For the next month, Elizabeth and Nathan traveled to Maple Creek ever Saturday. Ever since Elizabeth apologized to Nathan, the tension between them had lifted. They would have pleasant conversations with each other. Elizabeth even helped give Nathan advice about Cora when asked. As Elizabeth spent more time with Nathan, the more she learned about him. She learned more about his family and his hopes and dreams. But Elizabeth also learned that Nathan was charming in his own way. She loved the way he would have a mischievous grin when he was teasing her. She learned that he played guitar and that led to sing along with Allie and Jack. She loved how she spent time with the kids at the school in Maple Creek. Showing them how to throw a baseball and hitting a baseball. She loved how his eyes lit up when he talked about Allie or Colleen. But she loved the way he looked at her. Elizabeth realized that the red serge was a distraction and underneath the red serge was an incredible man. Elizabeth could feel herself falling in love with Nathan.
Nathan had forgiven Elizabeth. Nathan realized that Jack's death effected Elizabeth deeply and Elizabeth was trying to cope the best she could, even if that meant saying things she did not mean. Nathan's heart started to soften for Elizabeth. Their conversations between Hope Valley and Maple Creek were pleasant. But as much as his heart had soften for Elizabeth, he was still on guard. He didn't know where he stood in heart and did not want to make the same mistake of letting his heart get hurt again.
And then there was Cora. There were some times that Nathan could see a future with Cora and then there were other times that they were world's apart from each other. Nathan knew that Cora was a fresh start. But maybe a fresh start isn't what Nathan needed.
It was the Saturday before the last day of school. Nathan and Cora were walking around her property, hand in hand.
"I can't believe next Saturday is the last day that Elizabeth will be teaching the class." Nathan said.
"It went by quickly." Cora said.
Nathan smiled.
"I'm just glad I met you." Cora said.
"Me too. But it seems we may have to do a long-distance courtship. I hope you are up for it." Nathan asked.
Cora stopped walking.
"What's wrong?" Nathan asked.
"Some friends and I from Veterinarian school are going to open our own practice in Union City." Cora said.
"What? When?" Nathan asked.
"I'm leaving Maple Creek next Saturday?" Cora said.
Nathan pulled his hand away from Cora.
"When were you going to tell me this?" Nathan asked.
"The letter from my friends arrived late last night. I didn't want to tell you anything until I knew for sure." Cora said.
"I see. Union City is a little farther from Hope Valley than Maple Creek, but I think we could still do the long-distance courting." Nathan said.
"Nathan, I want you to come with me." Cora said.
"To Union City?' Nathan asked.
"Yes. You and Allie." Cora said.
Nathan didn't say anything.
"I know you wanted to take things slow and I know it's a lot to ask from someone you haven't even kissed yet, but I see you and Allie in my future. It will be a fresh start. The Mountie's have a big office there. The schools are great for Allie. And the place I'll be staying is right outside Union City because there is a stable for my horse out there so you wouldn't be in the city." Cora said.
Nathan didn't know what to say. He knew that the Inspector job he was offered still hadn't been filled and it would be a great career opportunity. Union City did have some fantastic schools for Allie. But it wasn't Hope Valley and Nathan wasn't sure if that was a good thing or bad thing.
"You see a future with us?" Nathan asked.
"Yes, I do." Cora said.
"Even kids?' Nathan asked.
"I'm still thinking on it. But I'll try to be the best mother to Allie. And if you want more children, we can discuss it." Cora said.
"This is all so sudden." Nathan said.
"I know. But I'm falling in love with you." Cora said.
This surprised Nathan. He knew they were getting close but he didn't know she was falling in love with him.
Nathan smiled.
"I'll have to talk to Allie about this." Nathan said.
"Of course. And if I don't see you back here early Saturday morning, than I know you'll have made your decision and this will be goodbye because I can't do a long distance courtship anymore." Cora said.
Nathan nodded. The two hugged each other and said their goodbyes. Nathan walked back to the school. As he was walking back toward the school, he thought about his decision. As he got closer, he saw that there was a kickball game going on. Elizabeth was at home ready to kick the ball. She kicked the ball and it went out into the field. Nathan ran onto the field and motioned to the boy who had the ball to throw it to him. Elizabeth was rounding second when she saw Nathan with the ball. She smiled and ran to third. She rounded third and was heading to home. Nathan ran and was catching up to her. He could hear her laughing. Suddenly, Nathan tripped and fell in the dirt while Elizabeth reached home. Nathan was laughing in pain. Elizabeth came over to Nathan and squatted next to him.
"Are you okay?" Elizabeth said laughing.
"Yes. But my pride is bruised." Nathan said.
"Do you want me to kiss it and make it better." Elizabeth said. As soon as she said it, Elizabeth blushed.
Nathan smiled. He loved when she blushed.
"I think I'll be okay." Nathan said.
Elizabeth put her hand out to Nathan and helped him up. Elizabeth dismissed the class but reminded that next Saturday will be the last day of school and her last day teaching. After the children left, Nathan helped Elizabeth pack up her things and they put everything in the wagon. They both got in the wagon and headed back to Hope Valley.
Nathan was quiet as they headed back home.
"Is everything okay?" Elizabeth asked.
Nathan wasn't ready to share what Cora had asked with Elizabeth.
"I'm okay." Nathan said.
Elizabeth nodded. There was more silence between them.
"Do you want to have more children?" Nathan asked Elizabeth.
"Before Jack and I were married, he showed me the house he wanted to build for our future family. He had so many rooms. He called it the Thornton clan. After Jack died, I wasn't sure if I would want to have any more kids. But I know Jack would want me to start a clan with someone I love." Elizabeth said.
Nathan nodded.
Nathan thought about how Jack wanted his own clan and a wave a guilt washed over him.
"I'm sorry that he wasn't able to start that clan." Nathan said.
Elizabeth smiled.
"Me too. But he left a part of the clan with him. And that's good enough for me." Elizabeth said. Elizabeth knew he was thinking about the Fort Clay accident. She put her hand on his hand to let him know that he didn't need to feel guilty about Fort Clay.
xxx
Nathan dropped Elizabeth off at her house and Nathan took the wagon back.
After dropping the wagon off, he went back home. When he arrived home, he saw Allie over the stove.
"Hey Allie girl, what are you making?" Nathan asked.
"Grilled cheese sandwiches." Allie said.
"Sounds delicious. Why don't you let those cool and we can talk." Nathan said.
"Okay. What do you want to talk to me about?" Allie asked.
"Cora is moving to Union City." Nathan said.
"How come?" Allie asked.
"She and her friends from school are opening their own veterinarian clinic." Nathan said.
"Cool. Though Union City is a lot farther than Maple Creek." Allie said.
"I know." Nathan said.
"Did you two break up?" Allie asked.
"No. But she asked us to move to Union City to be closer to her." Nathan said.
"That's silly. Hope Valley is our home." Allie said.
Nathan didn't say anything.
"Are you thinking about us moving to Union City?" Allie asked.
Nathan nodded.
Allie's eyes started to well up.
"Why?" Allie croaked out.
"It would be a fresh start for both of us. There is so much hurt here in Hope Valley." Nathan said.
"But there are a lot of good things here too." Allie said wiping a tear from her eye.
"I know sweetheart." Nathan said wiping a tear away from her cheek.
"I just want us to be happy." Nathan said.
"Are you in love with Cora?" Allie asked.
"I don't know." Nathan said.
"But you think moving to Union City will make you fall in love with her?" Allie asked.
"I think so." Nathan said.
Allie wiped tears from her eyes.
"What about Mrs. Thornton?" Allie asked.
Nathan sighed.
"The time for Mrs. Thornton and I have come and gone. Elizabeth is not in love with me. We have to look toward the future." Nathan said.
"Will this make you happy?" Allie asked.
Nathan didn't say anything.
"I want us to be happy too Dad. And if Cora makes you happy, then I'm happy. When do we leave?" Allie asked.
"Cora is leaving next Saturday. She wants me to let her know by then. We wouldn't move for a couple of months. I would have to talk to the Mountie's about being transferred to Union City." Nathan said.
Allie nodded. Allie wiped the tears from her eyes.
"I understand." Allie said.
"Please don't mention our conversation to anyone in town. Not even your friends." Nathan said.
Allie nodded.
"May I eat in my room?" Allie asked.
"Sure." Nathan said.
Allie took her plate to her room. After a minute, Nathan heard soft sobs. This broke Nathan's heart. Nathan and Allie moved around a lot before coming to Hope Valley. She never sobbed once when he told her that they were moving again. Nathan wasn't sure he was doing the right thing. Cora was great but she wasn't Elizabeth. Even though Nathan had forgiven Elizabeth he could not forget the hurt she caused.
Nathan cleaned up the kitchen and headed to bed. Before he went to bed, he checked in on Allie who had fallen asleep. He put a blanket over Allie and kissed her head. After getting ready for bed, Nathan kneeled on the side of the bed and prayed. He asked God to give him a sign that he was doing the right thing by moving to Union City.