I could win any war

I could face any storm

Yeah, I could conquer the world

With just one hand

As long as you're holding the other

-Lauren Alaina, "Holding the Other"

The next week passed relatively quickly. Fiona and Lucas had needed to put his job offer on hold as they'd both been selected for jury duty for Elias O'Rourke's trial. Neither felt they were in the right headspace after sitting in court all day to focus on the work. It was too important not to do their due diligence. Lucas had actually been forced to close the saloon to half days, open during the afternoon and evening hours only since he and Bertha were both serving on the jury.

The late afternoons and evenings were filled with a myriad of activities after court had been adjourned for the day. Lucas and Bertha were trying to make sure Gustave and Mike were not completely overwhelmed in the burdens their absences created. Kevin could be heard banging away at his forge, working on the most essential blacksmithing needs of the town. Jesse would immediately head to Lee's office even though Lee had given him the week off. Jesse's reasoning that he didn't want his boss to overwork himself so soon after his recovery. The potential wrath of Rosemary was a highly motivating factor for Jesse, too. Kurt Lawson would go home to his family and farm. Fiona would keep Clara company and do what she could to help her and Bill with small things, definitely not waitressing, at the cafe.

When not in the improvised courtroom, Bill could be found in the cafe's kitchen cooking up a storm. He was trying to help make up for the saloon's partial closure, but also to keep his hands and mind busy. Nathan would do his rounds, then go to either his or Elizabeth's house for dinner, spending the rest of the evening with her and the children. They were quickly establishing a routine that was already melding their families into one despite still having separate households.

Nathan's testimony consisted of how Elias had tried to run at the train depot after realizing he'd been identified, how he had even pushed a magazine/newspaper stand at Nathan to aid his escape, which could've caused an injury. Thankfully, it hadn't. Nathan had also detailed the arrogance the young man had displayed while in custody, how he had boasted that safe cracking was a gift given to him by God. Bill had corroborated Nathan's testimony of the smugness Elias had exhibited during his time spent in Hope Valley's jail before the transfer. The confidence and belief he'd held that the justice system could not possibly find him guilty. The self-assured hubristic attitude was a major contribution to his downfall.

It wasn't until Tuesday morning that Nathan finally had the chance to speak with Jenny alone. Bill was at the cafe and John was giving his testimony, so it was just the two of them at the jail. Nathan had tried to get Jenny to open up to him, but she remained as tight-lipped as she'd been for the past week. The only exception was Jenny asking if Nathan would write to her after she was sent to prison. Nathan could do nothing but promise to do so. It was a promise he fully intended to fulfill, too. Neither one attempted to pretend there was any other outcome than Jenny spending the remainder of her youthful days behind bars.

Closing arguments for Elias' trial were finished Wednesday morning. It only took the jury a few hours of deliberation before delivering a guilty verdict just after returning from lunch. The young man had surprised everyone by not causing the ruckus that had been expected. Even Mr. and Mrs. O'Rourke, who had come from Buxton for the trials of their children, had not looked surprised that their son was found guilty of his crimes. It seemed to have been a foregone conclusion for everyone at that point.

A new jury was then selected Wednesday afternoon. Judge Parker had been fine with Bill's first selection, but felt it wasn't quite ethical to use the same jury for both trials. The judge who had once habitually crossed over the line of ethical behavior had had quite the epiphany that last time he'd been present in the town formerly known as Coal Valley. The judge had recognized that he'd almost been complicit in allowing the Northwest Pacific Mining company's corruption to continue, and denying justice for the victims' families.

Abraham Parker had left Coal Valley a changed man, and a changed judge. His behavior as a man and judge was now nothing short of befitting an officer of the law and above reproach. It was long past the time that he could've retired, but he'd felt the need to try to make up for his past decisions that had been more harmful than not by helping make the world a better place with fair trials for criminal behavior.

