Nathan woke up the next morning fully rested. Today, Judge Avery would hear arguments to hear the case. Vincent is moving for the case to be dismissed on the grounds that these agreements were made verbally and aren't valid. While that might be a good argument, Nathan found a loophole to the law that if a verbal agreement was made with multiple parties, that the agreement stands.
Nathan decided to get up early to do the chores to give Allie a break. Nathan still couldn't believe he lost his cool in the cabin yesterday. He never loses his cool. But the thought of Allie in danger, made him scared. And if he was honest with himself, the thought of Elizabeth in danger made him scared too.
After doing the chores, Nathan went into the kitchen to make breakfast. Nathan was ready to plate the food when Allie walked into the kitchen.
"Good morning." Nathan said with a smile.
"I'm sorry that I didn't get up early to do the chores." Allie said.
"That alright. You've been doing the chores for the last couple of days. It was my turn." Nathan said.
Allie sat at the kitchen table. Nathan brought her food and his food over to the table.
"What's going on with your case today?" Allie asked pouring syrup on her pancakes.
"Judge Avery is deciding if the case should move forward." Nathan said.
"And If it doesn't?" Allie asked.
"Then the case dismissed." Nathan said.
"That's sad." Allie said.
Nathan nodded.
"Since it is half day at school today, can we go on a picnic for lunch?" Allie asked.
Nathan smiled.
"Of course. My hearing is at ten and should only take a few minutes. I'll pack a lunch after." Nathan said.
"Can you pack a lot of food? I get hungry after school." Allie said.
Nathan raised his eyebrow. He was suspicious of Allie.
"I can do that. But why so much food?" Nathan asked.
"I'm a growing woman, Uncle Nathan!" Allie exclaimed.
Nathan laughed.
"Okay. I'll pack a lot of food." Nathan said.
"Good." Allie said.
After breakfast, Nathan and Allie got ready for their days. They said goodbyes and went their separate ways.
At 10:00, Judge Avery and Nathan were the only ones sitting in the courtroom. Judge Avery looked at his watch and scoffed. Suddenly, Vincent and Lucas walked through the door.
"Apologies for being late your honor." Vincent said.
"I don't like people late to my court." Judge Avery said sharply.
"I apologize your honor. It won't happen again." Vincent said.
"If it does, I will rule in favor of the Plaintiff." Judge Avery said.
"Yes, your honor." Vincent said. His face was bright red.
"Good. Now, I've read both your briefs but I want a short argument on why or why not this case should be dismissed." Judge Avery said.
"Your honor, the case should be dismissed as it has no basis. The agreements were made verbally and can be changed anytime according to Code 750 of Tenants law." Vincent said.
"But Code 750 should not be considered. The higher courts have upheld that if there were more parties involved in a verbal contract, then the contract stands." Nathan said.
"Please sit down. Both of you." Judge Avery said
Both Nathan and Vincent sat down.
"While you both make compelling arguments, and after reading the law, I am ruling in Mr. Grant's favor. The trial will commence at the end of the month." Judge Avery said.
"Your honor, I request that you recuse yourself. It seems like there is a conflict." Vincent said.
Nathan watched as Judge Avery's fac turned to a normal color to red.
"Mr. Smith. You listen to me. The only relationship I have with Mr. Grant is when we say good morning to each other. Mr. Grant has been more than professional. Request denied." Judge Avery said.
Vincent sat down with his head down. With no more business to attend to, Judge Avery adjourned the meeting.
After court, Vincent told Nathan he would be back for the trial but hopefully they can reach a settlement before then. Nathan headed over to Lee's office to use his phone in privacy. Nathan made a few phone calls to find out what Lucas was hiding about Vancouver.
After making the phone calls, Nathan headed home to pack for the picnic. Nathan changed out of his suit and into something more comfortable. Nathan packed extra food as requested by Allie. Nathan had his picnic basket in one arm and a picnic blanket in a bag that he tied to his back.
Nathan went over to the school. The children were just getting out. Allie ran toward Nathan and hugged him. Elizabeth was not too far behind.
"It was so sweet of you to invite Jack and I on the picnic with you." Elizabeth said. Nathan was slightly confused but understood why Allie wanted Nathan to pack extra food.
"The more the merrier." Nathan said.
"I just need to go get Jack from home." Elizabeth said.
"It would be faster by horse. Would you like a ride?" Nathan offered.
