Gabriel was sitting at his desk working on paperwork. Since he had been working on it for a couple of hours, he was ready for a break. Nathan was on rounds on his final day in Brookfield. He would be leaving early in the morning to head back to his mom's house to pick up Allie. He knew that Nathan was disappointed about not hearing back from HQ about a new posting.

Checking his watch, Gabriel knew Nathan would be back shortly and want to go to lunch. He couldn't help feeling sorry for the woman who would one day be his wife because the man was practically a walking stomach. With a sigh, he put his pen down, stood up, and stretched a moment before grabbing his hat and heading next door to check for mail.

He was kind of hoping that he would hear something back from Hope Valley or, even better, get something from headquarters for Nathan about a new posting. It would be nice to have him and Allie so close, and he knew that Allie would thrive under Elizabeth's care. Gabriel knew that the town would be as well taken care of as when Jack was still alive. Once accepted by them, Nathan and Allie would be welcomed with open hearts and surrounded by caring people.

Entering the telegraph office, he saw Ruth still sorting the mail. "Good morning, Gabriel," Ruth said. "I'm just about done with the mail, you do have a couple of telegrams that just came in a short time ago."

"Take your time, Ruth. I'm not in a hurry. Nathan is still out and hasn't gotten back from rounds anyway."

"Well, the telegrams are over there on the counter, and both are addressed to you. Did you hear that we are getting phone service?"

"We are?"

"We sure are. Ronnie told me about it earlier, and you can only imagine how excited he is about that. Apparently, since Hope Valley is getting phone lines, they decided to extend it to us as well. A representative will be here next week to hook things up."

"I imagine then that the Mountie office will have a phone which will make communicating with Headquarters easier," Gabe said before moving to the counter where the telegrams were lying. He picked them up, and as he scanned the top one he began doing a happy dance inside.

The first one was from Bill and made him happy.

GABE

HEARD FROM PATRICK THAT GRANT IS OFFICIALLY ASSIGNED TO HOPE VALLEY.

HE BETTER BE ALL YOU SAY HE IS!

BILL

The second telegram was from Patrick O'Reilly for Nathan, officially offering him the Hope Valley posting. Gabe could barely wait for him to come back.

He was brought out of his thoughts by Ruth handing him the mail. Thanking her, Gabriel headed back to the office to wait for Nathan. Ten minutes later, Nathan had barely finished tethering Newton to the post when Gabe came running out, practically squealing like a girl.

"What has gotten into you all of a sudden," Nathan asked, eyeing his friend.

"We have some celebrating to do," Gabe said.

"Why are we doing that?"

"Why don't you read this and then tell me?" Gabe said, handing him the telegram.

Nathan read over it and then looked up in shock. Gabe nodded, and then Nathan reread it.

"How? Did you know about this?"

"I knew that it was a possibility when Charlotte kept asking about you. Then, of course, I'm sure she talked to Bill and Abigail. From there, it was just a matter of Bill talking to Superintendent O'Reilly and Chief Superintendent Collins."

"Oh, and this came for you too," Gabe said, handing him an envelope from Headquarters. "I'd venture to say that that would probably be your orders."

Nathan ripped open the envelope, and sure enough, it was his orders. Quickly scanning them, he said, "I am to report in two weeks, and housing will be provided. But I haven't even responded that I would take them," he said in shock though there was no question he would, especially after meeting Jack's family.

Gabe smirked. "Are you saying that you're considering turning them down?"

"Of course not. Hope Valley has a lot to offer and would be a great place to settle down with Allie. With Elizabeth as her teacher, I have a feeling she will thrive there. I guess I'm just shocked that I get the offer and the orders at the same time."

"Then I guess we should go celebrate over dinner and then finish up the report on Sinclair so you can get an early start in the morning," Gabe said, giving his friend a friendly slap on the back.

HOPE VALLEY

School was finally out for the day, and Elizabeth was ready to see Charlotte and her son. She was going to miss her mother-in-law being there every night, but she was grateful that the older woman had come to be with her. "Thank you for the gift of your mother, Jack," Elizabeth whispered. "I couldn't have got through this time without her."

Taking one last glance around, Elizabeth picked up her basket and coat and headed for the door. As she locked it and headed down the stairs, she saw her two favorite people heading for her. "Hey, sweet boy," Elizabeth said as she reached for him.

"Hey, Charlotte," Elizabeth said with a fond smile. "Where did you all adventure to today?"

"I went to visit Jack," Charlotte said.