Jenny's trial began Thursday morning, and was over by lunchtime the next day. There was barely any material to go over because this had been the first time that Jenny had broken the law to 'help' her brother-her actions leading to a Mountie's death. The bulk of the trial consisted of testimony. Nathan, Bill, and John had all testified in quick succession on Thursday, all three making it clear that Jenny's goal was only to free Elias, that she never meant to truly hurt any of them, and Constable Novak's death was a tragic accident. Carson had been called by the defense team to attest to Jenny's state of mind in the aftermath. He had spoken of how worried he'd been when Jenny wouldn't eat for several days after, and his worry that she might try to harm herself in her guilt-ridden conscience. Carson's testimony had pricked at the consciences of the jury members, inducing a great deal of compassion for the young woman.

Samantha Madison had rebutted that if Jenny truly meant no harm, then she shouldn't have used a loaded weapon. Surely the sight of the rifle alone would've been enough of a threat to obtain their compliance? Did she really need the ammunition if she was only bluffing? Sam had also picked apart Bill's claim that if he'd not shouted at Constable Novak, Jenny wouldn't have been startled, therefore not pulling the trigger, even by accident. If Constable Grant had truly almost talked her down, if she really was ready to surrender, why did she still have her finger on the trigger? Why did she continue to listen to her brother's encouraging prompts? And Jenny's actions had caused a tragedy. Most people feel remorse after the fact. Should that really have any bearing on what had happened? It couldn't change it, so why should it matter?

There was also the indisputable fact that Jenny O'Rourke was old enough to know, even without Nathan or Bill's reminders, that breaking her brother out of custody was a criminal act. Bill had reaffirmed that if she didn't desist and surrender, a long prison sentence was her only future, as well as her brother's. Why would she then risk becoming a wanted criminal herself? Why turn a two or three year prison stint into twenty years or more for Elias? What about her fate facing twenty years or more in prison? Did she not understand that her cooperation would've been taken into consideration while determining her punishment? Were those not incentives enough to surrender?

On Friday afternoon, after a period of reflection, Judge Parker announced the sentences for the siblings. In addition to Elias and Jenny and the lawyers, Bill, Nathan, and John were present, as well as Mr. and Mrs. O'Rourke. Elias received twenty-five years in prison, with a possibility of parole in twenty. Elias' crimes, as well as his attitude while in custody and then during the attempted escape, demonstrated that the young man felt little to no remorse for the tragedies his actions had caused.

Judge Parker's sentence for Jenny was thirty years. Mrs. O'Rourke had let out a choked sob at the announcement, and Nathan and Bill both closed their eyes in dismay. They'd both been hoping that Judge Parker would be a little more merciful when it came to Jenny.

Thankfully, Judge Parker had more to say on the matter.

"However, after hearing the testimonies of Constables Grant and Howard, Judge Avery, and Dr. Shepherd, it is my opinion that Miss O'Rourke, while acting of her own free will, felt pressured into her actions. Had events happened differently, I do believe Miss O'Rourke would have surrendered with no persons harmed. It is truly unfortunate Miss O'Rourke's actions led to Constable Novak's death.

"I am not insensitive to what Miss O'Rourke has suffered since the morning of October 23rd, but the fact of the matter is that, intended or not, a Mountie died because of her decision to facilitate her brother's escape from custody. It is not only the law which demands justice, but the memory and family of Constable Novak deserve justice as well. The remorse Miss O'Rourke has demonstrated does her great credit, and is why I have decided she will be eligible for parole in fifteen years. Should Miss O'Rourke appear to be sufficiently rehabilitated at that time, she will be allowed to re-enter society as a free woman.

"Court is adjourned." Judge Parker banged his gavel on the desk.

Judge Parker then allowed Mrs. and Mrs. O'Rourke to have ten minutes with their children before they would need to be returned to the jail. Nathan volunteered to stay in the room for security while everyone else vacated the crowded office. The judge and defense lawyers made their way back to their rooms at the saloon. Sam accepted Bill's invitation for an early dinner at the cafe. John told Nathan he'd wait outside the judge's office so he could assist him in escorting Elias and Jenny back to the jail when their allotted time with their parents was up.

Nathan stood in the corner of Bill's office, studying the titles of books on the shelves, trying to be as unobtrusive as possible, giving the O'Rourkes a modicum of privacy. He sent a quick prayer of gratitude Heavenward, thanking God that Judge Parker had shown clemency when it came to Jenny's sentence. Nathan had no doubt that Jenny would be fully rehabilitated long before the fifteen years were up. Nathan would make sure to offer his support in whatever capacity he was able to fulfill over the years to come.

