Carson pulled into Hopes Landing after dark. Faith had ridden up front with Carson. Their conversation just flowed. Sitting in the back seat were a sleeping Jack and Elizabeth.

"We're here," Carson said looking back. "Well, I'll be. Faith, take a look."

Faith arched her neck. "No way!" she grabbed her camera to take a picture of Elizabeth resting her head on Jack's shoulder, his head resting on top of hers. "How do you think that happened? I don't think they fell asleep that way."

"I don't know, but here. I need a picture of this too." He handed her his camera. "I guess they tired themselves out with all that dancing."

"That was fun tonight." She smiled.

"Yeah, it was. Thanks for the dances."

"Yeah. My pleasure."

For a moment they forgot all about their friends asleep in the back. Carson was distracted by the beautiful blonde sitting next to him. He hadn't noticed another woman since Emma. For the record, Faith couldn't have been more different from Emma. She was self sacrificing, full of simple, pure joy and excitement. Everything with Emma had to be planned and perfect. He didn't get that vibe from Faith. Not even a bit. But then just like Jack had earlier with Elizabeth, Carson realized he had no idea if Faith was even available. He still didn't feel he was ready, but he wanted to know just the same.

"Faith, can I ask you something?"

"Sure!"

"You, um." He fiddled with the keys the dangled from the ignition. "Do you have a lot of family back home in Connecticut?" That was almost what he wanted to know. Inside he was kicking himself for chickening out.

"I do. My parents and younger brother live there."

"Nice, I bet it's hard being away from them." He tried to swing the conversation back around.

"It is, but this is what I wanted. I mean, how many chances in my life will I get to come out to a place like this and serve others? Five years from now I might be married, looking to have a family. Now's the time for an adventure."

"Sounds like you've got some fun thoughts for your future. I take it you have someone special in your life huh?"

"What? Gosh no! My mom says I'm too picky. Too much of a dreamer."

Carson laughed, "Since when is dreaming a bad thing?"

"I don't know!" She laughed throwing her head back against the head rest. "Maybe I'm an idealist or something. But when it's right... its right." Her speech slowed as she looked back over at Carson. The car was barely lit with only the dim overhead light on. Even so, he looked strong and handsome. Not at all like the guys she'd met back home or in college. She was trying to gain the courage to say something when they heard movement in the back seat.

"Morning, sunshine," Carson teased his friend. "We're home, by the way."

Jack looked over, feeling Elizabeth on his shoulder. "Thanks."

He seemed to be in no hurry to remove Elizabeth from her place next to him. Carson looked at Faith signaling that they should give their friends a moment. They exited the car and headed around back to begin unloading.

Inside the car Jack gazed down at Elizabeth. He smiled softly. He couldn't help but think just how much she looked like an angel resting there. Nothing in him wanted to wake her. When he did, she'd leave his side. Their day had been wonderful. So much uninterrupted time with together.

As he danced with her in the city, something changed. The feelings of friendship he had for her grew by leaps and bounds and then morphed into something greater, more powerful than he'd ever felt in his life. But what could he do about it? They were set to work together here in the village. For a year. After that he'd be back home and where would she be? Besides, the last thing he wanted was to risk their friendship.

"Hey, Jack, mind helping me with the big supply boxes for the clinic?" Carson's request pulled him out of his imagination.

"Sure." He adjusted in his seat and softly ran his fingers down Elizabeth's warm cheek. "Hey, Elizabeth, we're back. Gotta wake up now."

She stirred with her eyes closed for a moment before waking fully. "Hi."

"Hi." The way Jack smiled, it was as if his eyes sparkled.

"I fell asleep?"

"We both did."

They both moved out of the car. Clearing his throat, Jack went over to help Carson.

"You ladies want us to walk you back to the dorms first?" Carson asked, looking at both women.

"We can manage, I bet." Faith smiled, confused yet again by her own feelings. "Sure you don't need any help?"

"We got it. You two have a good night!"

"You too."

Elizabeth stared at Jack. Something changed for her during their day away. As she looked at him, she didn't just see a friend, but one of her best friends. There was a foreign desire to take his hand and never be far from him again.

"You ready?" Faith asked as she started walking towards the dorms.

"Yeah." She looked over at Jack. "Goodnight."

"Sleep well."

The girls walked back silently to their dorm. Elizabeth unlocked the door and went straight to her little dresser, changing into her night clothes. Faith did the same. Without another word Elizabeth turned on her bedside fan and slipped into her bed.

"You okay?" Faith asked.

"I think so. Quite a day. You alright?" She turned to Faith.