"Are you all right?" Elizabeth asked as they began walking toward the row house.

"I'm fine, Lizzie. But I noticed today I was more comforted being there than sad." Charlotte said. "I'm sorry I took

Baby Jack, but …."

"Charlotte, you don't have to apologize for taking Jack to visit his father's grave. I take him with me when I go. It sounds like you are making progress in processing your grief.

"I think I am, too," Charlotte said with a smile.

"Before I forget, we are having dinner with the Coulters at the café tonight in celebration," Elizabeth exclaimed.

"Oh?" Charlotte said. "What are we celebrating?"

"Rosemary and Lee found out this morning that they are having a baby in September," Elizabeth said with a smile.

"Oh, Lizzie, how wonderful! I have some good news to share myself." Charlotte said with a sly grin.

"Judging by the look in your eye, I'm almost afraid to ask," Elizabeth said with a giggle.

"Nathan Grant is going to be the new Constable of Hope Valley," Charlotte said with a smug look.

"Really!" Elizabeth said, her heart doing a little flip. "How did that happen?"

"After speaking to Gabe and spending a bit of time with Nathan, I felt that he would be a good fit for the town. So, when we got back from Brookfield, I spoke with Bill and Abigail. Then Bill sent a telegram to Patrick and Sam. I can relax and be happy knowing there is a trusted Mountie in that office again." Charlotte said.

"I'm relieved and happy because I was worried that they would put someone here that wouldn't appreciate what we have here," Elizabeth said with a smile, trying to be nonchalant. "I'm looking forward to meeting his niece."

"Bill said he would be here in two weeks," Charlotte said.

Arriving at their row house, Charlotte opened the door for Elizabeth and Jack. "When we get back from the café, would you be willing to help me grade essays later?"

"It's been a while, but I think I can still do it," Charlotte said with a big smile.

The train pulled into the station and came to a stop as Sophia was gathering her items in preparation for their arrival. She was kept from falling by a pair of masculine arms. Smiling, she looked up into the face of one Lucas Bouchard, whom she had met in Union City. They had sat together and talked almost the entire trip. He was a charming man, and she had a feeling that the women of Hope Valley would be beating down the door of the saloon for an opportunity to be on his arm.

"May I escort you to where you are going?" Lucas asked as he looked at the beautiful woman in his arms. He had noticed her right off with her unusual green eyes and blond hair swept into a low chignon. She had a mischievous sparkle in her eyes that was alluring and matched her vivacious personality.

Sophia Fontaine Leveaux was a woman that was destined to attract a man's attention no matter their age. It was unfortunate that she was the age of his own mother, or he might have made an attempt to win her heart. Still, she also had a bit of a naughty flirtatious side, and he enjoyed bantering with her even though it wouldn't go anywhere.

"I would enjoy that very much, Monsieur Bouchard." She replied.

"It would certainly be my pleasure Madame Leveaux," He had replied with a wink. "Once I have my business open, you must promise to be my dining companion on opening night.

"Oh, Mon Cher, you know a lady never commits herself without at least looking at the menu. But I shall think about it and let you know." Sophia said as she patted his cheek fondly, amusement dancing in her eyes. Before he could react further, she began walking to the door, giving him a wink and a saucy smile.

'If only she were younger,' He sighed. 'Her husband had been one lucky man while he lived.'

As they stepped down, Lucas found a porter and inquired about the location of where his car was being stored. He was in the process of arranging for their bags when Sophia stopped him. "Though I appreciate the ride into town, Monsieur Bouchard, I would prefer to leave my trunks here and have my son-in-law fetch them later so they aren't hanging about."

"Very good then, Madame Leveaux," Lucas said. "Then, if you are ready, I will escort you to my car, and then as soon as my bags are loaded, we will be on our way."

"Mr. Bouchard, If you could be kind and let me out at Abigail's café, I shall seek my daughter and her husband from there," Sophia said.

"That won't be a problem," Lucas said, giving her a charming smile. The ride didn't take long, and as promised, he stopped in front of Abigail's cafe. "There is my establishment Mrs. Leveaux if you have need of anything while you are here, following her lead of address.

"I shall keep that in mind, Mr. Bouchard," Sophia said with a wave as he drove away.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth and Charlotte stepped out of their rowhouse just as the Coulters were leaving theirs and walked to Abigail's together. They had just reached the town, and Rosemary was telling a funny story when she was interrupted by someone calling her name. She instantly froze and began frantically looking around. Elizabeth noticed that Charlotte groaned and began looking as well.