John entered the office, signaling that it was time to take Jenny and Elias back into custody. Nathan hated that Mr. and Mrs. O'Rourke had to watch as both of their children had their wrists placed in manacles, but it was procedure. It was unlikely that either sibling would attempt another escape, but it still had to be done. Mrs. O'Rourke ignored the tears steadily running down her cheeks as she watched. It was like a knife twisting in his gut as he remembered his own mother crying as his father was taken away on one of the first times Archie had been arrested for his petty thievery.

Nathan was surprised to find Lee waiting in the jail for them. His explanation was that by their request, Bill had deputized him and Jesse again to keep watch, so Nathan could go home or to Elizabeth's, and John could do whatever took his fancy. The saloon was almost at maximum capacity, so to be courteous and give Lucas a vacancy, John had moved into the back room of the jail until the trials were over. He was expecting to be given his next assignment within the next week. Nathan was grateful that so many in Hope Valley had volunteered to help lighten the burdens they faced in this trying time. It was greatly appreciated.

Elizabeth's was Nathan's original destination, but he decided to make a quick detour to the mercantile first. He was hoping it wouldn't be busy. It was a gamble, but he could always come up with another reason for visiting the store. The item he intended to purchase was one that he preferred to make without an audience. He needed it to be a secret, after all. Well…a secret for a little while, but not too long.

Other than Ned and Florence at the switchboard, the mercantile's only other occupants Nathan could see after a cursory look around were Mrs. Hayford and Anna. Thankfully, Ned had just handed Mrs. Hayford the paper bag with her purchases as Nathan walked inside. He took another look around after the woman and her daughter left, just to make sure there wasn't someone in the shadows. There wasn't, to Nathan's relief.

When Nathan stepped up to the counter, he realized that Ned had been watching him, his expression one of curiosity and amusement at his odd, and only slightly subtle behavior. It must've looked pretty strange, he reckoned.

"Everything all right, Constable?" Ned asked, bemused.

Nathan had tried to let people know they didn't always have to be so formal with him when he was in uniform, but the respect for the Mounties in the Hope Valley residents ran deep.

Nathan smiled nervously. "Yeah, Ned, everything's fine. I just want to buy something, and I, uh, I want…I need to be…" He rubbed the back of his neck, leaving his sentence unfinished, unsure how to word what he was trying to say.

"To be discreet?" Ned offered for him.

Nathan nodded. "Uh…yeah."

The look and smile Ned gave him was knowing. Of course Ned could see right through him, and know exactly which item Nathan wanted to purchase and why, even if he didn't know which specific one he was there for. Nathan could see Florence stretching her neck in their direction, but he had faith that Florence, just like Ned, would keep his secret.

There was no preamble; no need to browse over the pieces of jewelry on display; no indecision. The decision made long ago, Nathan pointed to the ring he wanted. Ned's smile was one of appreciation as he immediately took the ring from the glass case and presented it to Nathan.

The band was white gold, and in the middle, flanked by two small, round diamonds, was a round ruby. The ring had caught his eye so long ago because he'd seen a great deal of symbolism in the design, even before he had the thinnest sliver of hope to court Elizabeth one day. Now, they were courting, and this particular ring was the perfect outward symbol of their love, in his opinion.

The ruby reminded Nathan of Elizabeth's fiery spirit, her dedication, her passion, her determination to help anyone in need. In his mind, the diamonds on either side represented Little Jack on one and him and Allie on the other. The ruby was stunning in its own right and didn't need the diamonds to be beautiful. They only enhanced the beauty of the bigger gemstone by surrounding it with complementary accents, creating a lovely result overall. He felt it was the most accurate description of the blending of their families. He hoped the analogy wouldn't be lost on Elizabeth.

Nathan took a few more moments to gaze down at the ring, imagining how it would look on Elizabeth's finger and what her reaction might be. Florence's voice broke him from his reverie.

"It's a beautiful ring, Constable. Elizabeth will love it."

