Nathan opened the door to his row house, blown away by the encounter he had just had. While his intentions had just been to slide a note under Elizabeth Thornton's door, he had not fully expected to see her. Funny how even then she took his breath away.

"Uncle Nathan?"

Nathan was interrupted by his thoughts by the appearance of his niece, Ally.

"Hey," Nathan came over to her and put a protective hand on her shoulder. "Are you alright?"

"I had a nightmare." Ally, usually so strong, broke down into sobs. "What if something had happened to you today? What would have happened to me?"

Immediately Nathan drew her close to him. She had grown so tall, he couldn't hold her on his lap like he used to when she was a young girl.

"Oh Ally," Nathan rubbed her shoulder. "Nothing happened."

"But it could have!"

Nathan acknowledged his niece with a nod. The two of them knew each other's facial expressions and body language so well. It had been his sad eyes upon seeing Elizabeth return from Union City that had made Ally even more aware of her uncle's feelings for her teacher.

"Yes, it could have. But it didn't. I'm here."

Ally wiped her tears away from her face. "I just love you Uncle Nathan. I love our life here in Hope Valley. And I love you being a Mountie who doesn't usually go where the danger is."

Nathan hugged his niece. "I will always put you first. And I will keep this town first. I don't have the desire for big promotions. You know that."

"You have the desire to develop a relationship with Mrs. Thornton."

Nathan coughed, surprised by the sudden turn in the conversation. He felt his mouth turning into a smile. "How do you feel about that?"

Ally laughed. "Uncle Nathan, how do you think I feel? I think Mrs. Thornton is so nice. She's my favorite teacher. But I also see the way you look at her, especially when you don't think anyone else is looking."

Ally caught sight of the note in Nathan's hand. "What's that?"

Nathan looked down. "Oh," he smiled. "It's a note from Mrs. Thornton."

"FROM Mrs. Thornton?" Ally tried to contain her excitement. "What does it say?"

"I think it's time for you to get some sleep," Nathan remarked. While he knew he'd tell his niece eventually, he wanted to read the note for the first time in private. After all, he had no idea what it was about.

Ally could read her uncle's mind. "Fine," she sighed. "Goodnight Uncle Nathan."

Nathan kissed her temple. "I love you, Ally."

Ally hugged her uncle tightly. "I love you too."

Once again, Nathan was alone with his thoughts and with Elizabeth's letter. As he read it, a smile crossed his face and it refused to leave.

Elizabeth had said yes to dinner! She did care about him! It was almost more than he had allowed himself to hope. There was so much to discuss with Elizabeth, but at least he knew she wanted to.

Nathan turned to walk upstairs. He would try to sleep but he doubted it would come. Not when the thought of a brown haired beauty filled his thoughts. Not when the smell of her invaded his senses. Not when the promise of tomorrow hung over his head.

"Honestly, Elizabeth," Nathan whispered into the air. "There is so much I want to say. And so much I want to know…"

Meanwhile, Elizabeth had returned to her own row house. Lee and Rosemary were sitting on the settee, talking and whispering a conversation meant only for each other.

"Elizabeth!" Rosemary shrieked and whispered. "You look in a daze."

Elizabeth nodded. "He was outside."

Despite having been in the dark moments before, Lee clearly had been filled in on the situation. "What did Nathan say."

Elizabeth remained speechless but showed the note. "He gave me this."

"Ooh!" Rosemary's shrieking was escalating in volume. "A note! How romantic!"

"Rosie," Lee led Rosemary towards the door. "I think we should leave Elizabeth alone…."

"Oh Lee!" Rosemary huffed. "Don't you want to know what is in that note?"

"It's for Elizabeth," Lee stated. "She will tell you if she wants. But right now, I am tired and I want to go to bed next to my wife."

Elizabeth nodded. "I'll tell you in the morning. I promise."

"Honestly, Elizabeth, you'd better," Rosemary said, hugging her friend. "You know I just care about you and Little Jack and your future."

"I know."

After a brief goodbye, Elizabeth found herself alone once more. With only Nathan's note. Truth be told, she hadn't expected Nathan to be outside, much less have a note for her.

Slightly trembling, Elizabeth opened the note up. Her eyes filled with tears as she read. Nathan had not always given a glimpse into his heart, but now, he had. She and her son had brought colors into his life?

But it was his request that took her breath away. Take a walk with me…..someone else had made that request to her many times.

Elizabeth looked at Jack's picture. "I feel you right now, Jack. It's a sign isn't it?"

Of course, she'd take a walk with Nathan tomorrow. Her heart soared at the thought.

This day had been a whirlwind. But Elizabeth had never felt more steady than in that moment. That hug had opened up something and tomorrow, Elizabeth and Nathan would explore it.

Together.