Nathan woke up early the following day to the rooster crowing. He lay there momentarily, thinking back to the previous day and of Elizabeth Thatcher. It had been so lovely sitting with her outside in the night air and even better dancing with her. He recalled his shock at realizing that she was young and beautiful rather than a spinster or around his mother's age. Something about her put him at ease while simultaneously wreaking havoc on his senses. With a smile on his face, Nathan got up and began to dress for the day. They would be going to church this morning, so he would get to see her again.

He had barely opened his door before being assailed with the savory smell of breakfast cooking. His stomach growled in appreciation. Thankfully, his mother was plating the food as he entered the kitchen. Looking up at him, she smiled knowingly and held out a plate.

"You look well rested this morning Son," Moira said with a smirk. "You must have slept well and had pleasant dreams?"

Nathan chuckled as he took it from her, "As a matter of fact, I did sleep well, and I dreamt of the wonderful breakfast you always cook."

"Is that all you dreamed about?" Moira asked slyly.

"I'm sure that he was dreaming about that last dance under the stars with a certain pretty schoolteacher," Gabe said, entering the kitchen. Nathan blushed and glared at his friend. Gabe just kissed Moira's cheek before taking his plate from her and making his friend roll his eyes.

Moira chuckled at the antics of the two men. It was evident that she was pleased with Gabe's words, and Nathan knew that his mother had hopes concerning him and Elizabeth.

"I don't think his feet actually touched the ground as we put the wagon away and bedded down the horses." Gabe teased.

"You both realized I am standing right here? Although maybe you don't require my presence for this conversation, so maybe I'll go eat on the porch," Nathan said, exasperated.

"So, then you did like her?" Moira asked, trying to be subtle, but her son was not fooled.

"I thought she was lovely, but Ma, she made it clear that she is still getting over Jack and isn't ready for anything," Nathan said. "I'm not going to push her into something. Besides, we have two children to consider, and Elizabeth needs to be focusing on Opal right now. Not to mention that I have to focus on transitioning from the Mounties in a few months."

Moira and Gabe exchanged knowing glances but wisely refrained from saying anything else and turned the conversation to Allie and the ranch.

A short time later, Elizabeth had finished preparing breakfast for her, Charlotte, and Opal at the Thornton ranch. Opal had spent the night with her again, unable to sleep due to bad dreams. She also asked about Mountie Jack, and Elizabeth was beginning to think that maybe she should ask Jack to visit for a few days. Part of Opal's fear stemmed from something happening to him, and she would lose him like her parents. Elizabeth knew they had a bond, but had not realized just how strong it was, which created a bit of a complication. It might be the necessary incentive for Elizabeth and Jack to begin at least repairing things.

"You look deep in thought!" Charlotte said, startling Elizabeth out of her reverie. "What's got your gears churning so hard this morning?" She smirked as she waited for an answer.

"Jack," Elizabeth said flatly.

Charlotte carefully schooled her features to hide her surprise.

Moving to get some coffee, she said, "Let's sit." She knew that Elizabeth wasn't wanting to get back together with her son, so something else was bothering her.

With a heavy sigh, Elizabeth brought her coffee to the kitchen table and sat across from her. "Opal slept in my room again last night. She had another nightmare, but this time it involved something happening to Jack and losing him like her parents."

"I see," Charlotte said. "Maybe talking to Jack might help her."

Elizabeth sat quietly momentarily before answering, "Perhaps, but it creates a complication, given the tension between him and me. The problem is that the last time I talked to him, I was upset and lashed out, and I'm not sure it wouldn't happen again since my emotions are so close to the surface when it comes to him. I don't want Opal caught in the middle of that."

"Well, why don't you take Sweetie for a ride later when we go to the Grants for lunch? Allie can keep Opal entertained, and Moira is providing lunch so we can ride the horses over. Then if you want, you could always come back here and talk to Jack before returning," Charlotte suggested. "If you are worried, I can contact Jack for you."

"I need to do it myself, Charlotte, though I appreciate the offer. I am a mother now, and if my girl needs to talk to her Mountie Jack, I will do everything I can to make it happen. Besides, I came here to prove myself, and if I avoid the difficult tasks and let others do them for me, I am proving Jack right in a sense." Elizabeth then stood. "If you set the table, I will go wake Opal so we can eat and leave on time."

Charlotte nodded and began plating food and setting the table. Looking at the food, she had to admit it was nice to have someone living with her who knew how to cook but even more to have a companion. Elizabeth may feel like she is the only one being helped but having her and now Opal filled a lonely void in Charlotte's life she wasn't aware she had. But with her boys being gone, it shouldn't have been surprising. One thing was for sure, though, her girl was made of steel, and she had no doubt Elizabeth would be making the call later today.

Two hours later, they were ready and heading out the door. Charlotte wore the blue dress she wore to Rosemary and Lee's wedding. Elizabeth chuckled and said, "I wondered if you still had that one,"

"I have this one and a burgundy one though it is the same style. When it comes to frills, that's not my style. If it weren't for Moira, I wouldn't even have any. It's not like I have much use for them anyway," Charlotte retorted with a grin.

Then looking at Opal and Elizabeth, who wore similar colors, said, grinning, "Besides, no one is going to care about what I am wearing when they get a look at the two of you, anyway." Elizabeth rolled her eyes and chuckled.

Reaching for Opal, Charlotte picked her up and tickled her tummy as she said, "Especially this pretty girl right here."

Opal giggled as she put her down. "Aunt Rosie gave it to me before we left."

Opal's dress was made of a pink floral soft cotton fabric, while Elizabeth's was a mauve color with some lace. Elizabeth was wearing a mauve skirt with a white lacy blouse.

"We should probably go," Elizabeth said as she lifted Opal onto the wagon seat before joining her.

Charlotte smirked as she climbed up, reached for the reins, and said, "In a hurry to get there, are we?"

Thankfully Elizabeth was saved from responding because Opal did, "I can't wait to see Allie again and Mountie Gabe too. He is so funny though not as funny as Mountie Jack. Right, Aunt Beth?"

Elizabeth smiled, squeezed Opal's shoulder, and said, "I'm sure Mountie Jack would love that you feel that way. I thought Mountie Gabe and Mountie Nathan were pretty funny, though."

Elizabeth could feel Charlotte's gaze and knew she was smirking, but she refrained from commenting further. They just listened to Opal's happy chatter for the remainder of the ride.

MEANWHILE, IN WHISTLING PINES

Jack had finished rereading Elizabeth's apology letter to him that he had gotten the day before. After he had hung up with her, he went back to work, but he couldn't shake how quickly she had gotten angry and felt he was criticizing her. Then her letter came yesterday full of apologies and explained everything that happened while they were in Hope Valley. Should he try to call her? Maybe write a letter? Was Opal settling in all right? What could he do to make things right with Elizabeth?

Josh found him at his desk a few minutes later. "Out with it, man."

Jack jumped, making Josh chuckle. "What are you talking about?"

"Jack, you have been distracted and in a bad mood for the past few days. The men are walking on eggshells right now. You haven't tried to annoy or make any progress with the lovely Mrs. Bradshaw since we took her and Ella to dinner a few days ago. Before you start the denials, it has not gone unnoticed by anyone, including the lovely lady herself. Then yesterday, a letter came, written by a feminine hand, that was clearly unofficial. Now you're sitting here in your own world and weren't even aware I walked in. So, what is going on?"

"The letter was from Elizabeth," Jack sighed. "She was apologizing for what happened when we last spoke," Jack replied, putting his head in his hands.

"I see," Josh said, sitting across from his friend. "I thought you said that was over."

"It's not like that, Josh, but there's unfinished business between us, and with Opal now her daughter, it's complicated. I can't just carry on knowing how much Elizabeth is hurting because of me, and you know how much I love Opal." Jack said sadly. "Besides, I think you are exaggerating about Serena looking at me as anything other than a necessary thorn in her side, given that she runs the mercantile and the communications hubs here in town. Don't think we didn't realize that you and Ella are matchmaking either."

"Well, she is concerned, and between you and me, I think she likes you annoying her and looks forward to your sparring. Though you are right, she isn't ready to move on, but it appears you aren't, either. Anyway, I also wanted you to be the first to know that Ella and I are officially courting now. The family is having a dinner tonight to celebrate, and your presence is required," Josh said.

"Congratulations, Man. I am happy for the two of you. What time is the dinner?" Jack replied, shaking the other man's hand.

"At 5 o'clock. I'll stop by and grab you on my way, so you don't get lost." Josh said. Before Jack could respond, Josh was out the door on his way to church.

Jack remained on duty along with another constable while the others attended services. Given that there was seldom trouble from the Saloon on Sunday, they had eased up for Sundays. Fridays and Saturdays, though, were always all hands on deck. In a very short time, the town had begun to trust that the Mounties would be keeping them safe, to the annoyance of those trying to maintain control.

Jack and Josh were pleased by the men that served under them and were very conscientious and eager to learn. The camaraderie between the experienced Mounties and the green ones was impressive. Without prompting from Jack or Josh, the men formed Mentor/Mentee relationships, and everyone flourished. Jack had identified a couple of men that he wanted to mention to Sam for future opportunities in advancement.

His mind wandered back to the situation with Elizabeth and Opal. Suddenly Jack realized that he needed to reach out to Abigail and Bill. He hadn't spoken to them since he left, and he realized that he wouldn't find peace until he faced up to the way he left. Maybe fixing things with Elizabeth needed to start with where they began.

A/N Though this may appear that things are turning back for Elizabeth and Jack, I assure you that it is A NATHAN AND ELIZABETH PAIRING. However, since I love Mountie Jack too, he will NOT be bashed and will end up in a happy ever after as well. I fully respect what they had and in now way seek to disrespect any of it. It is simply an exploration of WHAT IF.