Nathan just held her thinking about what she had said about Emily, and it didn't sit well with him. 'When Charlotte had ridden up to their home on Trouble sans Elizabeth, he had a gut feeling something had happened. When he saw her walking out of the church, he noticed her smile was gone. When he saw her speak to Charlotte, Nathan's gut wrenched as they quickly left, and his mother looked like she was going to cry; he wanted to go after them but knew it wasn't his place.

On the ride home, his mother had told Allie that Elizabeth had been tired, but they would see them in a short while to comfort her.

Opal had completely missed what was going on with her mother and served to distract Allie from asking questions. Once the two girls were safely ensconced in Allie's room, playing dolls, the four adults walked over to the Gazebo. While still in sight of the house, it provided privacy to talk out of hearing of the children.

"Where's Elizabeth?" Moira asked.

"As soon as we got home, she said she wasn't up for lunch today and went on a ride without even changing clothes," Charlotte said. "Opal is having nightmares about losing Jack, and I think Lizzie is struggling with what to do about it since she is still dealing with feelings about their breakup. But I get the feeling something else happened today that compounded things."

"Why don't I go check on her," Nathan suggested. "Do you know where she could have ridden off to?"

Charlotte had given him the information, and before long, he and Newton were on their way. He had seen their knowing looks and smiles as he left. He also knew they wanted nothing more than for him and Elizabeth to be a blended family with their girls. Sitting here holding Elizabeth as she cried felt natural, and suddenly, Nathan knew it was also something he wanted too. However, Elizabeth needed time, and he was determined that she would have it because she was worth waiting for. So, for now, he would be the friend she needed.'

"Thank you for coming, Nathan," Elizabeth said. "I feel better now that I've finally allowed myself to release all the pent-up feelings I have been suppressing."

"You are welcome, Lizbeth," Nathan said. As Elizabeth sat up, he immediately removed his arm from around her, not wanting her to feel uncomfortable. Elizabeth felt a little sad and bereft as he did, making her wonder. She panicked on the heels of that thought, knowing she was not ready for anything, and Nathan was becoming very important to her.

"I should let you get back so our girls don't worry," Elizabeth said. "Can you let Charlotte know that I'll have dinner ready?"

Being a Mountie, Nathan was very observant, and knew something about him spooked her. Rather than try to push, he decided to do as she requested. Besides, she was right that if he was also gone, it might send out a message to the girls that something was wrong or raise their hopes in another area.

"I can do that, Elizabeth. What are your plans?" Nathan asked.

"I'm going to sit here a little longer, and then I guess I'm going to take advice from my favorite poet and do what I am afraid to do,"

"Emerson!" Nathan said with a smile.

"That's right!" Elizabeth looked at him in shock.

Nathan laughed and said, "Don't look so surprised!"

"I'm sorry, Nathan," Elizabeth blushed and then giggled. "It just surprised me, and I meant no offense. I've never met a man that would admit to liking poetry, though, in the very short time I have known you, I can see you are not like most men."

"I think I'll take that as a good thing and say thank you," Nathan retorted with a grin.

"Oh, it was meant to be," Elizabeth assured him. It had come out a little breathless as his grin was the crooked one, accompanied by a mischievous sparkle in his eyes that had become a favorite.

"Well then, I will leave you to your thoughts," Nathan said, mounting Newton in one motion that was a common characteristic with Mounties. Jack had taught her to mount that way when teaching her to ride. She briefly thought of Sargent and how she missed him and his partner.

"Lizbeth," Nathan wasn't sure what made him decide to speak up at that moment, whether instinct or something else, but he couldn't stop himself. "I want you to know that I realize you have a lot on your plate and are still processing your feelings for Jack. Despite what our families may want, I am here as your friend and don't want you to feel uncomfortable or that I may get the wrong idea. Plus, we have our girls to protect, and both of us are dealing with major life changes too. I won't lie and say I don't feel a deep connection to you, and maybe down the road…." Nathan stopped as he entered a territory he didn't want to go to yet. "So, let's just relax, focus on getting to know each other as friends, and see where it leads. It will only deepen our connection and be a great foundation to build on. What do you think?"

