A couple of hours later, Elizabeth found herself walking around the fishing pond. She had left Little Jack with Lee and Rosemary. No, she and Nathan hadn't made a plan of when to talk, or where to talk. But Elizabeth had a sense of peace. It would happen as it was meant to. For now, the walk by the fishing pond was what she needed.

The air was brisk. After all, the seasons were changing. Elizabeth was certainly happy that she had worn her purple coat again. She sat down on the bank, busy with her thoughts.

Two years ago, she had been dreading the holidays. She had been pregnant with Little Jack, having already spent eight months without her husband. But she had been reminded of how much Hope Valley loved her—Abigail and Rosemary had helped her give birth. Her students had shown such love to the orphans. And she had felt the courage to continue on without Jack.

Then last year, there had been the Christmas festival. Lucas's going out of his way to make her feel special. Nathan choosing to not take the promotion in Union City and instead, he chose to make Hope Valley more of a permanent home.

How much had happened since then!

Elizabeth's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of snapping twigs. She turned and her heart stopped. Nathan was walking towards her.

"Jack," Elizabeth mentally whispered. "Give me an idea of what to do."

Nathan wasn't dressed in his Mountie red serge. Rather, he was dressed simply, in his plaid shirt and suspenders. But what Elizabeth noticed were his eyes. Unwavering. Full of depth.

She only hoped hers exhibited the same.

"Hi," Elizabeth spoke.

"Hi," Nathan stopped.

Quietness reigned for a moment.

"Take a walk with me?"

Elizabeth smiled. Nathan had spoken first. And he had said Jack's words. It was as if Jack were watching from Heaven.

"Sure."

The two fell into an easy rhythm beside each other.

"Lizabeth?" Nathan said Elizabeth's name as only he did, dropping the "E."

"Yes," Elizabeth responded. Oh great, we're back in the barn again. Watch, a horse is going to interrupt us."

"You once told me that if I had something to say, I should just say it."

Elizabeth chuckled. "I remember. In fact, I also remember you letting me have it with your frustration."

Nathan smiled. "And I did apologize for that."

"You did," Elizabeth continued to chuckle. At least things between the two of them felt easy.

"Well I have something to say right now."

Nathan stopped walking to look out at the fishing pond. Elizabeth in turn stopped.

"Yesterday, when I was staring down the barrel of the gun, I had two people fill my thoughts. Ally. And you. I knew that I needed to stop letting my nerves get the best of me and share with you what I was thinking.

You immediately made me feel welcome in Hope Valley, Lizabeth. Both me AND Ally. In those beginning days, you helped me get her settled into school, helped me talk with her about my dad. You genuinely cared. And you didn't have to—especially since I was Jack's replacement."

"Can I say something," Elizabeth knew she needed to say what was on her mind.

"Uh sure," Nathan stammered.

"When I saw a glimpse of red serge running down the street, I have to admit I wasn't prepared for it. I knew that Jack's replacement was going to happen sometime. But considering that the last time I had seen red serge was at Jack's funeral…" Elizabeth paused for a moment. "However, I also knew that you did not deserve the town's cold shoulder. You needed the love that I had had, that Jack had had. To treat you differently is not how I teach my students. And it was only a matter of time that you made the office your own."

Nathan felt his heart soaring. "Thank you for that."

Elizabeth beckoned for him to continue. "I didn't mean to interrupt."

Nathan continued on, "Since I first met you, you have constantly amazed me—with your heart, your compassion, your talent. You intrigued me and even last year, I was curious if you were intrigued to. But I never worked up the courage to say anything. I wanted to. Ally even knows I wanted to.

"I asked you a while ago about what was in your heart. But I also should be honest and share what's in mine."

Nathan stopped. Elizabeth remained quiet.

"Honestly, Elizabeth, you are in my heart. You matter to me. I told you that only a short time ago, but yesterday, I was reminded of just how much you matter to me. I want to see if this spark I feel around you is something…..something amazing."

"Yesterday, " Elizabeth interrupted, "When I heard that you had been shot, I felt as if I had been shot. I ran out of the Mercantile and heard Carson say "he's gone." In that moment, I thought about not having you in my life anymore. Not talking with you about Ally. Not having someone to challenge my decision making. And then, I turned around and saw you."

"Now it's my turn to ask a question," Nathan said. "When you turned around, was it me you were seeing? Or were you seeing Jack?"

Elizabeth knew she could answer this question without hesitation. "There was a time where I would have given anything to have heard Jack was alright, that he hadn't been hurt. But that's a fantasy. I know that now. And I knew it yesterday when I ran to you. Nathan, I mean this with all my heart—I wasn't seeing Jack. I was seeing you."

"Rosemary said that when the time was right, I would know….well, I'm standing here right now and telling you that I know." Elizabeth paused a moment before continuing. Nathan was giving nothing away. "You matter to me too, Nathan."

There. It was out in the open.

Nathan put his hand in his pocket, the crookedest of grins filling his face. "So I know what I want, Lizabeth."

"And what's that," Elizabeth said, with the hint of a flirtatious tone in her voice.

"I want to take you to dinner at the Café. I want to spend more time with you and Little Jack and. I want to grow our friendship with the possibility of something more."

Elizabeth walked closer to Nathan, putting her hand in his. "I want that too. But, I need to know, how does Ally feel about all of this?"

Nathan laughed. "Ally? That girl has been after me to ask you to dinner for quite a while. I'd say she is more than okay with this plan."

"Then," Elizabeth wrapped her arms around Nathan once more, "My answer is yes."

The two stood there for a while, locked in an embrace, with Nathan's chin resting on her hair. Unlike the hug of yesterday, a hug fraught with fear and overwhelming gratitude and emotion, this hug felt electric. This hug held promise, newness, and discovery.

"Do you and Ally want to come to dinner tonight?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes," Nathan said simply.

"Good."

The two began to walk back home. Towards the possibility of what might be. Both Elizabeth and Nathan were resolved to not get in their own way anymore.