Nathan hadn't even noticed that Florence had joined Ned behind the counter. He blushed. "You think so?"

Florence's smile was reassuring. "I know so, Nathan."

"Definitely," Ned said, backing up Florence's certainty.

Nathan caught the pleased look in the woman's eyes at Ned's agreement to her claim. There was definitely a story behind that look. Time would only tell what it was.

Nathan paid, and was appreciative that Florence had suggested Ned place the ring in a box that was a little too big. The reasoning that the contents couldn't be guessed right away by the telling size of the box. Stowing it safely away in his pocket, Nathan thanked Florence and Ned and went home. The first thing he did was hide the box in one of the drawers in his dresser. He even hid it under a couple of his shirts to add a little more protection to his temporary secret. He then changed clothes and made his way to Elizabeth's.

A short walk later he walked into a very domestic scene that was an absolute joy to behold. Allie and Little Jack were sitting together on the settee, the former reading to the latter. Allie was changing her voice to sound silly as she read, making the little boy giggle at her dedication to make the character come to life. It was a sweet moment between the two. Nathan was glad Allie didn't seem to mind the age difference and wasn't annoyed or impatient with him. In fact, it looked like Allie genuinely enjoyed guiding and entertaining Jack.

Elizabeth was at the table slicing potatoes. Nathan didn't know why, but the sight of Elizabeth wearing an apron was highly attractive. It was probably strange to think that, but he did. She smiled at him as he made his way over to her.

"Hi," she said. "All done for the day?"

"Hey. Yeah, all done," he answered.

"Do you have to go back later?"

Nathan shook his head. "Lee and Jesse volunteered to be deputized again. They'll each take turns watching over Elias and Jenny for the night."

Elizabeth smiled at their thoughtful kindness before her expression changed to one that was a little more serious. "What were the verdicts?" she asked softly, likely so Allie wouldn't overhear.

"Guilty, for both."

Elizabeth grimaced, but they both had known there would be no other answer. "We can talk about it later."

Nathan nodded and then looked at her dinner preparations. "What can I do to help?"

"You can slice up the leftover roast beef to warm up while I finish with these. The string beans still need to be rinsed, but I won't sauté them until the potatoes are almost done."

He noticed that she gave him easy tasks that would in no way endanger the food to become inedible. It made him smile. Elizabeth was easing him into helping with dishes that were more complex to what he was used to cooking. He was still looking forward to a private cooking lesson one day.

They worked efficiently together as they prepared dinner. The conversation flowed easily, Elizabeth doing most of the talking about her day, saving talk about the trial until later. She had been doing short, impromptu lessons throughout the week about law procedures to try to answer questions the children had. She was even thinking about asking Bill to help her set up mock trials in the classroom so that it might be a little more interesting for the students. Apparently Carson had had better luck engaging them with the practical portion of his science lessons a few weeks ago. Nathan told her the kids would probably have a lot of fun if they got to participate, even if it would be a simplistic and short version of a trial. Nathan thought it was a great idea.

When the potatoes were roasting and the beef was warming, Allie brought Little Jack over to the table to begin teaching him how to set it as Nathan and Elizabeth watched. Allie was gentle and patient as she let him place the napkins and silverware (she made sure he was very careful with the knives and forks) in the correct spots. The plates were too breakable for him to handle quite yet, so Allie just let him push them into place instead. Jack smiled widely and proudly every time Allie praised his efforts. Nathan and Elizabeth shared smiles at the ever-growing bond between their children.

When it was Little Jack's bedtime, Allie offered to help Elizabeth ready him for bed and then asked to read to him. It gave Nathan and Elizabeth the opportunity to sit downstairs and talk with fresh coffee in hand.

"We're going to be cooped up soon with how quickly the weather is turning colder. What do you think of a wagon ride with the kids on Sunday after church?" Nathan asked.

Elizabeth's face lit up at his question. "I think that would be wonderful! Did you have anywhere in mind?"

"Not really. I thought we might just wander a bit and see where that takes us." He shrugged.

Elizabeth's next words were said in a pensive tone, which was intriguing. "If you don't mind, I have somewhere I'd like to show you." He couldn't be sure, but he thought he detected a little hesitancy in her suggestion.