"Rosie! Rosie! Yoo hoo!" Sophia called out, waving at her daughter. "Mon Petit Chou, I'm over here!"

Rosemary finally spotted her mother and started running toward her.

"Mother! What are ..." Rosemary started to say but was engulfed in a hug by another older blond woman in a traveling suit. Lee and Elizabeth stood in shock. Charlotte immediately recognized the other person and commented, "Oh, brother."

Finally, the woman pulled back "My sweet Rosie, can't a mother come to see her daughter without an interrogation?"

"Of course, she can, I mean, you can," Rosemary said, a little flustered by her mother's sudden appearance. "I was just surprised. Oh, let me introduce you to my husband."

Lee stepped up and went to say hello, but she just gathered him to her in an exuberant hug similar to the one she gave her daughter and kissed both cheeks before releasing him.

As she pulled back from talking to Lee, she noticed Charlotte and chuckled. "Lottie, what a nice surprise."

"I could say the same about you, Sophie," Charlotte retorted as she adjusted Jack in her arms in preparation for Sophia's hug. It drew Sophia's attention to the little boy in Charlotte's arms.

"Oh, who is this?" Sophia asked.

"This is my grandson Jack Thornton Jr," Charlotte said, joy clear on her face.

"Such a handsome little man you are," Sophia said as she kissed Jack on the cheek, making him giggle.

"This is his mother, Elizabeth," Charlotte said with pride.

"It's so nice to meet you, Elizabeth, though I feel like I already know you from Rosie's letters. I'm so sorry for your loss, Charlotte, and yours too, my dear Elizabeth," Sophia said as she embraced them, taking care not to squish Jack in the process.

Thank you, Mrs. Leveaux." Elizabeth said. "It is nice to meet you finally."

"Thank you, my dear, but you must call me Sophia, and I will call you Elizabeth, mais oui?"

"That would be fine." Elizabeth chuckled.

"Where is your luggage, Mother?" Rosemary said. "We don't have a hotel since the saloon is still closed though we are waiting for the owner to arrive."

"Oh, but my dear girl, Mr. Bouchard arrived today with me. He gave me a ride from the train station. He is so charming and handsome." Sophia exclaimed and then began fanning herself with her hand. Lowering her voice as if sharing a secret, she added, "I daresay the ladies will be swooning and in danger of losing their hearts."

Turning to Lee and patting his cheek, she said, "Although he doesn't hold a candle to you, my handsome son-in-law," Lee blushed, completely at a loss for words for the first time ever. "As for my things, they are still at the train station, waiting to be picked up."

"Well, why don't we go to the café for dinner? That's where we were headed, and then after dinner, Lee will take the car and get your things." Rosemary suggested looping an arm through her mother's.

"That sounds wonderful, Rosie," Sophia chuckled.

As they all walked into the café, Bill looked up and was shocked. "Sophia, is that you?"

"Bill Avery aren't you a sight for sore eyes," Sophia said. "I had forgotten that Rosie told me you were here. From what I recall, you're the sheriff now?"

Seeing Abigail, Sophia went over and introduced herself. "Hello, I'm Sophia Fontaine Leveaux," Elizabeth was instantly transported back to the moment she met Rosemary when Sophia held out her hand and dipped into a bow in the same manner that her friend had. She giggled as she briefly exchanged glances with Rosemary, who had also recalled that day.

"Mother, this is Mayor Abigail Stanton."

"It's very nice to meet you, Madame Mayor, and please call me Sophia."

"Only if you call me Abigail, Sophia." Then turned to the group, "Why don't you all have a seat and catch up while Bill and I plate the food?"

Following Bill behind the privacy curtain into the kitchen, she noticed that he looked a little stressed. "Something wrong, Bill?"

"Abigail, I don't think I'm ready for this."

"Ready to eat dinner?" Abigail asked, confused.

"He gave her a mock glare as they plated food. "No, I'm not ready for the challenge of both of those women in town at the same time," Bill muttered.

Abigail chuckled," Are you talking about Charlotte and Sophia? What possible problem could there be with them both here together?"

"You have no idea, Abigail," Bill said with a long-suffering sigh. "Those two can be a formidable pair when needed and great to have in a tight spot.

"Why do I sense a but, Bill?" Abigail chuckled.

"Because they are also two of the most exasperating, stubborn, and headstrong women in all of Canada. Since they are the widows of my two best friends and Mountie brothers, I have a duty to keep them safe and out of trouble." Letting out a deep sigh. "On top of that, I am still trying to find information about Lucas Bouchard."

