A week later, Jack and Hunter sat quietly in the cold, drab lobby of the Child Protective Services office. Jack listened to the receptionist intently with each of the many phone calls she took, trying to figure out if it had anything to do with Hunter.

Every two weeks they'd come in, sit and wait to see whether Jamie Ward, Hunter's mom showed up for her visit. Jack glanced down at Hunter sitting next to him, knees bouncing rapidly in nervous anticipation.

At this point, they'd been waiting almost 20 minutes. Hunter watched a pair of young siblings sitting on the other side of the waiting room, both excitedly waiting for their turn.

When the door that lead back into the office opened, everyone in the room looked up quickly. A social worker came out, taking the siblings back to see their parents. Hunter sighed.

"Jack, they got here after us."

"I know, bud." Jack wrapped his arm around his shoulders.

"She's not going to come again. Can we just go home?"

"We don't know that. We need to wait until Mrs. Shepard comes out to talk to us, okay?"

Hunter twisted his fingers as he watched the door. He hated these days. He didn't want to be there. Truth was, even with the visits he had with his mom, he didn't know her well. He felt safe and at home with Jack.

The door opened again, and this time Hunter's social worker, Faith Shepard, came out along with a woman with long dark hair.

"Hello, Hunter! How's my favorite little kindergartener?" she smiled brightly.

"Fine," he mumbled. Hunter really liked Faith, but right now, he was just nervous.

"This is my friend Ms. Clara. I was wondering if you could go meet with her for a bit? She wants to hear how you're doing."

"Do I have to?" He grabbed hold of Jack's hand with both of his.

Jack looked to Faith to see if he could step in and reassure him. She nodded. "Its okay, bud. I'll wait right out here, ok?"

"Promise?"

"You can count on it!" Jack hugged the little boy and he walked hand in hand with Ms. Clara. Once behind the doors, Jack turned his attention back to Faith. "She didn't show again, did she?"

"No… and we haven't been able to reach her either."

Jack took the magazine he was holding and tossed it hard against one of the chairs. "Faith, please! There's got to be a better way of doing this! He hates this place. I feel like a jerk every time I have to bring him here and then she doesn't show!"

"Jack, I know, believe me," she sighed. "That's actually what I need to talk to you about."

Jacks head jerked up, "What do you mean?"

"She's not showing any effort with Hunter. Hasn't for some time now. If it comes down to it, and the courts terminate her rights, are you willing to consider making Hunter a permanent part of your life?"

Jack felt overwhelmed by emotions, he loved that little boy with all his heart. It was an easy question to answer. "Yes, more than anything."

Faith smiled. "That's all I needed to know for now. I'll keep you in the loop as we go forward. Probably best if we don't share this with Hunter just yet."

"Of course, yeah. Just one question, How are the courts going to feel about the fact that I'm a single guy?"

"Traditionally they do like families that have a mother and father figure, but Jack, there's no denying what a difference you've made in Hunters life. If this does indeed go to the courts, you can count on a shining recommendation from me!"

"I appreciate that, thanks."

Hunter came out with Clara five minutes later and walked right up to Jack. "Did she come?"

"I'm sorry bud, no." Jack watched as Hunter's soft, loving eyes turned angry and cold. He pushed Jack away and took off running. "Hunter! Hunter, come back here!"

Before Jack could catch up, the little boy was out the front door and running straight to the car. When he couldn't get his door open, he started hitting and kicking the side of the car, tears streaming down his innocent little face.

"Hunter!" Jack reached him, trying to pull Hunter away from the car. "You can't do that! You can't just run away like that!"

"I hate this! I don't want to come here anymore!"

"I'm so sorry, bud." Jack wrapped his arms around him, holding him protectively, calming him a bit.

"She doesn't want to see me. Why do you bring me here?"

"I have to."

"Why?"

"Because she's your mom, Hunter. We need to give her a chance to get better."

"She doesn't love me."

"Yes she does, she's just… not always the best at showing it."

"You love me though, right?"

"I do, very much. Look, bud, I'm sorry today didn't turn out so well. Maybe we can make it better though, alright? What if we go to the book store and get a snack and a new book?"

Hunter looked up at Jack again. His eyes once again reflected his kindness and joy. "Can I get a book about dogs?"

"Of course! Lets go."

…..

The past week had felt like the longest week in Elizabeth's life. After work, every night, Florence had shown her more listings but nothing was even close to being something Elizabeth wanted. She sighed when thinking what she could possibly be showing her that night that would be any better.

"Lee, got plans tonight?"

"Yeah, dinner with Rosie. Why?"

"I am going to see another listing and I really just need some more moral support."

"What time?"

"Six o'clock."

"Dinner isn't until seven. I can go, if you want."

"I would really appreciate it, Lee."

"Well, then I will."

"Thanks." It made her feel a bit better. She was about ready to give up the whole thing and just try to deal with the house she lived in. She would give Flo one more shot.

At exactly six, Lee and Elizabeth pulled their cars up to the neighborhood that Florence told them. She wondered if this was Jack's neighborhood. She hadn't talked to him since their double date with Lee and Rosie and something inside her wondered about him. She also felt a bit of pride in his taking in Hunter.

