As she closed the door, Elizabeth watched her son easily greet Nathan. Despite everything he was currently going through, Nathan just as easily greeted Jack. As the toddler put his arms around Nathan's neck, Elizabeth noticed that Nathan closed his eyes. As she could not hug Nathan, Elizabeth was glad that her son had.
Elizabeth also could not ignore the fact that in all the time she had been courting Lucas, she had not witnessed that kind of familiarity between him and her son. Lucas had always greeted her son and he had held Jack's hand, but never once had Lucas held him.
It was further proof that her decision earlier that day had been the right one. It also made her realize how wrong she had been when she had ran to Lucas.
"Was there a reason that you stopped by?" Elizabeth asked after a few more moments had passed.
Nathan opened his eyes. Instead of immediately answering her question, he instead squatted down and placed Jack on his feet. "Can you go play with your toys why I talk to your Mama?" Nathan asked the boy.
Jack nodded and then made his way back to his toys. When Jack sat back down on the blanket, Nathan stood back up. As he turned to face her, Elizabeth saw that Nathan's eyes were glistening. More than ever she wanted to wrap her arms around him and offer him whatever comfort that she could.
"Elizabeth, I owe you an apology."
Elizabeth's breath caught. She wasn't sure what she had thought that Nathan might say but that definitely was not it.
"I never should have accused you for failing to keep Ally safe," Nathan continued, his hands back in his coat pockets. "I know you care about all of your students and I have been informed that you did warn them to be careful by the pond. What happened was an accident. An accident that could have happened as easily after school hours, as during it. Just because it did happen during school hours does not mean you were responsible for it and I am sorry that I ever made that accusation."
The words were a balm to Elizabeth's soul. So many people had tried to convince her that she was not to blame. That she had done what she could and it was just a tragic accident. However, all their words had not been able to sooth her troubled soul like that apology did. Knowing for sure that Nathan did not blame her made it a little easier to forgive herself.
Elizabeth did notice that there was one part of what he had said the day before that he did not apologize for. Nathan had said that he had broken his heart as well as Ally. His apology did not cover those words, and Elizabeth knew there was no reason that it should. Those words had been the truth.
"I keep replaying the events through yesterday through my head, trying to figure out if I should have done something different . . . " Elizabeth let her words trail off as she saw Nathan shaking his head.
"Something I have learned over the years is that as Ally gets older, I cannot protect her from everything. Even when they are young, we cannot protect our children from everything. Kids are curious. They like to try new things. It is a part of growing up. Some kids eat things they shouldn't. Some kids get burnt and some kids fall. As parents, or as a teacher, all we can do is our best and be ready to respond if those things do happen. Faith told me you wrapped Ally in your own coat and started carrying her toward town. Those actions contributed to her having a chance of recovery, Elizabeth."
Somehow, despite so many others trying to tell her much the same thing, Nathan's words really spoke to her soul. His words that really allowed her to begin to let go of her guilt.
"I just wish it had never happened," Elizabeth said. "I also plan on making a new rule of no playing near the pond during school hours, especially during the winter."
"Good luck enforcing that rule," Nathan replied, knowing what a draw ponds and lakes were for kids. Just like they had been when he was a boy.
Elizabeth shrugged. She did not want to see another one of her kids fall through the ice. Looking over and not seeing Ally had been just as frightening as her own son simply wandering off.
"Faith says that the short time in the cold water may have slowed the bleeding to buy us the time we needed for Carson to get here."
Elizabeth paused. God's timing. Just like Carson finding his way to Hope Valley and his secret coming out in time to save Cody. Nathan finding them during the windstorm and putting her in the position to hear Emily's call. The tree nearly missing Emily and herself that day. Nathan happening by just when Jack had wandered off. Abigail being at her side when she got the news of Jack's death.
Bad things happened. It was a part of life. However, even through the pain and tears one could find God's grace if you looked. Elizabeth could not recall when Frank had spoken those words but she could remember him saying them.
"Just the same, it is a way to lessen the chance of the students getting hurt during school hours," Elizabeth said.
"You are the teacher," Nathan replied. "You are a good teacher, Elizabeth. You invested more time in Ally than any of her other teachers did. She has blossomed in your school and I thank you for that. Ally has also asked if you would come see her."
Elizabeth gasped, her hands going to her heart. "She wants to see me," she whispered, partly unable to believe she had heard the words.
"She does," Nathan confirmed. "And while Carson is not quite ready to allow her to have a lot of visitors quite yet, he has said that you may come see her. We think it might help her emotionally."