"My mother always told me not to borrow trouble, Bill." Abigail just smirked and said, "Grab those plates, and let's eat."

After everyone was settled at the table and eating, Rosemary said, "I wanted to have this dinner because Lee and I have an announcement. Mother, Abigail, Bill, we found out this morning that we are expecting a baby in September."

"Oh, Rosie," Sophia said, "I'm going to be a grandmother?"

"Yes, you are," Rosemary said.

"Well, then that settles it I simply must send for the rest of my things," Sophia said.

"Why would you do that," Charlotte asked.

"Because I intend to move to Hope Valley, of course," Sophia said as if it should be obvious. "Rosemary, we simply must look for a permanent place for me to live. Or maybe Lee can build a house for us."

Bill snickered and leaned over towards Abigail and whispered, "And so it begins."

Abigail rolled her eyes at him and then said, "Let me be the first to welcome you to Hope Valley, Sophia. Our town seems to be growing."

Rosemary suddenly recalled her mother talking about the saloon owner. "OOHH, Abigail," Rosemary said excitedly, "Mother said that Lucas Bouchard arrived in town today as well."

"You met Bouchard?" Bill said.

"Oh my, yes, a very handsome and charming fellow. He will have the ladies swooning. Though he wouldn't hold a candle to my Alain or Tom, Jack, and even you, Bill, when you wore the Serge. There's just something about a man wearing the Serge. Am I right, ladies?"

Elizabeth began thinking of Jack in his Serge with a pang, and a deep longing to be in his arms once again threatened to overwhelm her, and her eyes glistened. She cuddled her son closer and was so thankful that she had a beautiful part of her love. A few times, she had woken up after dreaming of Jack and would bring her son into the bed to just cuddle. Lee had even fashioned a wood frame that could serve as a barrier for safety.

But then a vision of another Mountie entered her head as she recalled how Nathan Grant had looked in his Serge, and her heart did that little skip again. Knowing that she was not even close to moving on from Jack, she ignored it. The fact that he would have a student in her class helped strengthen that resolve.

Elizabeth was snapped out of her reverie by Charlotte leaning over and asking if she was all right. She nodded and realized Sophia was speaking of the saloon owner, and her curiosity was piqued.

"He seems very well-read and well-traveled, too, I might add. We talked almost all the way from Union City.

"Where is he from? Did he mention anything about buying the saloon? Maybe tell you what he did for a living?" Bill asked. "How about his family? Was he living in Union City or somewhere else?"

Sophia giggled at his demeanor and admonished him. "Honestly, we simply had some pleasant conversation on the ride from Union City, Bill, not an interrogation. You are as bad as Lottie when it comes to strangers."

"Hey! Don't drag me into this, Sophie," Charlotte growled. "You are too trusting if you ask me."

"Perhaps, but you are like a bull in a China shop, Lottie," Sophia said as the familiar rivalry began to come to life again.

The next day the news traveled swiftly through Hope Valley about the Coulters expecting a baby and the arrival of her mother. Sophia immediately charmed anyone she met and quickly cemented a place in the heart of the town. Normally a flirtatious woman like her might have caused a rift between her and the other ladies, but her genuinely friendly and eccentric personality and her relationship to Rosemary prevented that. By the following day, word spread about the handsome new saloon owner finally arriving in town. Speculations were running wild as he remained hidden for the first few days. Florence and Molly were sure he had to be a scoundrel running from some sort of scandalous affair.

Bill, on the hand, felt he had to be running from the law or had nefarious plans and was feeling frustrated when nothing turned up.

Lucas finally came out of hiding a few days later; Gustave had told him about the rumors floating, and rather than be upset or insulted by rumors, he was rather amused by them.

Sneaking out the back door, he made his way to Abigail's Café for breakfast and to see for himself how they would react. He also had to order supplies for the Grand Opening and needed to meet with Lee Coulter about getting some renovations done. The previous owner had told him that the man would be the one to see. He briefly wondered if he would run into the lovely Mrs. Leaveaux while he went about his business for the day and maybe could even meet her daughter. With one last look in the mirror, he brushed off an invisible piece of lint and, satisfied with what he saw, headed out the door.

As he entered, he was surprised to see that it wasn't very busy, and he managed to find a seat without drawing attention. An older woman with a warm smile took his order and stopped to talk to an older gentleman sitting alone at the next table. Sitting at a table against the wall were two ladies of similar age to the woman and man. The one with black hair seemed like she had swallowed a lemon, or at least that's what her demeanor implied. The redhead with her seemed a bit more pleasant, but based on the intensity of the conversation, he could guess that they were engaging in gossip and, most likely, it was about him so he eavesdropped in on the conversation.

