Author's Note: I want to thank everyone for your lovely ideas for the story. I cannot wait to see your reactions and to learn your thoughts about the future of The Rhodora. I really hope you will like the drama that will eventually appear on our doorstep. However, until then, please, enjoy the new chapter.

Chapter IV

"Nathan, you need to start listening to me!" Bill nearly shouted, sounding frustrated. "You are not to blame for what happened!"

Regardless of how loud Bill was being, Nathan kept a straight face as he sat down on his chair. Bill was pacing from side to side, looking quite hassled, as opposed to Lee, who was simply leaning against the wall, arms crossed against his chest.

"You seem to forget I was there. I witnessed the whole thing." Bill continued, finally stopping in front of the desk, resting his hands on top of the hard surface. Still, not even his towering posture affected Nathan. "You cannot blame yourself for Mountie Fortin's decision to be reckless, and reach for the rifle when you had the situation under control. And you cannot blame yourself for what Jenny did either, when she tried to stop us from taking her brother to trail."

"If I hadn't tried to reach out for the gun…"

Bill actually let out a groan of frustration before walking away from the desk. Lee watched him go to the other side of the room before straightening up.

"Nathan, I need you to stop thinking about the 'what ifs', and start listening to us." he began, and Nathan looked in his direction. "It's true I wasn't there, but it's also true that I know you. Bill told me everything, including how hard you tried to solve the situation as peacefully as possible. However, there's no way you could control everyone and everything. The girl's actions as well as Mountie Fortin's are two examples of that."

"I know that." Nathan told them, causing Bill to finally stop pacing. "I understand what you are saying. However, that does not change the outcome of the situation. Mountie Fortin died because of my actions, and nothing is ever going to change that. His family will receive the visit of another Mountie that will inform them of his death, and that will always be on me."

Bill and Lee exchanged a look, and Nathan took a deep breath.

"And before you say anything else, I understand what you two are saying, and I thank you for your patience." the Mountie continued, without dropping his gaze. "This is not a matter of 'what ifs', it's a matter of understanding that this job comes with sacrifices, and we should never take our life for granted. Mountie Fortin's death reminded me of that."

Once again, Bill and Lee looked at one another, understanding the double meaning behind Nathan's words. Bill was the one to express himself.

"You seem to forget I was a sheriff and an inspector myself; I know how these things work. You had to go, Nathan; you were the arresting officer, and you had to testify. What happened during our journey, was not in our control." he began, "You are right, though; being a Mountie requires sacrifices, but you've always thought carefully about everything you did. I assume you've always been so cautious about it because of Allie and eventually because of all the friends you've made here, in Hope Valley. With that said, the bottom line is: you can never control what can't be controlled."

"Mountie Fortin's death is not on your shoulders, Nathan." Lee picked up when Bill went quiet, "The fact you think what happened is on your shoulders only evidences your empathy. And, yes, I know I have never been a Mountie or an inspector or a Judge, but I know a thing or two about situations we cannot control."

There was a pause. Nathan took a deep breath in, and both Bill and Lee waited. Then, the Mountie stood up from the chair, and reached out for his hat. Straightening up, he placed the hat on top of his head, and nodded in direction of both gentlemen.

"I'm going to do my rounds." without elaborating anything else, he left the office without looking over his shoulder. He instinctively approached Newton, and ran a hand down the horse's neck before grabbing the reigns. A horse ride was definitely the best thing for him at the moment.

Soon, Nathan was riding across town, and found himself on the little spot by the pond where he had once stumbled across Elizabeth and baby Jack. Everything around him was quiet, and the silence was a most welcomed melody for his ears. Without thinking, Nathan got down from Newton, and motioned for the horse to follow him by gently pulling the reigns. When he found himself standing on the same spot where he had seen Elizabeth, Nathan stopped his tracks, and closed his eyes.

So, what's in your heart?

Nathan nearly smiled as his own voice appeared from the back of his mind. However, his smile quickly disappeared as he opened his eyes. Resting his arms against the fence, Nathan simply admired the scenery around him. It was ironic, really, how the question he had once asked Elizabeth was now the same question he was asking himself.

How had things changed so much in such a short period of time?

