A dream is a wish your heart makes

When you're fast asleep

In dreams you will lose your heartaches

Whatever you wish for, you keep

-Ilene Woods, "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes" (Cinderella, 1950)

Allie wasn't sure what to do or say now as they walked out of town. She still felt embarrassed that she'd broken down in front of her uncle and Mrs-Elizabeth-she was still having just a little trouble adapting to calling her by her given name despite having permission. She knew that her uncle's job was dangerous. She also knew that while he was always careful, sometimes that didn't make a difference. Allie was also aware that her uncle had probably had more close calls than he'd ever admit to her. A part of her was glad. She didn't think she'd be able to let him put his uniform on or walk out the door if she did know exactly what he'd faced in the past and could on a daily basis.

Her emotional outburst had been born out of the fear of losing another parent. Allie might not remember her mom or dad, but she still felt their absence in her life. Uncle Nathan had been her one constant in her ever-changing life. At only eleven years old, she knew she would never recover emotionally if she lost him too. It was a harsh realization at her age, but life had already taught her some pretty harsh lessons. That morning just happened to be the first time it was thrown in her face so blatantly.

The day had started so well, too, she lamented as they approached the first rowhouse. Her excitement had been palpable. In the near future Allie was certain she'd been gaining a mother-figure and a brother, and more than likely a few more siblings later on. It was something she'd been wanting for a long time now. A secret wish whispered in her heart before bed, dreams she never told anyone about. It was a longing she'd become increasingly aware of since their move and permanent residency in Hope Valley. For a while there, Allie had been sure that her dream would never come true because it looked like Elizabeth and Mr. Bouchard may be courting. Courting didn't always lead to marriage, she knew, but an overnight trip together had seemed to tip the balance of scales in the saloon owner's favor.

It wasn't that Mr. Bouchard was not a good man, not that Allie could see, even after that bad man had come to town making trouble because of something in Mr. Bouchard's past. He was nice and funny, and seemed to care for their community. The Library and the Christmas Festival were two prime examples. Allie even liked him. He'd helped her, sort of, on her first day in Hope Valley instead of getting her into trouble like most adults would've, not that she didn't get into trouble anyway (the card trick he'd taught her may have been a hit with the other kids, but definitely not with Elizabeth). The man was sophisticated in a manner she'd not seen often in her life. He fascinated her. It was also obvious that he had a lot of money, too. That segued her into her next thought.

Anna and Emily had told her all about how Elizabeth had looked like she'd stepped right out of those fashion magazines they were always looking through her first year here, how much she'd stuck out compared to the other women. But Allie didn't see that. Elizabeth dressed like all of the other women in Hope Valley. Maybe she just couldn't afford the fancy dresses anymore. But could she want to be more like she'd been when she was newly from Hamilton? Allie asked herself, now worried about that idea.

"Allie, are you okay? You've been awfully quiet," her uncle said, interrupting her worrying inner monologue.

"I'm fine," she answered, not wanting him to question her too thoroughly. He would eventually get the truth from her if he did, and she didn't want to hurt his feelings-definitely not today-by letting him know she knew he couldn't give the same things to Elizabeth like Mr. Bouchard could.

Thankfully no more questions followed the first and Allie was grateful. The three continued on to their destination in silence, entering Elizabeth's house where they could all process the events of the morning together and without an audience. She was sure spending time with Little Jack would cheer her up.

Despite the tumultuous last hour, Elizabeth actually felt a sense of calm envelopment as she, Nathan, and Allie walked toward the rowhouses. Admittedly, it was odd, but it wasn't something Elizabeth had the mental or emotional fortitude to ponder over at the moment. She was, however, still worried about Allie. The girl had been far too quiet during their walk, but she'd told Nathan she was fine. One look at Nathan had confirmed her own suspicion that Allie had lied, but they both knew now was not the time to push her for the truth. Right now they just needed to be together, privately.

Elizabeth entered her home to see Laura sitting at the coffee table, no doubt working on her schoolwork, with Little Jack beside her. The little boy was concentrating on the tower-like structure he was building with his blocks with such focus that he hadn't even looked up at the noise of their arrival. Laura, on the other hand, was visibly confused to not only see her employer-who should be at school-but the town's Mountie following behind her, along with his niece-who should also be at school. Having already brought Little Jack back home, Laura would have no idea about the tragic incident.

After quickly explaining the circumstances to Laura and sending her on home for the day-with pay, of course-Elizabeth then made her way into the kitchen to put the kettle on for tea. Allie had taken Laura's place beside Little Jack on the floor, joining his building project, murmuring to each other. Nathan had followed behind her, automatically taking teacups and saucers from her open cabinet. They didn't speak, but it felt natural, as if they'd prepared tea together dozens of times already. Elizabeth loved how there was no more awkwardness between them. It truly felt like everything had fallen into place in her life again and she couldn't be happier.