"Bill, you have been in a mood all week," Abigail said, watching him pick at his eggs. "This wouldn't have anything to do with you losing out on the saloon, would it?"

"This guy just swoops in out of nowhere, Abigail," Bill muttered. Abigail shook her head as she went to get Lucas the cup of tea he ordered.

"And how would he even know the saloon was for sale?" Florence asked.

"And he bought it sight unseen?" Molly asked.

"Now, this mystery man owns one of Hope Valley's largest establishments." Florence sneered.

"And who knows what he's going to do with it," Molly exclaimed, certain it was about to become a house of ill repute.

"Someone should have looked into this man before the sale was allowed to go through," Florence said.

"Florence, Tom was free to sell to whomever he wished," Abigail said as she returned with both his food and a cup of tea.

"Thank you." Lucas said, "I couldn't help but overhear. This new saloon owner sounds like a rogue and a scoundrel, and I, for one, think a tar and feathering might be in order."

Abigail chuckled, "You wouldn't happen to be this new owner by any chance? The one that Sophia has been talking about?"

"Lucas Bouchard, at your service." The older man just whipped around, glowering while the two ladies looked sheepish at having been caught.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Bouchard," Abigail said, smiling warmly.

Likewise." He replied. "I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage."

"I'm Abigail Stanton. Welcome to Hope Valley. As you can see, you have a lot of people interested in your plans for the saloon."

Choosing to ignore the comment on his plans, he simply said, "Ah, would that be the Abigail of cafe fame?"

"That would be me," she chuckled. The older man stood up and stood almost protectively next to Abigail, and Lucas saw the sidearm hanging from his belt. He had a feeling now who this gentleman was.

"Lucas Bouchard," Lucas said, holding out his hand.

Bill reached out to shake the younger man's hand and said, "Bill Avery." then he tightened his grip slightly and added, "Sheriff Bill Avery."

Lucas didn't miss the emphasis on the word Sheriff and recognized the unspoken challenge. He was completely unfazed by what the others were saying and was really enjoying pitting himself against the older man. He wasn't worried about the ladies and knew he could win over any woman with his charm, so his focus was on the sheriff.

With a smirk, Lucas retorted. "Always good to get off on the right foot with local law enforcement."

"I agree. So where do you hail from, Mr. Bouchard?" Bill queried though his body clearly conveyed his annoyance.

"The previous owner left pretty quickly, and, well, frankly, he didn't tell us much about you," Abigail explained, sensing the underlying tension and trying to diffuse it before Bill lost his temper and overstepped his boundary.

"There's not much to tell, really. I'm a bit of a tumbleweed." Lucas smirked.

"From?" Bill demanded.

"Here and there," Lucas said, enjoying toying with the older man.

"How did you hear about the saloon?" Bill shot out.

"I always keep an eye open for good investment opportunities," Lucas said, trying to maintain a straight face.

"So, you're a businessman." Bill surmised with a smirk.

"Among other things," Lucas replied to Bill's annoyance. He could see sparks of anger starting to build in the man's eyes and decided it was time to make an exit. As a gambler, one of the things he learned was to know when to walk away.

Turning to Abigail, he said, "Mrs. Stanton, thank you for an excellent breakfast, and by the way, as one business owner to another, how is the local mayor to work with?"

"Well, I think you will find her to be a very reasonable person." Abigail teased.

"Well, touché, Madam Mayor. I trust we'll be seeing a lot of each other."

"You can count on it," Bill growled.

"If you'll excuse me, I have to get back to my saloon. I have a grand opening to plan." Lucas said then, with a flourish, and addressing the whole room added, "Friday evening, the whole town is invited."

After the door closed behind him as he left, everyone looked at Bill. "Well, I'm guessing your eggs won't be tasting better any time soon." Abigail teased, looking at Bill on her way back to the kitchen.

After leaving the café, Lucas headed towards the Mercantile, needing to order supplies for the Grand Opening. He chuckled as he recalled how easy it had been to bait Sheriff Avery and get under his skin. Walking in, he saw an older, short, skinny gentleman that was bald on top sorting mail.

Walking over to the counter, Lucas took his list out of his pocket. "Hello, I need to place an order?" Then handed the list over that Gustav had given him.