Unconsciously, Nathan grabbed his hat, and started twirling it in his hands. He did not look down at it, instead deciding to keep his eyes on the trees in front of him. Birds were crossing the sky, singing as they flew away, and the wind was starting to pick up. He could actually see the trees dancing as the breeze swirled around them.

Give me the gun, OK? Everything will be all right. I promise.

I promise.

It was true he had been talking to Jenny when he had made that promise, but it had involved everyone. And unfortunately, Mountie Fortin had paid the price for his mistake. Of course, Nathan understood Bill and Lee's point of view, and he knew they were right, but Mountie Fortin's death would forever be on his shoulders.

Not only that, but Mountie Fortin's death had also reminded Nathan of what being a Mountie was all about. It was more than just keeping everyone safe; it meant putting his life between danger and his loved ones. Of course, that was a sacrifice Nathan was willing to make, but up until his arrival to Hope Valley it had only been about him and Allie. Then, the village started warming up to his presence, and Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton entered in his life with all of her kindness, fidelity, and passion. Elizabeth and baby Jack, and that undoubtedly added even more responsibility to his shoulders.

So, what's in your heart?

Nathan let out a sigh, and stopped playing with his hat. He finally looked down at it, weighting the heaviness of his question. He knew what was in his heart, but he also knew what was in his mind. Unfortunately, he could not ignore one in favour of the other.

All of a sudden, Newton neighed, and Nathan looked behind it. A flash of yellow and brown caught his eye, and Nathan felt his heart skip a beat when he recognized Elizabeth making her way towards him. Thankfully, she was distracted talking to Jack, who was in her arms, and had yet to spot him.

Without thinking about his actions, Nathan went to Newton, and jumped to the saddle. Then, he motioned for Newton to start moving away from Elizabeth and Jack without looking over his shoulder. If he had, Nathan would have noticed Elizabeth looking his way, a despondent expression on her face while Jack babbled in her arms.

"Why do I have the feeling something's terribly wrong?" Rosemary asked all of a sudden, as she and Lee strolled down the street. Her husband looked confusedly at her, and Rosemary let out a sigh. "Oh honey, I'm talking about Elizabeth and Nathan. Perhaps even Elizabeth and Lucas."

"Oh. Oh!" Lee exclaimed, finally understanding, and Rosemary sent him a pointed look. Then, Lee made a face. "Well, you know, I don't think they have talked yet…about what happened, I mean."

Rosemary let a sigh as she entwined their arms together.

"Oh dear, I wish there was something we could do, especially since we'll be going on our trip soon enough" she confessed, concern clear in her voice, and Lee nodded in agreement. "I know you told me I shouldn't stick my nose where it doesn't belong," Lee tried not to smile at that, "but I'm just so worried about them. You saw the look on Elizabeth's face the other night. What do you think we should do?"

"Honestly? I have no idea." Lee admitted before making a face. "I mean, should we get involved? Should we not get involved? I really don't know. Besides, preparing everything for our trip will occupy most of our time."

All of a sudden, it was almost as if a motion picture was happening in front of them. Elizabeth emerged from the library, holding little Jack, looking quite disconcerted. Lucas walked out of the doors of the saloon at the same time, holding his watch, his other hand on his waist. He spotted Elizabeth quite quickly, and did not take long to walk towards her.

He smoothly started a conversation with her, his posture one both Rosemary and Lee recognized quite easily. Nathan chose that particular moment to walk out of the Mounted Police office, and non-surprisingly looked in Elizabeth and Lucas' direction. Even from where they stood, both Rosemary and Lee could see the expression that appeared on his face before it became blank and deprived of emotions.

Rosemary felt her heart break. Then, she turned to her husband.

"Lee…"

"I know, sweetheart, I know." Lee picked up when his wife's voice trailed off, and he turned to look at her, "But the question is; should we meddle?"

"Well, would it be considered meddling if all we are doing is looking after our dearest friend?" Rosemary asked back, refusing to back down. She noticed Nathan walking away, in the opposite direction of where Elizabeth and Lucas stood. Then, she took a deep breath, and turned to Lee, who was already smiling at her. "I just wanted to try to do one last thing for Elizabeth before we leave. I'm really worried about her. I—What's wrong? Why are you smiling?"

