Over the next few days, Elizabeth began to notice that Allie still had difficulty working in teams, as evidenced by her working on word problems alone instead of with her team. Then at recess, Elizabeth had come to check on the students and Allie and noticed that Allie wasn't playing with them. Looking around, she spotted her reading her book off to the side.

Turning to the side, she looked at the title of the book. "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland! That's one of my favorites—the story of a curious young girl who set out in search of a fantastic new world and almost lost her head for it."

Allie giggled. "It's mine too."

"You sure you don't want to go play with the other children?"

"No thanks. I'm good here."

"Allie, I know it's been hard for you, moving around from town to town, before you have the chance to make friends, you have to pick up and leave again."

"I don't mind it. I like being alone. It's easier."

"Something tells me you didn't always feel that way. You're funny and intelligent, and anyone would love to be your friend."

She could tell Allie refuse to believe it. "I see the way they look at me. Besides, I wouldn't know what to say."

"Just be you. Now, come on. Let's go see what the others are up to."

"No thanks, Mrs. Thornton. I'm good here."

Elizabeth didn't push her and just let her be, but she knew that she and Nathan needed to have another discussion. It hurt to see sweet Allie holding herself at bay from the other children.

Nathan stopped by after school at her request and could see that she was worried. "Nathan, first, I'm not wanting to single Allie out. I truly care about her and all my students. She has been doing great academically, and you should be very proud of her. I know I am."

"Elizabeth, if there is one thing I know is that you truly want the best for her. You're the first teacher that has ever wanted to reach out to her and help her. That was why the other day, I started to walk out. I had heard endless statements that I should leave the Mounties or that I am always failing her, or she is a bad kid and can't be helped."

"During a math assignment where they were to work in teams, and while Allie did complete the assignment very quickly, she did it alone instead of maybe helping her other team members with them. At recess, she still doesn't really engage with the other kids but chooses to read. She has even said that she prefers to be alone because it is easier, and she is used to it."

"I see," Nathan replied sadly, his own concern evident.

"I'm not just teaching my students English and Math. I want them to learn how to get along in the world. And part of that is learning how to work together."

"Okay. I agree with that. So, how can I help?" Nathan asked.

"Well, perhaps if I knew more about Allie, I could help address her needs.

"Uh, what do you mean exactly?"

"For starters, could you tell me about her family?"

"My sister passed when Allie was four. Her dad, he... he wasn't around much. He eventually just left.

I don't know, maybe the thought of raising her on his own scared him off."

"And what about her grandparents?"

"That's just my mom. And she's too old to raise a young girl."

"So, it's really just been you and Allie moving around a lot."

"Yeah. Yeah, that's her in a nutshell, Elizabeth."

"Allie has experienced a lot of loss. I believe she pushes people away before they have the chance to get close to her."

"Why would she do something like that?" Nathan asked.

"To protect herself? If she pushes people away, she doesn't have to worry... She doesn't have to worry about losing them." Elizabeth couldn't help feeling that she had been doing the same thing. Nathan had been having a similar realization as well.

"Okay, all right, well, what do you suggest?" Nathan asked, wanting the information as much for himself as Allie.

"Just keep doing what you're doing, and I'll do whatever I can to ensure Allie feels valued and included in school.

"She's a very bright young girl. We won't give up on her, I promise, Nathan."

That day set the tone for a blooming friendship as Allie began to bloom and come out of her shell. She was a social butterfly and had somehow become the ringleader within the class as her true personality began to shine. She would stay at Elizabeth's when Nathan had to go on missions. Over time Nathan and Elizabeth continued to be there for one another, offering support whenever needed.

It was the night of the Founders Day dance, Elizabeth enjoyed the conversation as she, Nathan, and Bill sat at the table talking. Laura agreed to spend the night so that she and Julie could go to the dance because Julie would return home in a few short days. Allie was having a sleepover with Anna at Emily's house.

Julie was due back in Hamilton for her Art Exhibition and had only come to Hope Valley for Jack's christening since neither her parents nor the Thorntons could make it.

It was getting late, and Elizabeth was thinking of heading back a little early when she saw Fiona and Julie whisper to Rosemary.

"Uh Oh," Elizabeth murmured. Before she could explain further, Rosemary asked for everyone's attention to make an announcement.

"This will be the last dance of the evening, and it will be Ladies Choice."

Elizabeth panicked momentarily. She had shared a few dances with Bill and Lee, but both were already taken. She knew any moment that Nathan would also be spoken for, and she would be sitting alone. Gathering her courage as she saw a few determined ladies heading toward Nathan, she smiled and, holding out a hand, took a leap of faith. "Constable, would you be willing to help a lady in need?"

Nathan's smile grew as he replied. "It would be my pleasure, Lizbeth."

Then taking her proffered hand, he escorted her past a shocked Lucas, who stood standing by the bar as others began partnering up on the dance floor. Just like that day in the library when their hands brushed, and they felt a spark, it was evident now. No words were spoken aloud, but their eyes connected, and everyone else ceased to exist. Nathan knew that he was deeply in love with Elizabeth, but he couldn't help worrying that he might be dishonoring his fallen brother somehow, so his feelings remained unspoken.

A little while later, Nathan walked home with Elizabeth since Julie wanted to stay a little later and come home with Rosemary and Lee.

The four of them had grown close, and they were unaware that the town was anxiously awaiting a courting announcement. It was obvious to everyone else that they were a perfect match and meant to be a blended family after facing great tragedy and loss. Well, everyone except one man who was also trying to woo Elizabeth. They prayed that Elizabeth wouldn't be swept away by his grand gestures.

Then on a cold, dreary day and a failed Prisoner transport, Elizabeth's heart was revealed to the world and, more importantly, to Nathan where it belonged.

She had come running up in time for Carson to pronounce the Mountie deceased. Before that grief could hit, she felt a comforting tug urging her to turn around. As she obeyed it, she was rewarded to see Nathan and Newton slowly walking towards her a look of devastation on his face. Suddenly all she could think of was comforting him, her heart and mind in agreement that he was her lifetime love, and she was determined to hold on as tightly as she could.

Nathan felt her embracing him, holding him tightly, and whispering words of comfort. He embraced her just as tight and felt the tears that had been welling up begin to fall as they stood there in the middle of the road, not caring as the rest of the town moved on. Bill approached and whispered to them to move toward his office for privacy.

Before they could move, Elizabeth stood on tiptoe and whispered in his ear. "I love you, Nathan, more than I ever thought possible."

Nathan looked down at her in wonder, unable to speak as they made their way inside Bill's office. He wasn't sure that he heard her words correctly, but he hoped he did. "Lizbeth …. Wha…. Did you just say…."

Elizabeth smiled at him, tears falling down. "I said I love you, Nathan Grant, and I'm hoping that you feel the same way."

Taking advantage of the privacy, Nathan touched his lips to hers, gently letting her know that he did.