The smile that Elizabeth gave him felt like the sun was coming out. "I would like that, Nathan. I agree with everything that you said. I must admit It was so easy to open up and talk to you, but I was also worried about sending the wrong idea. I'm so broken inside, Nathan, and I don't want to hurt you or Allie in any way."

"For the record, I find it easy to talk with you too, Elizabeth. Don't stay out here too long. Oh, and in the spirit of friendship, why don't you join Gabe and me at the café in town after you take care of registering Opal? I would offer to walk with you, but we don't want to send the wrong message or give people a reason to gossip about us." Nathan said.

"I would like that, although I'm not looking forward to dealing with Miss Dixon," Elizabeth said, affecting a stuffy accent that made both of them chuckle. With a final wave, he was off, and Elizabeth stood there enjoying the view as he did. She was interrupted by a gentle nudge and the feel of whiskers against her cheek as Sweetie ventured over to check on her.

"I'm okay, Boy," Elizabeth said as she turned and began stroking his nose and scratching his ears the way he loved. A few minutes later, with a heavy sigh, she mounted and headed toward home, no closer to answers than when she came, but her heart was lighter.

In the meantime, Nathan arrived back home just as lunch was ready. After assuring Charlotte and his mother that Elizabeth was okay, they ate. Gabe was happy to occupy the girls after lunch so that Nathan could explain to Charlotte and his mother what had upset Elizabeth so much.

"She told Lizzie that her job was to ensure Opal came to school on time, did her work, and behaved?" Charlotte asked, trying to wrap her head around what Nathan told them.

"Yes, along with telling her that if she required Elizabeth's assistance in the future, she would let her know," Nathan said. "Elizabeth had been wracking her brain on what she may have done since Emily told her that while she would refer to her as Elizabeth, Elizabeth needed to address her as Miss Dixon. Ma, have you noticed anything when you dropped Allie off, or have any other parents complained about her?"

"Only thing I have noticed is that she does not permit her parents in the classroom unless it is for a scheduled parent-teacher conference," Moira said.

"Even before or after school?" Charlotte asked.

"No, she stands outside, and unless it is hello or goodbye, she won't discuss anything about the students if you have a question. If there is an issue, she will direct you to write a note and send it with your child." Moira said.

"Did Lizzie tell her she was a certified teacher and Opal's former one?" Charlotte asked Nathan.

"From what Lizbeth said, Emily didn't even give her a chance when she asked to meet to discuss Opal's records," Nathan replied.

"I think I need to go with Lizzie in the morning to register Opal," Charlotte said, eyes narrowed.

"Actually, Nathan, I will be taking Allie tomorrow, and we will accompany you, Charlotte. I want to see if there is anything I can pick up on," Moira said firmly.

MEANWHILE, IN WHISTLING PINES

True to his word Joshua stopped by to pick up Jack, and they walked over for dinner. To his shock and delight, it appeared that Joshua was telling the truth about Serena, though on the heels of that was guilt. Jack had excused himself just after they finished dessert, intending to go on a walk to clear his head.

"Jack," Serena called out. "Hold up a moment,"

Turning, he saw the lovely woman striding towards him. "Can I help you with something?" he asked, confused that she would seek him out.

"I was about to ask you the same," Serena said. "It is clear that something is bothering you and has been for a few days. I'm told I am a good listener if you want to share,"

Jack just looked at her and saw the genuineness of her offer and the kindness reflected in her eyes. But somehow, taking a walk with her to talk was something he couldn't do because it didn't feel right.

Seeing his discomfort, she pointed toward a swing in their side garden away from the house for privacy but would allow them to see anyone approaching. "Would you feel comfortable sitting there?"

He gave her a grateful smile, and her breath caught as his dimples appeared. Neither knew it, but they were embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead to happiness and each other.

As they sat there, she could see the pain in his features and recognized it for what it was. Heartache and longing. Two things that she was familiar with after the death of her husband. "Jack, I sense that whatever is bothering you is deeply personal, so if you would rather not discuss it, I understand. But know that my offer still stands, and as you know, I am not a gossip, especially something that isn't my story to tell."

His eyes jumped to hers in shock at her words, followed by his eyes glistening. "When my husband was killed until just before you showed up, I carried a lot of pain around, and at times I still do, but I have found that talking does help. I'm sensing that this is about a girl that you left back home or that broke your heart?"

