas and the other man shaking hands before they separated. The man walked away with Walden heading to where the Foundry was being built,

They had a familiarity with one another that suggested they were well acquainted. Lucas headed to the Valley Voice carrying a piece of paper.

"What do you think that is about?" Henry mused.

"I can only think of one reason, Henry, and it's not going to happen on my watch," Elizabeth said. "If you will excuse me, Henry? I would have you come, but you look very pale and exhausted. Would you let me escort you to the infirmary while I talk to Lucas and Bill? I promise I will meet you there and fill you in on everything when I'm done."

"That would be nice because I'm not feeling well right now," Henry said.

After getting him settled with Faith at the infirmary, she went to find Lucas. She could not go one more second in any relationship with him, and thankfully, she didn't need to go far. Elizabeth found him in the Oil company office and appeared to be preparing to leave for the day. She was glad that he was alone, and she walked in and left the door open, not intending the conversation to take long.

"Ah, Elizabeth, I'm all done with my business, and I'm all yours now," Lucas said with his signature charming smile. But now, without the blinders, it just looked smarmy. He went to take her in his arms, and she stepped back. He looked confused at her retreat and asked her what was wrong.

"I'm going to make this quick for both of our sakes Lucas," Elizabeth said flatly.

"That sounds serious, Elizabeth," Lucas said soothingly, "Why don't we get some dinner? I'll walk you home…." He approached her and ran his hands up and down her arms. Elizabeth was shocked to realize he was trying to manage her the way he did whenever they disagreed. How had she never noticed this before now?

Thinking she was falling for his spell, he quickly bent his head to kiss her, and she slapped him. Taking advantage of his shock, she said, "Lucas, I am ending any relationship ties with you as of right now. I want you to keep away from me, and if you ever pull another stunt like this one, I assure you I won't hold back the next time." Florence and Ned had been returning from a walk and saw her slap him and heard what she said. Realizing it was a private conversation and Elizabeth was safe, they quickly moved away to give her privacy. They were still discussing it when they ran into Bill and Nathan talking outside the Café.

"What are you two so excited about," Bill said. "You look like Christmas came early,"

They looked at each other for a moment, and then Ned nodded in agreement. Florence grinned and said, "We were walking by the Oil Company Office and saw Elizabeth slap Lucas and tell him that she was ending all relationship ties with him immediately. She warned him to keep away from her and Jack."

"Elizabeth also mentioned him pulling some kind of stunt and that if he did it again, she wouldn't hold back the next time," Ned added with glee.

"Judging by his cheek if she was holding back, I would hate to see it if she used full force," Florence said. "Though I have never seen her raise a hand to anyone, whatever happened must have been bad."

Bill and Nathan looked at each other in alarm. "Do you know where she went?" Bill asked.

"She was still in the office not even five minutes ago when we saw her," Florence answered. "Well, you two have a good night. Oh, Bill, when you talk to her, please tell her I won't be telling anyone else?" Florence said pointedly. "We just felt that as the Constable and you being so close to her, Bill, you both should be aware."

"I'll tell her, Florence," Bill said softly, worried about his girl.

"One last thing, Bill?" Ned began, "She looked more angry than upset, if that helps," Then the Yost headed to the Mercantile.

"What should we do," Nathan asked.

"Let's go over to my office and discuss it. If Ned thought she was in danger, they would have said that. They wouldn't have left her alone." Nathan nodded and followed Bill.

They hadn't been there long when they heard Rosemary calling out to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth walked in with Rosemary, not far behind. "Elizabeth, give me that back," Rosemary said. "As a newspaper editor, I have a duty to print it."

In the past few months, they had all seen Elizabeth acting irrationally, but something about the way she looked at them now was different. There was a fierceness in her, as if she was in mama bear protection mode.

Elizabeth said, "I'm sorry, Rosemary, I value your friendship, but I have to follow my conscience on this." Then proceeded to tear the paper into little pieces.

"I can't allow them to be blindsided like this, Bill," Elizabeth said.

"Who are you talking about," Nathan asked.

"She is talking about the fact that the new investors coming on board with Lucas will also be reopening the mine."

"What?" Bill said, standing. "Who told you that?"

"Lucas!" Rosemary said with a satisfied smile. "They gave me the information, including an announcement to be placed in the next edition. That's what Elizabeth just tore up."

Suddenly the door to Bill's office opened, and Lee walked in. He was expecting to find Bill alone and had come to tell him about Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth?" Bill asked, brow raised, ignoring Lee for the moment.

"I saw Henry on my way to town." She began. Seeing Bill's face darken, she stopped. "Henry was right. None of you will give him the benefit of the doubt." She turned to leave and threw the paper in the air like confetti.

"Where are you going, Elizabeth?" Nathan asked, reaching out and stopping her with a gentle hand on her arm.

"I'm going to go find someone who will listen, Nathan," She said, tears welling up. "Before it's too late to do anything."

Bill walked over and took her in his arms, knowing how she was hurting. He put a finger under Elizabeth's chin and lifted her face to look into her eyes. "I'm sorry, Elizabeth, and I will listen and do what I can to help. Will you let me?" He asked softly.


A/N THIS STARTED OUT SMALL BUT EVOLVED INTO WHAT WILL ULTIMATELY BE A 22-CHAPTER STORY. IT WILL BE COMPLETE SHORTLY AS MOST OF THE CHAPTERS ARE ALREADY WRITTEN. SINCE NOVEMBER 30 HAS ARRIVED, I'VE DECIDED TO RELEASE THE FIRST 7 CHAPTERS WITH THE HOPES TO RELEASE MORE OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS, ULTIMATELY POSTING THE FINAL CHAPTER BY SUNDAY, DEC 4,2022. I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT.