Nathan stepped out of the Mountie office, preparing to do his rounds. A sound caught his attention, and he looked around for the cause. He groaned when he saw Ned and Florence positioning a red wooden Mailbox marked 'Valentines' on the Verandah of the mercantile.

Rosemary had dedicated the front page of the Valley Voice to the idea of placing a Mailbox out for one week before 14 February, with a special mail delivery to take place on Valentine's Day for the lucky recipients of the cards 'posted'. The Mercantile had stocked special red envelopes for the Valentine cards, so they stood out.

"Expecting a card, Constable?" Fiona teased as she walked up to stand beside him.

"Hardly," he replied with a self-deprecating smile.

"Why not?" Fiona asked, tilting her head to the side as she looked at him. It was a mystery to her Nathan had remained single for so long. He was extraordinarily handsome with his dark hair, incredible blue eyes, and the dimple in his chin; wow. Besides being ridiculously attractive, he was a devoted father to his adopted daughter and, as their Mountie, protected the Town with honour and integrity. What was not to like?

"I guess I don't see romance in my future," he said with a shrug.

"Nathan," Fiona exclaimed, her mouth dropping open in amazement. He obviously didn't see himself the way others did, especially her. She paused, trying to find the right words, as she looked at him intently, "just because one woman didn't choose you doesn't mean others won't or don't want to."

"I hardly think so, Fiona," Nathan replied with a small laugh. He knew she was referring to Elizabeth Thornton, the widowed schoolteacher who rejected him after he confessed his feelings for her. He had thought Elizabeth had returned his feelings; she certainly acted as though she did. When Elizabeth chose the Saloon owner, Lucas Bouchard, over him and his daughter Allie, he was heartbroken, leaving him questioning his judgement. He decided that if he could be so wrong about a woman's feelings and behaviour, it was best to avoid romance and the chance of getting hurt again.

"Never say never, Nathan. You wait and see. I'm sure someone is out there waiting for you to open yourself up again to romance." Fiona said, smiling as she touched his arm. Looking back over her shoulder as she walked away, she said, "just you wait and see."

Nathan's eyebrows shot up. Fiona had surprised him with her words and her soft touch. What did Fiona mean by wait and see? Wait for what? Did she mean someone in particular? Shaking his head, he snorted, thinking about what Fiona had said; he didn't believe anyone was waiting for him.

Watching Fiona walk away, he couldn't help but smile; Fiona was a fine one to talk; the single men in Town would line up to ask her out if she gave them any encouragement. Fiona was beautiful and funny, intelligent, and fearless. She would make someone a great partner one day when she found someone who deserved her.

"Penny, for your thoughts," Rosemary said, her voice light and teasing.

"I doubt they are worth that much," Nathan said with a smile, hoping she didn't notice the colour in his cheeks. He realised he had been staring at Fiona as she walked away and was embarrassed to be caught.

"I'm sure many people are interested in what you have to say." Rosemary's forehead wrinkled as she asked, "you must know you are quite the eligible bachelor Constable!"

He felt his cheeks burning; there was no way she couldn't see the blush now. "Rosemary, I..." he stammered before he went silent. What could he say? He certainly didn't see himself as eligible.

"Mark my words, Nathan; I see true romance for you…and soon."

Valentine's Day

Allie looked up at the knock on the door, her eyes widening when she saw a pile of red envelopes pushed under the front door. She jumped up, rushing to pick them up and bring them back to the table.

"You should eat breakfast before opening them; it will get cold."

"Dad," she exclaimed, incredulous. "Please don't make me wait?"

"Fine," he said, looking at the pile of cards. Florence had told him the sale of red envelopes for the Mailbox exceeded all expectations, which was probably why she had Robert begin his rounds so early.

"How exciting!" Allie squealed, her face glowing with excitement.

Nathan couldn't help smiling back at Allie, glad the cards had brought a smile to his daughter's face. Drinking his coffee, he watched the emotions on her face as she opened each card, trying to hide his amusement until he saw her pause and frown.

"Is everything okay, Allie?" he asked, concerned.

"Uh, sorry, I opened this one...it's for you?" she said, turning to him, her face apologetic.

"Me?" he said, taking the card she held out. He glanced at the signature first, not surprised to see the words, 'Your secret Admirer.' Reading the card, he smiled. The message was simple:

'Are you ready

To be my Valentine?'

He looked up to see Allie watching him, and he shrugged.

"Are you ready?" she asked. "It sounds like someone's been waiting for you."

Nathan had butterflies in his stomach and was shocked at how much the simple message had touched him, how much he hoped it was from whom he thought.

"It's signed by your secret admirer, so I guess they didn't want me to know. Who are yours from?"