"Emotionally? Why do you say that?" Elizabeth asked, concern growing. What was going through the girl's head?
Nathan shook his head. "Ally needs to be allowed to tell you as much or as little as she wants, Elizabeth. I think that is important to the healing of your relationship with her."
"Of course," Elizabeth responded, understanding where Nathan was coming from. Like the rejected gift of the book, Nathan would offer his advice but he was not going to get involved. She respected that. "I just need a little time to get Jack settled with Rosemary and then I will be in to see Ally," Elizabeth said, knowing her friend would watch Jack.
Nathan nodded and started for the door. Just as he reached it, he paused and turned back to her.
"Elizabeth, do you remember the stranger I directed away from you and Jack under the pretense of giving directions to?"
Elizabeth nodded. The man had made her uneasy before Nathan had come along. Nathan's reaction had baffled and concerned her more. She had been glad that she had not crossed paths with him again.
"Should you see him in town again, steer clear of him and tell Bill that you have seen him."
"Is he dangerous?"
"He could be," Nathan told her. "If he does not think you have any connection to me, you should be okay. It would still be best just not to interact with him. It is probably a good thing that you chose Lucas over me. I wold hate to think that my brother-in-law would have another chip to use against me if he comes to town again."
Elizabeth froze, trying to process all of what Nathan had just said. He had called that man his brother-in-law which meant he was Ally's birth father. He had also said another chip, which must mean that Ally was the first. To think that a father could use his own child to get something from someone was despicable. Even more despicable than simply leaving that child in the first place. There was also the fact that Nathan had instructed her to specifically tell Bill that she had seen him. She had noticed the extra Mounties in town today. Was Ally's father wanted by the Mounties for something? If so, what for?
By the time she had processed all of that, the front door was closing behind Nathan. She would not have a chance to ask those questions, at least not right then. Perhaps not of Nathan either. His abrupt departure said a lot. He had said what he had come to stay and he had left. He clearly still thought she was with Lucas and given that she and Lucas had only broken up a few hours before, that was understandable. The only person Elizabeth knew for sure that knew was Abigail. She had not yet had a chance to tell Rosemary.
Perhaps it was for the best that Nathan had left, though she had wished she could have found a way to work her own apology into the conversation. She had meant what she had said to Lucas. She knew that right now, Nathan needed to focus on Ally, not any of the drama that she herself had caused. For now, Elizabeth would leave things as they were between her and Nathan. It was enough for now that Ally had asked for her. She had been invited into their lives again as Ally's teacher. She would be able to offer help and comfort during Ally's recovery now. That was enough for now.
Turning to her son, Elizabeth spoke. "Jack, do you want to go see Aunt Rosie?" she asked her son.
Jack nodded his head, holding his arms up to her.
Bill sat in his office, rereading the report that Constable Mackenzie had shared with him. The horse that Parks had taken from one of the Mounties in Union City had been found at a farm south of Union City. Another horse had been reported from a neighboring farm. It appeared as though Parks was heading away from Hope Valley. The Mounties were planning on concentrating most of their search efforts to the South, although patrols would remain in the area around Hope Valley. Edwards and Mackenzie would also remain in Hope Valley for now.
Though he understood the Mountie brass' choices, Bill also had a feeling that Parks was playing games with them. The man might be a lot of things, but stupid was not one of them. Careless, yes, but not stupid. If he switched horses, he would also have switched directions.
However, it also meant that he would delay his arrival in Hope Valley until the search for him died down. Or perhaps he would be smart enough to just disappear and leave Nathan and Ally alone. Perhaps the man would prize his freedom more than his need for revenge.
Bill doubted they would be that lucky. Parks would need money to really be able to disappear. He had been looking for money before getting arrested and he knew that blackmailing Nathan was the way to go. The fact that he knew Nathan had managed to get the money he had wanted last time, meant that Dylan would still see Nathan as a target.
Parks would find his way to Hope Valley. The only question was when that would be.
The door opening caught Bill's attention. Looking up, Bill saw Robert come into the office. Cody was right behind him.
"Judge Avery, this was dropped off at the mercantile. Mr. Yost asked me to take it to the Mounted Police office but no one was there and it is marked urgent. I did not want to bother Constable Grant or Constable Kinslow at the infirmary but if you think I should I can take it there, " Robert said when he saw he had Bill's attention.
Bill reached out for the envelope. Opening it, he found wanted posters with the likeness of Dylan Parks on it.
There were six posters in total. One would get posted at the Mounted Police Office. Bill also planned on taking one out to the train station. That left four other posters. Bill quickly thought of other places that people in town would see the posters.