Waiting for the water to boil, Elizabeth turned from the stovetop to see Nathan placing the sugar bowl in the center of the table, the teapot also ready, lid off, waiting for the heated water. She stepped toward the ice box, intending to grab the milk jug when there was a warm sensation on her back. She turned to see Nathan standing behind her, his hand responsible for the warmth and sudden fluttering in her stomach.

"There's something still bothering Allie, but I don't know what it is. I don't think we should ask her again yet, but we'll need to at some point," Nathan said, his voice soft so Allie wouldn't overhear.

"I know," Elizabeth responded, equally as quiet. "I don't think it has anything to do with her open display of emotion at the cafe, though. I can't think of what it would be about, either."

Nathan's expression revealed his surprise that Elizabeth had known Allie was still upset over something before he'd said anything. A smile quickly replaced the surprise.

"How do you do that?" he asked.

"Do what?"

"Know exactly what is going on in someone's head before it's voiced, either by them or someone else," Nathan replied.

Elizabeth waved that notion away. "I do no such thing."

"Okay, I'll amend that by saying you almost always know what is happening with your students, at least." Nathan grinned at Elizabeth as she felt a blush blooming over her cheeks at the compliment.

"I think I just understand their natures. I suppose spending most of the day, five days a week with them for the majority of the year gives me ample time to study their demeanors and then I know what to look for with each child." She shrugged. It was simple, really.

Nathan shook his head in wonder. "It's amazing you can remember that much information about so many people. It's a skill some Mounties who've been on the job for years can't replicate."

"It's probably just consistent proximity in my case, not some superior skill," she said, shrugging again.

"Mmm hmm," Nathan hummed back, leaning closer, head tilting…

The kettle began to whistle, interrupting their…conversation.

Lucas paced the length of the back hallway of the Queen of Hearts, unsure of what to do, where to go, or what to think. He ran his fingers through his hair for the dozenth time, tousling his usually neatly styled hair further. His mind was racing with everything he'd seen and heard earlier. Bill's wild and rushed driving of the transfer wagon had made a lot of noise on his way into town-understandable, of course-he was trying to save a life after all. The shouting of the bystanders had been what had drawn him from the saloon. He'd been delayed by the decision to grab his coat first. He was making his way toward the commotion when he'd seen Elizabeth turn, then run into Nathan's arms.

It wasn't the embrace so much that had bothered him. Elizabeth and Nathan were friends, and she was an affectionate person. He was sure she would hug any of her friends in the same situation. No, it wasn't the hug that had him pacing like a mad man. It was the look on her face that was burned into his mind, the look of absolute devastation. It was also how relieved she'd been when she'd seen Nathan was alive and not the Mountie Carson had just pronounced dead.

Lucas knew the competition between him and Nathan had taken a turn into a fiercer battle after going to Union City with Elizabeth. He just had been sure that he was pulling ahead after their trip and his gift of the signed book. Perhaps he'd been deluding himself. He probably should've known that maybe he wasn't on as solid higher ground as he'd thought when she'd turned down his invitation yesterday afternoon to celebrate her book deal because she was having dinner with Nathan. He'd kept trying to tell himself since then that it had to have something to do with Allie and was school related. Maybe she'd gotten herself into trouble again? It was a reasonable explanation. The girl had had more than her share of difficulties settling into Hope Valley.

He had to remind himself that Allie's troubles had greatly decreased after the last Christmas season, though. He knew Elizabeth had had a lot to do with that. He'd heard through an overheard dinner conversation of Florence Blakely and Molly Sullivan that she'd helped Nathan and Allie find a Christmas tree and had stayed to decorate it with them. Lucas had also heard during another conversation-lunch this time-that he'd definitely not been eavesdropping on that Nathan had been offered a promotion that would've taken him and Allie to Union City; far away enough from Hope Valley that a relationship between two people would be infeasible (that's what he told himself, anyway). Lucas would've been more than happy to see the last of his rival, but the irksome Mountie had turned down an Inspector position to stay in Hope Valley. And he didn't believe for one minute Allie needing stability and roots were the only motives for the decision.

This is ridiculous! he mentally shouted at himself. Pull yourself together, man. You don't know for sure what's going on and until then…carry on as usual. Lucas fixed his hair as best he could without a mirror, made sure his tie was straight, and headed toward the kitchen, wanting to make sure Gustave wasn't having any trouble with the lunch menu (he never did), and absolutely deluding himself that he still had a shot with Elizabeth. He would maintain hope until it was dashed completely and explicitly. He wouldn't have to wait long for that finality.