Elizabeth smiled.
"That would be faster. Let me gather my things." Elizabeth said. After gathering her things, Nathan helped Elizabeth onto Newton. Elizabeth was saddled in the back and Nathan sat in front of her.
"You can hold onto my shoulders." Nathan suggested.
"Thank you." Elizabeth said. Elizbeth put her hands on his shoulders. But as they were riding to her house, her hands left Nathan's shoulders and ended up on his chest. Nathan wondered if Elizabeth could feel his heart beating fast as her hands sat on his chest.
Once they were at Elizabeth's house, Nathan and Allie waited for Elizabeth to get Jack. Elizabeth was carrying Jack in her arms. Nathan helped Elizabeth onto Newton and to make sure she and Jack were safe. Once they were secured, Nathan mounted Newton.
"Where are we going?" Nathan asked Allie.
"I thought we could go somewhere that Mom and I used to go to." Allie said.
Nathan smiled.
"Lead the way." Nathan said.
After a twenty-minute ride that led outside Hope Valley, they arrived in a field. The field was filled with marigolds of different colors.
"Allie, this is beautiful." Elizabeth said.
"It is." Nathan said.
"Mom and I would come out here sometimes. We would forget any problems and talk about the future." Allie said.
Nathan gave a sad smile. Just thinking about Colleen sitting out here thinking about her future made Nathan sad. Nathan felt someone rub is back.
"It's okay, Nathan." Elizabeth said. It was like she knew what he was thinking. He reached out his hand and touched hers. That soft touch generated a spark that they both felt.
Allie showed them a place to lay the blanket out. Nathan took out the food and passed it out. After eating lunch, Allie took Jack out into the field to look at flowers. Elizabeth laid on her back and looked up at the sky.
Elizabeth gave out a sigh.
Nathan laughed.
"Is that a good or bad sigh." Nathan said sitting beside her.
"A good one." Elizabeth said. Elizabeth pulled Nathan's shoulder down so he could lay next to her. Nathan laid down next to her.
"Thank you for earlier." Nathan said.
"You're welcome. I know how much it can hurt to think about someone you love not having a future." Elizabeth said.
"Do you ever think about the future?" Nathan asked.
"I did everyday with Jack when he was alive. But I haven't lately. I try to stay in the present with Little Jack. I guess I'm not a dreamer anymore." Elizabeth said.
"I don't think that's true." Nathan said.
"Why do you think that?" Elizabeth said.
"I think you are just scared to dream. Because if you were to dream and it didn't come true, the pain would be unbearable." Nathan said.
Elizabeth turned her head to Nathan.
"Maybe you're right." Elizabeth said.
Nathan turned to the side and propped himself up with his elbow.
"Close your eyes." Nathan said.
"Why?" Elizabeth asked.
"Just trust me." Nathan said. Elizabeth closed her eyes.
"Now. Picture your life five years from now. Where do you want to be?" Nathan asked.
Elizabeth smiled.
"Living on Jack's land with someone I love." Elizabeth said. Elizabeth opened her eyes. Their eyes locked.
"Your heart was pounding fast earlier on the ride over to my house." Elizabeth said.
"My heart always pounds fast when I am around you. Doesn't yours?" Nathan asked.
"Yes." Elizabeth croaked out.
"Maybe we should do something about it." Nathan said leaning into Elizabeth.
"Look what we found!" Allie shouted. Nathan stood up and Elizabeth sat up.
"What did you find?" Nathan asked.
"A lady bug!" Allie said.
"Nice." Nathan said. He looked over at Elizabeth.
"What were you two doing?" Allie asked.
"Just talking." Elizabeth said. She was blushing
"Yes. Just talking." Nathan said.
"We should probably get going. I need to feed Jack and put him to bed." Elizabeth said.
"Right." Nathan said.
Nathan and Elizabeth folded the blanket together and their hands touched again. They quickly looked away from each other.
After dropping Elizabeth and Jack off at home, Nathan and Allie rode back together.
"Do you like Mrs. Thornton?" Allie asked.
"She's nice." Nathan said.
"That's not what I mean." Allie said.
"Allie. Mrs. Thornton and I are just friends. She still misses her husband." Nathan said.
"She seems a lot happier since you showed up." Allie said.
"That doesn't mean anything." Nathan said.
"If you say so, Uncle Nathan." Allie said with a knowing smile.