Nathan shook his head. "I don't mind. Where is it?"

"It's in the direction of Jameson. I can tell you where to go on Sunday."

He wasn't sure if he should be worried at her vagueness, but he knew Elizabeth would have a good reason for her secretive-like attitude. "Okay," he said in agreement.

The night ended with hugs and a kiss to the cheek. It also left Nathan curious as to what Elizabeth had in store for them on Sunday.

Nervous was the only word that could describe Elizabeth as she readied herself and her son for church Sunday morning. Neither Nathan nor Elizabeth had brought up marriage again, but she knew from their conversation the week prior that it would not be too much longer before he proposed. She was looking forward to it. Actually, she was quite giddy, if truth be told. There might have been a little impatience, too, but only because she was eager to make their two families one.

The cause of Elizabeth's anxiety was because she wanted to take Nathan to her land. She wanted to know if he would be interested in using it to build a home for them. She would be honest with Nathan and tell him that Jack had bought the land for them. Given the fact that Nathan had felt he'd betrayed Jack's memory by falling in love with her, she would understand if he felt the same way about building his life with Elizabeth where Jack had wanted to.

Elizabeth had meant what she'd said to Bill. She knew in her heart that Jack would approve of the man she'd chosen to spend the rest of her life with. That surety also applied to using the land for her future with Nathan. Jack would not begrudge her decision to use the land as it was meant to be, even if it was with another man. But if Nathan felt they needed to choose a different location for their home, then she would respect and accept his feelings on the matter.

She was nervous because she wasn't sure what Nathan's reaction might be to her offer. It was important to her that he not feel overshadowed by Jack's memory. Other than the library, there was literally not a single place in Hope Valley that didn't have some type of memory connected to Jack. Elizabeth wanted to make new memories with Nathan and Allie, but still treasure her memories with Jack. He would always be a part of her.

Elizabeth, Little Jack, Nathan, and Allie ate a quick lunch before they headed off on their afternoon drive. She had even packed a basket with cookies and muffins to keep the children occupied while she and Nathan talked. It was a beautiful day, if a little chilly, so they were all bundled up in coats, hats, and gloves. Allie had wanted Little Jack to sit on her lap and they both were wrapped up in a blanket, too. They looked so adorable cuddled together. Elizabeth and Nathan shared smiles as the two chattered away behind them. She was really looking forward to listening to their conversations when Jack was able to articulate better. It was bound to be entertaining.

Nathan followed her directions, and soon they arrived at their destination. Elizabeth settled Allie and Jack on a blanket with the baked goods and a couple of toys, and drew Nathan away for a walk a little ways away from the children. She was silent as they walked arm-in-arm, just letting him take in the scenery. After a rotation around the kids, she finally drew on her courage to broach the subject.

"So, what do you think?"

Nathan looked over at her with a smile. "I think it's beautiful out here."

She smiled. She knew he would. "Could you see living here?"

"I could." He looked around again. "Is this area for sale?" Elizabeth could hear the interest in Nathan's tone.

"Not exactly," she said.

Nathan's questioning gaze found hers. "'Not exactly'?"

"I own it."

"You do?"

Elizabeth nodded. She could see when the realization hit him.

"Jack bought this land." Nathan didn't state this as a question.

"Yes," she still answered, as unnecessary as it was. She swallowed around the lump in her throat. "I had no need for a bigger house, even after I learned I was pregnant, but I couldn't bear to give it up, either." Her sigh was melancholic as she let her eyes rove over the land. "I thought we could use the land the way it was meant to, for our family. I'd understand if you'd want to find somewhere else. I just thought I would let you know that this land is available."

Nathan didn't speak, just took another look around, as if assessing the property again before he looked back at her. "Can I have some time to think about it?"

His inquiry was tentative. Elizabeth understood that Nathan didn't want to offend her while still letting her know what he needed and she loved him just a little more for it. She smiled. "Of course."

Nathan took her hand and Elizabeth felt at peace. However Nathan decided, she knew it would be the right one for their family. With Nathan by her side she knew she could face any storm. As long as he was holding her hand, Elizabeth felt like she could do anything, even conquering the world or winning a war with just one hand would be more than possible.