"Lots of people. Opal, Anna and I decided to send each other one to say we love each other as friends, and I got one from Robert," she said, squealing and clutching a card to her chest. "I think this means he like likes me."

Sighing, Nathan stood and took his coffee cup to the sink; he had secretly hoped Robert would stay just a friend for a while longer.

"You are both very young, Allie; remember what we talked about; it might be good to remain friends for now."

"I know, Dad, and we are, but it's nice that he bothered to send a card." Narrowing her eyes, she asked, "did you send any cards?"

"Maybe," he said, turning back to the sink so he could hide his grin.

He hadn't been able to stop thinking about his conversations with Rosemary and Fiona; their words swirled around in his mind. The more he thought about them, the more he had to think about. Was he ready to open his heart to someone? Would he be happy alone the rest of his life, frightened to be hurt again? He was stunned when he realised during his musings he no longer had feelings for Elizabeth.

He finally admitted his heart had healed, and there was no excuse not to open himself up to the chance of love again, but this time with the right someone worth the risk. After the last week, he thought he knew who that person was. He found himself going out of his way to catch even the tiniest glimpse of her as she went about her business, making excuses to be where she was, to talk to her. He found himself smiling more, laughing more. It felt like he was finding himself again, the person he used to be, the one Allie missed so much.

Finding his courage, he had written a card and placed it in the Mailbox the night before; his heart had been racing as he slipped it through the slot, fingers crossed he hadn't misunderstood again.

Faith and Fiona sat together at the Cafe, eating breakfast before work. They were watching the crowd of diners, amused by the delight on their faces as they opened the Valentine's Cards.

"What a great idea Rosemary had," Faith commented. "It has really given everyone a lift."

"I know. I didn't expect so many people to write cards; it's wonderful." Fiona replied, her eyes shining.

"How many cards did you write," Faith teased, although she was sure of the answer.

"One. Only the one," Fiona admitted. "You?"

"I only sent one Valentine's message," Faith replied with a grin. "I wasn't going to, and then I decided, what did I have to lose."

Before the two women could continue their conversation, they were interrupted by a harried-looking Robert. "Excuse me, Ladies; I have been looking all over for you. I have a delivery for you both."

Robert rummaged in his mail sack and pulled out two envelopes, handing them one each. Fiona took a breath and smiled at Faith. This was the moment of truth; this message could change everything. Butterflies filled her stomach as she sat holding the card. Depending on what it said, she could be starting a new adventure with someone she cared about very much or facing rejection and heartache.

The two women looked at each other and then bent their heads, opening their envelopes.

Faith's face broke into an enormous grin, and her eyes filled with happy tears.

Fiona sat back in her chair, smiling as relief and hope surged through her.

Faith couldn't believe it; after so much time and uncertainty, he wanted to be with her. He loved her, and he was coming home. Faith pledged to thank Rosemary when she saw her; if it wasn't for her Mailbox, she might never have had the courage to send Carson the Telegram telling him how she felt.

Fiona looked down at the simple message from her secret admirer.

'Happy Valentine's Day

Will you be my someone?'

"Is it from him?" Faith asked her friend, hoping with all her heart that Nathan had finally opened his eyes to what and who was right in front of him. Initially, Fiona tried to hide how she felt about Nathan, but Faith knew her friend too well. She saw the way Fiona watched him when she thought no one was looking, how she lit up around him. It had taken some time for Fiona to admit her feelings, worried Nathan would never care for anyone after Elizabeth. The Valentines Mailbox and Faith had given her the push she needed to reach out.

Fiona didn't say a word, just handed Faith the card smiling.

"Well, what are you waiting for," Faith asked her. "Go find him!" Faith breathed a happy sigh, so pleased for her friends; she truly believed they were perfect for each other.

Fiona rushed outside the Cafe toward the Mountie office. As she hurried up the stairs, the door opened, and Nathan stood there; when he saw her, he stopped, smiling the crooked smile she adored. He held up the red envelope she had sent him, silently asking if she were the sender, although she could tell he already knew.

'Well, I must say this was a surprise." He said, stepping back and inviting her inside.

"A good one?" she asked, heart racing as she followed him.

"More than good," he said, grinning.

"I was surprised by your card too. When did you decide to send it?" she asked curiously.

"Last night, I finally admitted what my heart already knew." He smiled at her and asked, "When did you know?"

"I've always known, always hoped," she admitted. "I was happy to wait until you were ready."

"I'm sorry it took me so long to realise. It can't have been easy."

"You're worth it," she whispered, stepping closer as he reached for her hand.

Nathan drew her toward him and touched her cheek lightly, caressing her face as he stared into her bright, sparkling eyes. Nathan raised their hands, placing a soft, gentle kiss where their fingers were laced together. The simple gesture held so much promise, sealing their commitment to each other, both knowing that while this was new, it felt right. It felt like forever.