"All right class," Elizabeth turned back from the chalkboard and faced her students. "We only have three more weeks until Christmas break."

"Mrs. Thornton," Emily said. "It's hard to go back to school in between Thanksgiving and Christmas."

"I agree with you, Emily," Elizabeth admitted. "Holidays are so much fun. And then there are the things about Christmas we look forward to—the decorating, the food, the presents, writing our wishes for the wishing tree, the songs, finding ways to show love to others."

"Spending time with family and friends," Opal raised her hand. "That's one of my favorite things. My mom says my cousins are coming to visit this Christmas."

"Opal!" Elizabeth gasped. "That sounds wonderful! I loved spending time with my cousins when I was your age."

"Do we have a fun Christmas assignment to work on, Mrs. Thornton," Anna asked.

"Yes, Anna, we do." Elizabeth reached for a book on her desk. "We are going to be reading Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol. And as we do so, you all are to write your own stories, your own memories. A Christmas memory of your past, a Christmas memory that you would really like to make this year, and a Christmas wish for the future. We are also going to make Christmas cards for our friends at the Brookfield Orphanage."

"That sounds doable, Mrs. Thornton," Robert nodded. "Nothing too crazy or difficult."

Elizabeth laughed. "Oh there might be a test every once and a while too. Don't think you are going to get off too easily. In the meantime, I will see you tomorrow! Class dismissed!"

All of the children rushed out the door to enjoy the outdoors. Ally waved goodbye to Elizabeth and hello to her uncle as he was coming inside. He took off his Mountie hat and raked his fingers through his hair. "Care to have company on your walk home?"

"Oh with you," Elizabeth flirted.

"Unless you have a better offer," Nathan flirted back.

"I haven't so I guess you'll do," Elizabeth stood up from her desk.

Nathan snuck up behind her, wrapping his arms around her. "What can I do to make you be sure?" Nathan whispered sensually in her ear.

Elizabeth laughed. "That!"

Nathan reached for her books. "Let me carry those for you."

"Oh that was a given," Elizabeth continued to flirt. She felt like a school girl around Nathan these days. She was a widow and had a young son, but Nathan was reminding her that she was also a woman. Lucas had done that, yes. But it was the simple things, the everyday moments, that meant so much to Elizabeth. Jack had been like that. And now Nathan was doing it.

As the walked out the schoolhouse, a stranger came up the steps. "Excuse me?"

Nathan slipped into Mountie mode. "How I can help you?"

The well dressed stranger reached into his coat pocket and pulled out an envelope. "Are you Constable Nathan Grant?"

Nathan nodded. "I am."

The stranger handed the envelope to Nathan. "My name is Wesley Campbell. I am a lawyer from New York City. I represent Jesse Walker."

Nathan's face went pale. Elizabeth had never seen Nathan this pale, including the day she had hugged him in the street.

Nathan opened the envelope and scanned the documents. "Are you serious? Are these real?"

Mr. Campbell nodded, "I assure you, Constable, that these are real. My client is coming within the next few days to discuss the matter."

"We will see about that," Nathan said through clenched teeth.

"If you want to discuss the matter with me further, I am staying at the saloon." Mr. Campbell tipped his hat to Elizabeth. "Ma'am."

Mr. Campbell walked back the way he came. Elizabeth continued to watch Nathan pour over the document in his hand. He sat down into on of the chairs.

"Nathan," Elizabeth immediately sat next to him. "What's wrong? Who is Jesse Walker?"

Nathan looked in a daze. "He's Ally's biological father. This document states his situation in life has changed." Nathan struggled to finish. "He's seeking custody of Ally."