Later that afternoon, Allie and Jack were playing while Elizabeth talked Nathan through measuring the dry ingredients for a cake the kids had shyly asked for after their excursion.

Elizabeth waited until Nathan was done sifting the flour to ask a question so she wouldn't disrupt his concentration. "So was there ever a second attempt at a cake?" She almost laughed at the face he made.

"Yes. Did you know that if you accidentally add too much baking soda to the cake batter that it'll taste bitter?"

"Ah, no. I can't say that's a mistake I've made during my baking endeavors."

"That's one mistake I hope to never repeat!" he said, nodding emphatically.

She bit her cheek to keep from laughing. "Did it end up as a treat for the neighbor's dog?"

"No. It was too bitter for even the dog to brave a second bite after he literally spit the first one out. I've never seen a dog reject food like that. It took a long time before Allie let me forget that one," he said, disgruntled at the memory of Allie's teasing.

The giggle was unstoppable at that point. Nathan narrowed his eyes at her at first, then chuckled, too.

"I think my best desserts are the ones that I've bought or were made by anyone other than me."

"We'll just have to change that, won't we?" she said with a smile.

He gave her a dubious look. "Not that I'm doubting your teaching skills, but I don't think one baking lesson will make up for years of failure."

Elizabeth brushed a lock of hair from his forehead. "I wouldn't be so sure about that if I were you, sweetheart."

It was the first time Elizabeth had used a term of endearment when referring to Nathan, and judging by the look on his face, he knew it too.

His tone was just a little bit softer when he next spoke. "Why's that?"

"Because we have the secret, and most important, ingredient: love. And plenty of it." She smiled.

"We absolutely do."

The smile Nathan returned was just as tender as she was sure hers had been, then he kissed her cheek. She basked in the love they shared in that precious moment.

From that day forward Elizabeth would always associate the aroma of a chocolate cake in the oven with the feeling of being surrounded by the love of a good man and the sound of happy children.

Notes:

I know that I'm still about a month away from the end of my hiatus, but I just finished fine-tuning this chapter and I was too excited to wait to post it! Enjoy! :)

I've never dedicated a chapter before, but this one is dedicated to my Grandma "B". It will be three years next month since she passed away and I've been thinking of her often lately as we were extremely close. The story about too much baking soda in the cake is from my own personal experience.

For some background, my grandma was the Abigail to my Elizabeth. She was always so gentle and loving when we cooked together. And just like Elizabeth's feelings about Abigail's scones, my grandma's banana bread is better than any other homemade or store-bought loaf I've ever tried. I consider her recipe to be one of the best of the many things she passed down to me.

As for the cake, it's actually a pretty funny story. At least, I think so. :) I was 12 or 13 (many moons ago!) and decided to make the cake from scratch on the Hershey can of cocoa powder by myself and without supervision. Not the best idea for obvious reasons! My grandparents lived next door, so I took my "delicious" baked good over for consumption. I was so proud of my accomplishment of baking a cake from scratch ALL by myself!

Grandma had taken a bite before I did, but I didn't think anything about it when she didn't take another. I was too excited to taste my piece of cake (chocolate is my favorite!). It smelled exactly like a chocolate cake should, but it was bitter! When I asked grandma if it tasted funny to her, she smiled and gently said that yes, there was something wrong with the cake. She then told me that if I hadn't mentioned it, she would've eaten the cake without complaint so she wouldn't hurt my feelings. That's just one example of how wonderful she was. The only person who did eat a whole piece of cake was my dad. He was in the living room and didn't hear our conversation, so he actually ate the cake and never mentioned that it didn't taste good. You can probably guess where he got that from. :)

After a good laugh, we went over the recipe and figured out that I used a tablespoon of baking soda instead of whatever measurement of teaspoon it called for. I've only made one chocolate cake from scratch since that first time, and I'm proud to say that it was perfectly chocolate-y and NOT bitter at all!

I hope you get a laugh from my preteen/teen baking mishap. Be sure to double check your measurements when cooking or baking! :)