The home looked nice from the outside. Landscaping was great. No holes in the walls, lawns, roofs, chimneys, which already made it better than the others. It had a door. Again a plus.

She looked over at Lee. He raised his eyebrows asking what she thought. She shrugged. She was well aware that the outside condition didn't necessarily mean the inside was nice.

As they walked in though, she was pleasantly surprised. The foyer opened into the living room where a staircase led to the upstairs. The wood was dark and there was no carpeting on the floor. It had a fireplace and seemed to be a good size for her.

"How many bedrooms, Flo?"

"Three. I know it's larger than you want, but it's only slightly above your price range due to the renovations that were just done."

"How much is slightly above?" She didn't flinch when Flo told her the amount. It was actually doable.

They walked through the small dining room just off the kitchen, Elizabeth loving the large windows that ran the length of the wall. The kitchen was a good size, even though she didn't cook and it didn't matter to her very much. Next was the upstairs, where the bedrooms were. The master had a bathroom attached, which had a free standing tub and a separate shower with new tile.

"I'd like to put an offer in," Elizabeth blurted before she changed her mind.

"You would? That's wonderful. I will draw up the papers. Let's go see the backyard though. I think you will love it."

Elizabeth finally felt some excitement about moving forward. She was glad that she hadn't given up.

They stepped out onto a spacious deck, perfect for a grill. The yard had a fence, so if she wanted a dog, she could get one.

She looked over at the yard next door and saw someone familiar. Before she knew what she was doing, she yelled across the yards, "Jack!"

He looked up from the grill and found her, giving her a wave. "Hi!"

"Excuse me one moment, Flo." She met Jack at the fence separating the two yards. "Hi, Jack."

"Elizabeth. What do you think of the house?"

"I'm putting an offer in on it."

"That's great! We'll be neighbors."

"Yeah. What are you boys up to tonight?" She saw Hunter looking at a book on the deck.

"Just being boys. Making a few burgers and hot dogs for dinner. Maybe a game of Candy Land before bed." She smiled.

"Sounds fun."

"You and Lee should join us." He mentally kicked himself for the invitation. Hunter probably wouldn't enjoy sharing his beloved hot dogs with two police officers.

"Maybe another time. I came with Lee and he has a date with Rosie. Plus, I don't think your son would want to eat with us dressed this way." His heart filled with joy with the thought of calling Hunter his son one day.

"Good point. Well, do you work this weekend?"

"I have Sunday off."

"Why don't you come over for dinner? I'll cook and we can hang out."

"Can I let you know?" It wasn't that she didn't want to see him, but they wouldn't have a buffer. No Rosie and Lee. Just a five year old frightened of police.

"Sure. Can I see your cell?" She handed it to him and he entered his number. "Call me or text me if you can make it. It'll be fun."

"Ok, I'll let you know."

….

Jack watched her walk away and then returned to his grill, hoping he hadn't overcooked the hot dogs and burgers. Hunter was pretty particular.

"Just in time," he muttered. "Ready to eat, bud?"

"I guess," he said, not lifting his eyes from his new book.

"Wanna eat out here? It's still pretty nice out."

Hunter looked up and shrugged.

"Hunter, let's put the book away and say our blessings."

He obediently set the book down and walked over to the patio furniture, choosing his favorite chair. He folded his hands and bowed his head.

Jack smiled and began to pray. "Dear God. Thank you for this food and for the many wonderful blessings in our life. Thank you for bringing Hunter to me. Please help him to always remember how much I love him and will always try to do what's best for him. In Jesus name we pray, Amen."

"Amen," Hunter echoed. "Did you mean it, Jack?"

"Every single word."

Hunter climbed onto his lap and cried into his shoulder. "I love you too. Please can I stay with you? For always?"

"If it was completely up to me, you would. We need to be patient, though."

"I'm not good at that."

"I'll help you. For now though, you are with me and I'll keep you safe, ok, bud?"

"Ok." He sighed and snuggled into Jack's chest.

"Aren't you hungry? That hot dog is calling your name. "Hunter, eat me,"" he said in a tiny voice.

He giggled. "You're silly, Jack. Hot dogs don't sound like that."

"They don't? What do they sound like?"

"EAT ME!" Hunter said, in a loud voice, pumping his fist in the air.

"Wow, my mistake. I guess you better do what it tells you then."

Hunter giggled again and took a bite. "Mmm..good."

Jack added a pickle, mustard, and ketchup to his slightly overdone burger.

"Jack?"

"Yes?"

"Why were they at that house?"

"The police officers?"

"Yeah."

Jack debated what to tell him. He decided to be vague so as not to freak the boy out. "They were just looking at the house."

"Why?"

"Its for sale."

"Why did you go talk to her?"

"She's my friend."

"Do you think she's pretty?"

"Yes. Don't you?"

"I guess but it's scary."

"What is?"

"I don't want them to take me away from you."

"Hunter, that's not what she is doing. I promise you. She's a nice lady that I want to be friends with."

"Are you going to marry her? You won't need me if you have her."