"Shrimp? Caviar?" Ned called out, "That's pretty fancy stuff. Not much call for it around here. In fact, I don't think I have ever had anyone order it." Lucas saw the curiosity build in the man's eyes, clearly hoping for answers.

Lucas smiled, "For the grand opening of the Queen of Hearts saloon. I'm the new owner Lucas Bouchard, and everything will be on the house. I hope you'll be able to attend, Mr..."

"Free?" Ned inquired in disbelief. "

"Mr. Free. Lucas said.

"Oh no, it's-it's Yost. But I will be there."

Movement caught Lucas' eye as a woman stepped out from an alcove. "Hello. Lucas Bouchard, saloon proprietor."

He gave her a genteel nod and his most charming smile. She was beautiful and dressed as she was clearly not from Hope Valley. Her soulful brown eyes and splattering of freckles across the bridge of her nose appealed to him, but there was an intelligence and sassiness in her eyes that intrigued him.

"Fiona Miller. I operate the telephone switchboard." She replied, giving him a friendly smile.

"You're a handy person to know." He replied, making a mental note to learn everything about her, starting with her relationship status.

"Actually, I'm not sure how long I'll be here. The telephone company sent me to get everything up and running. I'm based in San Francisco." Fiona said, sensing the direction of his thoughts.

"San Francisco. I hear that's a wonderful town." Lucas said, trying to be nonchalant and not give anything away." He saw her eyes narrow a bit as if picking up on something, but in the next moment, it went away, so maybe he imagined it there.

"I think so. But then, I was born and raised there. Ever been?" Fiona asked.

Suddenly, feeling a little nervous, he knew it was time to go. "Forgive me, Ms. Miller, I really should be going. Lots to do. Hope to see you at the opening on Friday night."

"Perhaps," Fiona said, her eyes narrowed in contemplation as he practically ran out the door.

"What do you think that was about?" Ned said, looking confused.

"I'm not sure, but it looks like something sure spooked him," Fiona said before returning to the switchboard.

Ned just nodded in agreement and went to place the order.

TWO DAYS LATER

Abigail and Bill stood outside the Mercantile and saw the new sign for the Saloon arrive. As they watched, they saw him nailing a help-wanted sign to the post.

As if feeling eyes on him, Lucas looked over and saw them and waved. Abigail smiled and waved back, and said, "Well, it's good he's employing people." Lucas turned back to inspect some crates that had been delivered.

"Something about this guy doesn't sit right, Abigail," Bill scoffed.

"I think he's very charming." Abigail retorted. Since he had regularly come into the café for meals, she had been able to observe him a bit. He even brought Sophia in for a lunch the previous day. Sophia had been right about the reaction of the women in Hope Valley. Just last night, she had heard Faith and Fiona discussing him with Clara when they had dinner together.

"He's too charming if you ask me," Bill groused.

"Maybe, if we were comparing him to you. Look, Mr. Bouchard hasn't done anything other than buy a saloon that you and Henry wanted. With the amount of time that you have put into investigating him, I would venture to say there probably isn't a smoking gun somewhere since all you have are dead ends."

"It is only a matter of time, Abigail," Bill muttered.

Abigail rolled her eyes in exasperation and said, "Oh, Bill. Give him a chance."

"That's just it, Abigail. A chance to do what, exactly?" he said, refusing to be swayed.

Becoming annoyed, Abigail turned to Bill. "How about a chance to get up and running without judgment."

"Did you hear his responses to my questions?" Bill exclaimed in disbelief.

"You mean where you interrogated him right after being caught speculating on his character?" Abigail countered, crossing her arms.

"Look, I'm just trying to do my job. I am the Sherriff of Hope Valley, and a former Mountie Inspector, remember?"

"Oh, I remember, all right, because you have never let us forget it. However, as the Mayor of Hope Valley, I am telling you to back off, for now anyway, and give him a chance to prove himself." Abigail demanded, having reached the end of her patience.

"Are you pulling rank on me again, Mayor Stanton?" Bill said, stunned by her order as he watched her retreat.

"Whatever works, Bill," Abigail said over her shoulder as she headed to the café while Bill stood there in shock with his mouth hanging open.

Lee sees Bill standing there and just watching Abigail walk back to the café, her posture stiff. He decided to walk over and see what was wrong. "Are you okay, Bill?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," Bill muttered before stomping off toward the Jail, making Lee suddenly wish he had minded his own business. 'I'm getting as bad as Rosie,' he thought, chuckling as he returned to his office.