"Have I ever told you how much I love you?" Lee asked all out of the blue, and Rosemary blinked at that before patting him on the arm. Then, she shook her head.

"I don't remember you telling me that today, no."

"Oh, I'm sorry, honey." Lee apologised with a teasing tone on his voice, and then he kissed her lightly on the lips. "I love you."

"I love you too." Rosemary immediately replied, and Lee's smile got wider.

"And that's why I will be here, following your lead as you try to solve this case." he continued before looking at Elizabeth and Lucas when Rosemary looked confusedly at him. "I have no idea what you are going to do, but I'll support you. Besides, it's not as if I have any other choice."

"Well, that's true." Rosemary conceded with a small laugh, "But I still have no idea what we should do. I know Nathan's affected by what happened during his assignment, and I know that had an impact on Elizabeth in more ways than one. That, of course, caught Lucas attention, and he is obviously not hiding his intentions anymore."

Rosemary glanced in direction of the owner of the saloon, only to see him watching Elizabeth as she walked away. Then, she let out a long sigh, and her shoulders dropped.

"Just one thing," Lee pointed out, catching his wife's attention. "Our personal thoughts about the subject should not guide our…not meddling thing."

"I don't know what you mean." Rosemary defended herself, and Lee raised both eyebrows at that. Rosemary had to stop herself from rolling her eyes. "Oh fine, I won't do anything that shows how much I support one of them, but I still want to get them to talk. What do you think if we invite them for dinner?"

"Who? Elizabeth, Nathan, and Lucas?" Lee asked back, and Rosemary nearly snorted at that.

"No silly, the problem right now has nothing to do with Lucas." she pointed out. "I want to help Elizabeth and Nathan talk. I think both of them really need to have a conversation in order to move forward."

"And do you think we should be there when that happens?"

"Well, I can't see them having a dinner all by themselves, and they definitely won't go to Abigail's." Rosemary clarified before deciding that her idea was good. "That's it. We'll invite them for dinner."

"Well, then I guess you can invite one of them right now." Lee commented out of the blue, and Rosemary made a confused face. When Lee motioned for her to look behind her, Rosemary turned around, and was actually surprised to see Elizabeth walking in their direction.

"Oh!" she exclaimed when her eyes met Elizabeth's, and a wide smile appeared on her face. "Elizabeth! Hi little Jack!"

"Hi. Good evening." the teacher greeted them, a smile on her face. Then, she raised little Jack's hand in a wave. "Say hello, little Jack."

"Hey little man!" Lee greeted, and the baby took the cue to raise his little arms in Lee's direction. Lee immediately picked him up, and started playing with little Jack.

"Well, Elizabeth, it's actually very good that you showed up, because hum… I… We…" Rosemary could not help but ramble as she tried to come up with a proper way to make the invitation. She did not need to look at Lee to know he was trying not to smile at her actions. Instead, she took a deep breath, and Elizabeth sent her a worried look.

"Rosemary, are you OK?"

"Yes, I'm perfectly fine!" the blonde responded, and then she waved her hands in the air. "I was actually just talking to Lee, and since we are almost leaving for our trip, we'd like to invite you to go have dinner with us tomorrow night. This way you have time to talk with Laura. I'm sure she won't mind looking after little Jack."

"Ah, well, I… I wasn't expecting that invitation." Elizabeth confessed, looking obviously caught off guard. "I don't know what to say."

"Oh, let me help you with that; just say yes." Rosemary promptly resolved the problem. "I already know what I'm going to cook for dinner. You are going to love it! All we need is your presence. So, please, say yes."

"I guess I'll have to talk to Laura first, but if she can watch over little Jack, I guess I could." Elizabeth eventually gave in, and Rosemary laughed at her decision. She clapped her hands together, and smiled widely at her best friend.

"It's a deal!" she said before looking at Lee, who stopped playing with Jack before nodding.

"It's a deal." he repeated, and Rosemary took in the way Elizabeth smiled at that. It was time to start planning, and thankfully that was something she loved doing.

To Be Continued