"Yeah. Talk in the morning?"

"Definitely."

Faith climbed into bed and turned off her light. Both tossed and turned for 15 minutes before Elizabeth turned on the light again, startling Faith. Both sat up in bed staring at each other. "Lizzy, what's up?"

Elizabeth blinked rapidly. "I think things are changing."

"Change isn't all bad."

"True." She turned off the lights again. "Goodnight."

"Okay… Goodnight…"

After Carson and Jack carried the last of the heavy boxes into the clinic they locked up and headed to the dorms.

"Where you at?" Carson asked, sensing how distracted Jack was.

"Um, right here with you," Jack laughed. "Or did you think you just carried all that by yourself?"

"That's not what I meant and you know it."

Jack came to a stop and turned to his friend. "Okay, fine. What do you think Frank would say if two people who worked for him started something?"

"Something? Like a relationship?"

"Something like that, yeah."

"I think, and this is just me guessing, but if the two people are you and Elizabeth, he'd be happy."

"I was just curious. There's no real reason in particular."

"Right." Carson pulled out his camera from his back pocket. "Look at this and tell me you weren't thinking of that beautiful woman when you asked that question."

"I…" Jack sighed. A deep dimpled smile appeared over his face. "Can you blame me?"

"Not at all," he laughed. "Come on. Let's get to bed."

"Good idea."

…..

The next morning Elizabeth stretched out her arms and rolled back over without opening her eyes. She smiled at the wonderful dreams she'd had the night before. Dreams of long walks on the beach and dances with Jack. In the privacy of her own bed she didn't try to fight her thoughts or feelings.

She thought about how good it felt to be in Jack's arms as they danced the night before. She thought about how during each song they danced, she'd hold on tight. Hoping for one more song. It seemed as though she was never ready to part from him. To her delight, when they walked back to the Jeep afterwards, Jack stayed close. So close their arms and shoulders brushed from time to time. The rush of adrenaline that surged through her body each time was exhilarating. Not nearly as frightening as she expected.

Hearing the birds singing away outside her window she realized it was time to get up and start her day. She didn't want that. Her own little world seemed much less scary than the real one. In the real world she had no idea how to behave around someone like Jack Thornton. Even worse in her mind, she had no idea what was happening between them. She certainly wasn't in the mood for a fleeting romance. That wasn't her. She swore to herself when she called things off with Trent that her next relationship would be the one. No more just dating, no wasting time. She'd wait for Mr. Right. The one that she would know without a doubt had been made for her.

Before hoping her eyes, she prayed.

Okay, God, my heart and my mind are in a battle. Give me some sign as to who Jack is supposed to be to me. These feelings… I could lose myself to him. It's scary. If he isn't who you have for me, please take away these feelings. Take these feelings of want and replace them with simple friendship. Please Lord. I'm here to follow Your Will. I just need help knowing what that is. Amen."

With that she rolled over and opened her eyes.

"Goodness! Can I help you with something?" she laughed, surprised to find Faith lurking next to her bed.

"I woke up early and couldn't get back to sleep."

"Sorry about that, but why are you hovering?"

Faith sighed. "Romantic stuff is stupid."

"Agreed." Elizabeth climbed out of bed and went to grab her shower stuff. "Did something happen between you and Carson last night?"

"You mean while you and Jack slept?" She giggled. "I'm not sure. We talked. Maybe even had a moment."

"Faith! Why aren't you happier? I thought you really liked him."

With a sad look she shrugged. "Change is hard. I think I want this but last night when I thought there was a chance… I got scared."

Elizabeth took her friend's hand and guided her over to her bed. "Maybe you need to take whatever is coming slowly. You don't need to be ready for it all at once. Take your time."

She nodded. "What about you?" Faith grabbed her camera and showed Elizabeth the picture she had taken of her and Jack.

"Me… I have no idea what is going on with me." Her eyes didn't leave the picture.

"You like him?"

"I think so."

"You think so?" she giggled.

"I know so. In fact, I just asked God to take away these feelings if he didn't want me to have them. What I feel right now… it's unlike anything I've ever felt before."

"Praying like that, does it work?"

"We'll see." She grabbed her shower caddy. "But for now, I need to shower."

"Gotta make yourself pretty for someone?" Faith giggled.

"Of course not!" Elizabeth laughed bashfully. Though I guess it couldn't hurt…

…..

"Rise and shine!" Carson walked back into his and Jack's room after breakfast. Jack was still laying in bed in the same position he was when Carson had left.

"Leave me alone." Jack rolled over covering his face with his pillow. "It isn't morning yet."