"Can you two boys help me get these posted?" Bill asked looking to Robert and Cody.
"Yes, Judge Avery," both boys replied.
Bill kept two of the posters and handed the other four to Robert. "Take these four posters and post one each at the livery, the café, the mercantile and the Queen of Hearts. If anyone gives you any trouble about posting them tell them to come talk to me," he instructed. The only one he could think of saying anything about posting the poster would be Lucas, though Bill did not want to directly name the man. Bouchard had a way of surprising him at times.
"Yes, sir," Robert and Cody said, taking the posters and leaving.
Bill got to his feet and went for his coat. He would post the one poster in the Mounted Police office and then ride out to the train station. Dylan Parks may find his way to Hope Valley but Bill wanted to make sure that as many people as possible were looking out for him.
Elizabeth approached the infirmary. She had the copy of A Christmas Carol that she had tried to give to Ally in her arms. If Ally wanted to see her, Elizabeth hoped the girl would be open to accepting the gift now.
Afraid that if she paused, she might retreat to the safety of her home, Elizabeth strode forward and opened the door to the infirmary. A partition had been put up to block the beds from the door. Faith was sitting at the desk and looked up.
"Hello, Elizabeth," Faith greeted. "Nathan said you would be stopping by."
"How is Ally?"
"She is doing as well as can be expected," Faith said, as she motioned Elizabeth further into the office. "Please wash your hands before you see her."
Elizabeth nodded. She removed her coat and washed her hands as requested. Faith had returned to the desk, and picking up the book, Elizabeth made her way around the partition. There was a Mountie sitting by Ally's bedside but it was not Nathan.
"You must be, Mrs. Thornton," the Mountie said, getting to his feet. "I am Constable Kinslow, Ma'am. I am a friend of Nathan's."
"Where is Nathan?"
"He went upstairs to lie down . He has not had a lot of rest as of late."
Elizabeth nodded as Constable Kinslow turned to the girl in the bed. He gently touched the girl's shoulder. Ally opened her eyes at the gesture.
"Your teacher is here to see you, Ally," Constable Kinslow told the girl. "I am going to step outside unless you want me to stay."
"You don't need to stay," Ally told him.
"All right," Constable Kinslow said. Turning from the bed, he gave Elizabeth a nod as he walked away.
Elizabeth approached the bed, hugging the book to her. As she sat down in the chair Constable Kinslow had vacated, she heard the door of the infirmary open and close.
"Hey, Ally. How are you feeling?" Elizabeth asked.
"Tired," Ally replied. "And my legs still feel numb."
Elizabeth nodded. "You will begin to feel better as the days go by," she said, trying to sound upbeat and confident for the girl.
"Dr. Shepherd says I may not regain feeling in my legs," Ally replied. "Though, I guess if Angela can learn to get by without her sight then I can adapt to not being able to walk."
Elizabeth could tell the girl was trying to sound brave despite the fear that was clear in her expression.
"I am sure you could too," Elizabeth told her. "For now though, I am going to pray that you make a full recovery and I think you should too."
"Getting hurt is my fault," Ally said.
"It was just an accident, Ally."
"Not entirely," Ally told her. "I was not going to take Anna's dare. I knew the log was icy and I should not have tried it. Then when you called out your warning, I got angry. Like I have felt since summer when I think of you, and so I decided to walk the log just to spite you. I paid for that anger and I am sorry." There were tears falling from Ally's eyes by now. She reached up to wipe them away. "Dad told me that I should forgive you. That we can't make somebody feel something that they don't and despite my hurt I should respect your choice. I am sorry I didn't. I am sorry I left the book."
Elizabeth reached out to help brush the tears away. Part of her wanted to reach out and gather the girl into her arms but she was not sure that was safe giving the girl's injury.
"I forgive you, Ally," Elizabeth said without hesitation. "I am sorry that I hurt you. I was so wrapped up in my own confusion about my feelings that I did not stop to think about how it would all affect you. I should have. That was my responsibility in all of this and I failed you. I am sorry."
"I forgive you," Ally told her.
"Thank you," Elizabeth replied. "I brought the book with me. Can you accept it now, Ally?"
"Yes," Ally replied. "Thank you. I don't think I am going to be back in class before Christmas. Do you think you could read me a chapter from where we left off?"
Elizabeth looked over to Faith for guidance. She did not want to do anything that would disrupt the girl's recovery.
Faith smiled and gave Elizabeth a nod in reply.
"I would be happy to, Ally," Elizabeth told her, setting the book in her lap and opening it to where they had left off as a class.