Jack was shocked at his words. He picked Hunter back up and hugged him. "I need you to listen to me, Hunter. No matter what, I will always need you. If I meet someone to marry some day, she will not change that. It's you and me."

What a rough day the boy had. His mom not showing up once again and now verbalizing his fears of being lost in the shuffle or worse having to leave the place he felt safe. Being a parent sure was hard. It made Jack wish for someone to share the difficult times with.

…

Elizabeth paced back and forth in her home. Lee had dropped her off an hour and a half before. The exciting prospect of moving had shifted into a fear or making the wrong call. The house was perfect, more than she knew she was looking for. The location was perfect, making her commute even shorter than it already was and to top it off, she already knew one of her neighbors. With all those pros, her heart was racing over the changes that were about to happen.

In a desperate need for chocolate but no desire to leave the comforts of her yoga pants, she made brownies. One of the few things she baked often. She was so distracted by the events of the day that she accidentally dumped double the amount of cocoa powder in the bowl.

"Crap!" she muttered. "Maybe it's not the worst thing… I did want something chocolatey." She shrugged and continued to mix the batter.

She sat at the kitchen counter which overlooked the living room and dining room and thought about all the memories she had there. Some good, and some bad. Her eyes looked over at her dining room table, which was completely covered in books, mail and clean laundry. She hadn't used it since Trevor died.

"This is a good thing… moving. Moving to new house, meeting new people. People like that sweet, handsome school teacher that I'll just happen to be living next door to." Elizabeth took in a deep breath trying to calm herself as she reached for her phone.

"Elizabeth, hi!" Elizabeth smiled. Abigail's sweet voice coming through the phone was already giving her some peace.

"Hey, are you working late at the diner tonight?"

"No, I actually took today off. Why?"

"Could you come by tonight? I've made a decision that I think is good but now I'm second guessing everything. Also, I made brownies with way more chocolate than the recipe intended and I don't want to finish them by myself," she sighed.

Abigail laughed at her friend, "Is now a good time? I can be there in less than 20 minutes."

"Perfect!"

She sat on the couch stroking Snowball's fur, unable to take her mind off of Jack Thornton. Her thoughts and feelings were new to her. Since Trevor had passed, she hadn't thought of or looked at any other man. What was it about Jack that seemed to stick with her?

She stayed in that trance until she saw the reflection of headlights though her front window. She gently nudged the cat from its perch on her lap and went to the door.

"Okay, I'm here! You look flushed, you alright?"

"What? No, I'm fine. Just thinking about something."

Elizabeth put the kettle on for tea and dished out the brownies, carrying both plates out to the living room where Abigail was waiting.

She sat down on the opposite side of the couch, grabbing a throw pillow and hugging it to her chest.

"I put in an offer on a house tonight."

"You did? That's great. Where is it?"

"North St. On the east side of town."

"North St… that's near where…"

Elizabeth cut her off, "Next to Jack Thornton, yup." She took a big bite of her brownie.

"I see!" Abigail looked overly excited by this new development. "He's a very nice man don't you think?"

Elizabeth swallowed hard and nodded. "Yeah, I think he'll make a nice neighbor."

"But you're nervous?"

"Terrified is more like it…" The tea kettle whistled at that moment, giving Elizabeth a short break from the conversation. At least it would have, had Abigail not stood up and followed her into the kitchen.

"Of what? Is it the move itself or Jack?"

"If I'm being honest, both."

Abigail nodded. She'd lost her first husband years ago. She knew what Elizabeth was going though. Moving on was one of the hardest things she'd ever done, but one of the best too.

"I saw him and his foster son when I was looking at the house today. They were in the backyard and we talked for a bit. He even invited me to stay for dinner."

"Aw well that was sweet of him. Did you stay?"

"No… I was with Lee and still in my uniform. The boy… Hunter, he gets nervous around cops. I didn't want to do that to him in his own home. Though I hope I can help him with that fear a bit if I'm going to be living next door."

"I'm sure you will. He's shy, but a wonderful kid once you get to know him."

"I'm sure." Elizabeth smiled, thinking of how wonderful Jack was with him. She'd met a lot of creeps in her line of work. The world needed more good men like Jack from what she could see. She poured two cups of tea and handed one to Abigail, heading back to the couch. "To be completely honest Abigail, the idea of having dinner with him, without Lee around like before was very scary. If I move there though, I'd imagine it will happen at some point."

"Probably. Now Elizabeth, I'm a little confused. I thought you said you and Jack were going to be friends? You know, after your walk that night."

"We did."

"Well, some friends live next door to each other. It's kind of nice actually."

"I know but… what if one day… it's more?"

Abigail smiled. "Then you'll cross that bridge when you get there. There's no need to worry about something you're not ready for that may or may not even happen." Though she personally was rooting hard for her two young friends already. Not that she'd even say it, not yet at least. "In the meantime, moving is good for you. Trust me!"

"I hope you're right…"

"I am!" she laughed. "Look, Bill and I will even help. You just tell us what you need and we'll be there!"

"Thank you Abigail, I always knew I could count on you!" She reached across the couch hugging her friend. Maybe Abigail was right, everything was going to be okay.