"It is. Morning just comes faster when you stay up late thinking about a beautiful girl."

"That is very true." He sat up and rubbed his face. Willing himself to be awake and functioning. "Did I miss breakfast?"

"Yes, but I snagged you some fruit and a bagel." He handed the food to Jack.

"Thanks, man."

"Sure. I'm going to head out for a bit. I signed up to do a Saturday rotation at the clinic."

"Really? But you hate those. You're always talking about how busy and chaotic it is."

"That's true, but the more I thought about it, those are the days we need trained doctors on hand."

"Right. I think I also heard Faith mention yesterday that she signed up for some of those shifts. Does that have anything to do with it?"

Carson couldn't help smiled. "Maybe… By the way, I got some more mail for you." He walked over and dropped a letter in front of him. "I guess I missed it last night."

"Oh, thanks. It's from my mom." Jack quickly opened it up and unfolded the letter inside as Carson dressed in his scrubs, then left for the day.

Jack smiled at his mother's carefully neat teacher handwriting. Something she had worked hard on for years.

"Jack,

I hope you're doing alright and loving the work down there. Your father used to come back with so many stories to tell from his time there.

I've been thinking about you a lot lately. You are so much like him. Good, caring, and strong. I love that the legacy of your father lives on in you three.

Life here is good but busy. I've been helping Rosie as best as I can with wedding details. Goodness that girl has expensive taste. Must get it from her grandmother. I never cared for such things. Probably why I eloped!

I miss you, son. It's hard sometimes having you so far away. Especially with your father's birthday coming up. Rosie says she's getting me out of the house that day. To do what, I have no idea. She's a sweetie. You guys always take such good care of me. But I hope you know I can take care of myself. Oh well. Whatever keeps you close.

I should let you go. Good luck with the work down there. I'm so proud of you!"

Folding the letting back up Jack looked at the date on his watch.

"Shoot…" he scolded. "Today was his father's birthday. He'd known it was this week but had been so busy he'd lost track of what day of the week was which. He closed his eyes tightly, letting the tears roll down his cheek.

"I'm sorry, dad." He looked around the room. "I have to get out of here."

In a hurry, Jack grabbed his backpack off the hook on the wall and beginning filling it before heading out.

….

Later that afternoon, Elizabeth sat under the cool shade of the "school house" pavilion working with the older children on their reading and writing. Some of the young children were nearby coloring pictures on cards that Elizabeth had made as a memory game to help them learn their words.

She'd only planned on doing these reading days twice a week but when the children and their parents were so excited, she found herself there more days than not. The joy it brought her was immeasurable, letting her know that she'd never regret taking a year or more off her "planned" life to be here. The people there were so special. She could think of nothing better.

"Attention boys and girls, it's just about 2:00. I think it's time to end our day!" There was a chorus of groans. "I know, but I'll be here Monday and we can continue! How's that sound?" The students cheered and began packing up their things to go.

"Looking good, Liz!" Faith smiled walking over. "You seem like you're in your element."

"I am, actually. I love it here. What do you think the chances are of me getting my dad out here? I think it would help him understand if he could just see it all."

"Hmm, knowing William Thatcher most of my life I'm thinking chances are pretty slim." They both laughed. It was true. William was a good man, but had lived so much of his life in the upper class lifestyle that the thought of primitive plumbing and no AC might give him a heart attack.

"It was a nice thought anyway." Elizabeth shrugged.

"That it was. Maybe we can just take lots of pictures and videos. Show him that at Christmas when we're back."

"Good idea! Maybe I'll ask Jack to help. That fancy camera of his can do a lot." Faith nodded in agreement. "So you on a break?"

"I am. Carson and I were supposed to plan a wellness visit schedule, you know where we visit different homes and check in, but he ran out of the clinic about 2 hours ago."

"Ran out? Is everything okay?"

"He said so, yeah, but I'm not sure I believe it. It was so weird. We sat down before lunch to look at the calendar but when he said what day it was, he muttered something about being an idiot and ran out."

"Odd." Elizabeth looked around the center of the village, as if trying to find a sign as to what was going on. "Oh hey, Carson's running through. Maybe now he'll tell us something."

"Hopefully! He's worrying me!" Faith waved to get his attention. "Carson! Over here!"

Huffing and puffing, Carson reached the pavilion. Faith handed her water bottle over to him to drink.

"Thanks." He took a large sip. "Have either of you seen Jack today?"

Elizabeth shook her head. "No. I assumed he overslept and headed straight to work."

"Not today. I just talked to Leo. He said Jack put him in charge so he could take the day off."

