Judge Andrew Greene sipped the glass of water in front of him. He surveyed the courtroom looking at him. It was evident that the townspeople of Hope Valley did not want this case. They were clearly in favor of the defendant—Constable Nathan Grant.

Wesley Campbell, the plaintiff's lawyer, had painted a dramatic picture of Jesse Walker. A man who had not known he had a daughter. As soon as he had heard of Ally, he had done everything in his power to track her down. He had also provided proof of his paternity with a birth certificate.

Judge Greene paused. Ordinarily, this case would be open and shut. There was not a document severing parental rights and even though Nathan Grant had been the girl's guardian for eight years, the biological parent had the upper hand. However, there was something about Jesse Walker that seemed off. The thought of removing a child from a familiar home was not a thought that sat well with him. Judge Greene prayed silently that somehow, someway, he wouldn't have to.

"Mr. Avery," Judge Greene spoke up. "It is the defense's turn. Present your case."

Bill looked around. The stage was late. The person arriving on the stage was not only his witness, they were providing essential documentation. Documentation that was vital to the case.

"Your honor," Wesley Campbell butted in. "It would appear as if the defense is stalling."

Bill saw the look that Nathan gave him, a look of desperation and confusion.

"Your honor," Bill spoke, "I am waiting on some documents that are arriving on the incoming stage. However, I have a character witness who would like to speak in the meantime."

Once again, Nathan looked confused. Bill also heard the murmurs of the crowd. Was no one trusting him?

Judge Greene motioned for Bill to proceed.

"Your honor," Bill cleared his throat. "I would like to call Lucas Bouchard to the stand."

It was all Nathan could do to not hang his head in his hands. He had trusted Bill to not tank this case. But apparently evidence hadn't arrived? Lucas Bouchard wanted to speak?

Nathan watched as Lucas took the stand. He watched as he promised to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. He watched as Lucas sat down and made eye contact with the judge, with Bill, and then finally with him.

"Mr. Bouchard," Bill stood up and addressed Lucas. "You approached me about wanting to speak to the character of the defendant. The floor is yours."

Lucas cleared his throat. "When I first met Nathan Grant, I didn't like him."

Great. Nathan inwardly groaned. This is going really well, isn't it?

"I had taught his niece, Ally, a card trick. It was with good intentions—a way to help make friends at a new school. But, Constable Grant, well, he was less than enthusiastic about it. I thought he was over-reacting. Constable Grant and I have had a few additional run-ins over the years. We even were attracted to the same woman."

Oh fantastic, he's brought Elizabeth into this.

Lucas paused and then looked right at Nathan. "While he might not be my favorite person in the world, there is one thing about Nathan that I have always admired—the way he treats his niece. Even in regards to the card trick. Constable Grant became a parent when it wasn't his responsibility. He was a single man with career aspirations. Instead, he took his niece, Ally, into his life and his home. This would mean altering his job, altering his life. He became a parent when he didn't have to be. He sacrificed for Ally, even saying no to his dream job, so she could finally be settled in one place."

Lucas continued. "There was a time in my life where I had to think about having a ready-made family. And the thought of it scared me. But Constable Grant has never seemed scared once. Or even if he is, it does not stop him. Judge Greene, blood dictates paternity, yes, but is that what makes a father? If you were to ask anyone in this town, they would say no. Especially where Constable Grant is concerned."

Lucas stepped down from his chair. The courtroom was quiet. The last person they had expected to defend Nathan was Lucas. But he had done more than defend Nathan; he had advocated for him.

It was in this moment that Florence burst in. "Bill," she huffed and puffed. "The stage has arrived"

Bill turned to Judge Greene. "Your honor, I ask for just a brief ten minute recess."

Judge Greene pounded his gavel. "Court will resume in ten minutes."

Bill rushed out, leaving Nathan in his wake. Nathan found himself walking over to Lucas.

"You were the last person I expected to say something positive about me." Nathan extended his hand to Lucas. "Thank you Lucas." Nathan realized that the two men had not spoken since the day Elizabeth had embraced him publicly. He was sure the last few weeks had not been easy on Lucas.

Lucas shook Nathan's hand in return. "I care about this town, remember? And in this instance, I do mean Hope Valley. Hope Valley includes Ally."

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Elizabeth watching the two of them. She might be talking with Rosemary and Lee, but Nathan knew Elizabeth was acutely aware of her surroundings. Nathan knew that Elizabeth's wish would be for the two men to get along and also for Nathan to not question her loyalty to him.

"Lucas," Nathan paused. "About Elizabeth…"

"She chose you," Lucas shrugged. "I'm working on getting past it. But Elizabeth has nothing to do with you and Ally staying together. Know that."

Nathan once more shook Lucas's hand. "Thank you. And maybe, one day, you and I can start over."

"Perhaps," Lucas managed a small smile.

The gavel pounding interrupted their conversation. "Order in the court, ladies and gentlemen." Judge Greene cleared his throat. "Mr. Avery, are you ready to call your witness?"

"Yes your honor," Bill said from the doorway. "I call Emilee Davenport to the stand."