Jack didn't say anything at first but then shook his head. "I broke hers," he mumbled. "Not intentionally, of course, but I broke hers and failed her and all the others I was supposed to protect."

"Jack, I know this will sound strange and unbelievable, especially coming from me," Serena chuckled. "But in the short time since you arrived, I have seen the kind of Mountie you are, and I can't believe that you failed as much as you think. I have watched you put our town first, and for the first time in a long time, I and the other townspeople feel safe."

"If you knew the truth, you wouldn't feel that way," Jack said.

"Then tell me the truth, and let's see which of us is right?" Serena said, clasping one of his hands in hers. Jack was surprised by her gesture but knew it for what it was, encouragement and comfort. It allowed him to start by talking about Doug and his death which surprisingly was more straightforward than the topic of Elizabeth. After he finished with Doug, he began to discuss Elizabeth and Hope Valley.

By the time he was finished, he felt a bit lighter though the pain concerning Elizabeth was still there.

After he was done, they sat there silently for a few minutes before Serena spoke. "Well, I agree with everyone else about Doug, and that wasn't your fault. It just happened to him that they selected him to take your place, and he decided to go." Serena was glad that she had followed Jack outside because she was gaining an even better understanding of the impeccable Mountie and man of integrity he was causing her to lower the rest of her walls. She wasn't quite ready to move on from her loss, but she wanted to pursue a friendship with this man that annoyed her and made her laugh, sometimes simultaneously. A man that made her feel alive again after her profound loss of Will.

"As for your Elizabeth, maybe you are feeling this pain because there is unfinished business between you. There is also little Opal to consider who, by your own words, adores you. I won't sugarcoat that what you said wouldn't be hurtful and that you probably deeply injured her. Any of us would struggle with the words that were spoken, although I can also see the humor in the situation."

"Humor?" Jack said, raising his voice. "How can you see the humor in the situation where somebody gets hurt."

"Jack, calm down; I meant no offense," Serena said, laying a hand on his arm to keep him from getting up. "You judged Elizabeth based on preconceived notions that she would never last in the frontier and was a Hamilton princess. The humor stems from the fact that I and the others felt the same way about you. That you and Joshua were just some pretty boys looking to get medals on your chest to do nothing and would submit to Crenshaw just like the others shortly after you arrived."

Suddenly he got a taste of how Elizabeth felt when he began to refer to her as a Hamilton princess. Yet another thing that he would need to apologize for.

"Tell me more about her. If you felt such a strong dislike for her, how did you end up courting her?" Serena asked.

Jack chuckled and told her of their early days and how Elizabeth proved herself day in and day out, from entering the mine despite his disapproval to jumping on a horse to save him from a flash flood and everything in between.

"Oh, and then there was the time after we hadn't been courting long, she returned from Hamilton, and a single father needed someone to watch over his children and the homestead. Elizabeth didn't bat an eyelash and volunteered." Jack smiled and shook his head as memories of their happy times filled his mind.

"Whatever happened to Rosemary? Did she leave town after you chose Elizabeth?"

"She married Lee Coulter, and they live next door to Elizabeth, and she and Rosemary are as thick as thieves.

So, let me get this straight; your two exes are now best friends?" Serena asked incredulously.

"I know it does sound crazy, even to me, and it's my life," Jack laughed.

"I hate to agree with you, but yes," Serena said, laughing too. "It seems that you need to reconcile your past before you can move forward. I can't tell you what to do or how, but may I suggest you start with Abigail and Bill and save Elizabeth for last?"

"Thanks, Serena," Jack said. "I'll call them tomorrow,"

"Why wait? I happen to know that the operator will make allowances for special occasions and special people." Serena replied. Seeing his anxiety, she added, "Why put off to tomorrow what you can do today?"

Jack just rolled his eyes at the cliché and smiled but didn't move.

Serena crossed her arms and said, "I have many others, so unless you want to hear them all, you may as well come on and do it now. Maybe you'll get a good night's sleep and be in a better mood tomorrow."

Sensing the truth of her words, he nodded, and they walked back into the house to begin the process.I have many others, so you may as well come on and do it now. Maybe you'll get a good night's sleep and be in a better mood tomorrow."

Sensing the truth of her words, he nodded, and they walked back into the house to begin the process.