"That's odd. Doesn't sound like Jack." Elizabeth started to pack her bag. Something didn't seem right.

"Usually no, but today…" Carson sighed. "Today it does."

Elizabeth stood straight up, looking Carson right in the eyes. "Why today? What's going on, Carson?"

He sighed, letting a bit of emotion seep through. "Today's Mr. Thornton's birthday. At least it would be if he hadn't… Look, I know you two have become close so I'm sure you've realized how close they were." Elizabeth nodded, suddenly wishing she was by Jack's side. "Things have been so crazy here I didn't realize it was today. Jack didn't say anything and I had it in my mind as tomorrow. As soon as I realized it I took the afternoon off from the clinic to hang out with him but I have no idea where he is."

Carson was clearly upset. When Mr. Thornton was first diagnosed with cancer, Carson was only 5 miles down the road. When Jack called to tell him what was going on, he didn't hesitate to jump in his car and be there. He was in Texas at Baylor when Jack had called to say his beloved father's time on earth was coming to a close. As soon as Carson hung up the phone he'd bought the next plane ticket he could and was by his friend's side that evening. Today he felt like he'd let Jack down.

"Carson, I might know where he is." Elizabeth carefully offered, trying to figure out how much to tell Carson. She assumed Jack went to the spot that reminded him of his father. Thing was, Jack liked to keep that place private. Her being an exception.

"He's at that special place isn't he?" She nodded. "Any idea where it is?"

"Yes, but he needs to be the one to share it with you. Not me."

"But he's shared it with you?" Carson asked, not surprised at all.

Elizabeth smiled just a little, "He didn't have a choice. It just so happened to be my special spot too from my last trip. We sort of decided to share it."

Carson gave her a soft smile. "You're good for him, you know? I get that you're just friends or at least that's what you think, but either way, you're good for him. Just do me a favor?"

"Anything."

"Take care of him today. I can see it in your eyes. You're ready to run to him."

She nodded. "I will. Thanks Carson." She turned to the teen girls helping her that day. "Kelsey, would you and Sarah mind making sure the children from the orphanage make it back alright?"

"Sure Ms. Thatcher."

"I'll help them," Faith offered.

"Thanks, Faith." Elizabeth hurried to her room to pack her day pack and headed for the beach.

Faith knelt down to pick up some of Elizabeth's teaching materials off the ground where she had been sitting. Carson joined her, extending his hand to help her up when they were done.

"You alright?" Faith asked, seeing the sad look on his face. "I know Jack's your best friend. Can't be easy letting Elizabeth take care of him right now."

"Actually, it's alright. I meant it when I said she was good for him. I've never seen him as happy as he is when she's around."

"Are you beating yourself up about not knowing this morning?" He looked at her shocked. "We've worked together a few weeks now. I think I can read you pretty well."

"You can." He gave a weak smile. "And yes, I am. I should have known. He must be so mad at me."

"I doubt that. Just think, what would you do if the situations were reversed?"

"I don't know. Tell him it was okay. I mean really, Jack's always been there for me so there's no reason to get too mad just because…" Suddenly Carson laughed. "Good one, Faith. That helped I guess."

"You're welcome," she laughed. "Let me help get these kids back. Maybe I'll see you later?"

"Okay. Meet at the mess hall for dinner later?"

"Sounds great."

…...

With a bag full of anything she thought she might need, Elizabeth rushed down the steep grassy path towards the spot she shared with Jack. She couldn't imagine what he was feeling right now. She felt blessed to still have both of her parents. The greatest loss she could remember was a few years ago when her grandfather had suddenly passed. That was hard enough. But to lose a parent, she wasn't sure she knew where to begin to help.

When she reached the beach, she called out to Jack but heard nothing in return. Just the sound of the wind and waves as they rolled in.

She walked a little further to the spot where they'd met weeks before. At first Elizabeth was nervous. As she approached the spot, Jack didn't seem to be there. The rocks they would normally sit near with bare. Getting closer, she notice his bag laying in the sand. Dropping hers off next to it, she ventured closer to the water. It was then she saw him. Standing still as a statue with his hands in his pockets, eyes closed, face to the wind.

She didn't want to interrupt him. Unsure if he was praying or simply remembering, so she waited until she saw the sunlight glisten off a tear rolling down his cheek. Her heart broke and she couldn't wait any longer.

"Hey." Her voice just barely audible above the waves as she approached.

"Oh, hi. I umm…" His bare feet shifted in the sand.

"Carson told me what today is."

"He did?"

She nodded. "May I stay?"