Bill found himself pacing the boardwalk out front of the Mounted Police Office. The last thing he wanted was for Superintendent Hargraves to show up in Hope Valley and no one to be at the office to meet him. Not that the man had given them a time. Hargraves had simply set the meeting.

Bill still hadn't figured out what was going on with the whole situation. He had contacted Commissioner Anders to tell him about this meeting. The Commissioner's instructions had remained the same for Nathan, to cooperate with any requests made by Superintendent Hargraves. He had also added that they were looking into things but were not ready to take any action at this time.

That did not sit well with Bill. The last thing he wanted was for Nathan to go down for something that was not his fault.

Knowing that just about anything could happen on rounds, Bill suggested that Nathan skip his afternoon ones.

"If you are late for this meeting, Andrew will very likely make a big deal over it. Go pick up Allie and then just stick to the office this afternoon."

"I am not going to stop doing my job because Hargraves wants to rehash events he has heard about many times before, Bill."

With that said, Nathan had mounted Newton and headed out. The man's I will try to be back in plenty of time for the meeting did nothing to reassure Bill. When you had a reason to be back at a certain time was exactly when out of the ordinary things happened.

Bill could not control Nathan's actions. Perhaps some time alone was how Nathan needed to deal with this. Still, Bill had almost tacked Hero and went out with him. If he was with Nathan, Bill could have some influence on making sure the man got back to town for the four o'clock meeting. However, it also meant that when Hargraves arrived, no one would be at the Mounted Police Office. Bill had no intention of allowing the man free access to the office.

Taking out his pocket watch, Bill looked at it. The position of the hands indicated that it was two twenty-five. Still over an hour before the scheduled meeting. Nathan was probably out at the school house waiting for his niece. Bill hoped that Nathan might change his mind. That perhaps after picking Allie up at school, he would simply come back to the office.

Deep down, Bill knew that was not going to happen.

"What are you doing, pacing outside the jail, Bill?" Curt asked as he walked by. "Lucas is still out of town, so you do not need to keep an eye on the saloon."

Bill felt annoyance at the lighthearted jab. Maybe he did tend to keep a closer eye on Bouchard than most others, but that was the saloon owner's own fault. "This and that" and "here and there" were answers that would pique any lawman's suspicion.

"Superintendent Hargraves will be arriving today," Bill replied. There was no reason to keep that visit a secret. People would not miss the superintendent's serge when he came into town. "I just wanted to be here to greet him."

Curt nodded. "Have a good day, Bill," he said with a wave as he continued on his way.

Bill looked at the saloon, really taking it in for the first time. Where had Bouchard gotten to and was the man planning on coming back? Personally, Bill would prefer that he didn't but he wasn't sure that would be for the best. He had a feeling that even if Elizabeth figured out her feelings for Nathan, settling things for certain between herself and Bouchard would be for the best as well.

Bill returned to his pacing. Every time he heard hoofbeats he would turn in their direction, looking for Nathan or Hargraves. Eventually, he spotted the superintendent approaching the office.

"Good day, Andrew," Bill said, his tone neutral as he greeted the man he used to consider a good friend. These days, he wasn't so sure. The man had seemed to change and if he was out to take an innocent man down, then Bill planned on stopping him, past friendship aside.

"Judge Avery," Andrew greeted, reigning in his horse in front of Bill. "You never struck me as the judge type, Bill."

"Well, honestly, I never thought of myself as the judge type until the position was offered. I got to admit, it has its advantages."

Andrew nodded. "Constable Grant around?" he asked.

"He's out on rounds. He said he would be back for the meeting."

"He better be."

"Would you like a cup of coffee while you wait, Andrew?" Bill nodded toward the office. "I got a pot on. Made it strong, just like you used to like it."

Hargraves paused before nodding. Dismounting, he tied his horse's reins around the hitching post and looked to Bill. "A cup of coffee would help wash down the trail dust."

Bill nodded as he motioned the Mountie officer to follow him. Just don't be late, Nathan, Bill thought as he headed into the office.

At exactly two-thirty, Elizabeth dismissed her students. The typical flurry of activity occurred, with children gathering their things and talking in excited voices before rushing out the door. Elizabeth felt a smile crease her lips as she gathered up her own materials. Since she was heading straight to Jack's land, she had foregone her typical basket today, opting instead to carry a bag with a canteen and her journal and pen. Slinging the bag over her shoulder, she headed out of the schoolhouse with the last of her students.

Her eyes fell on Nathan. He'd come to pick up Allie as was his custom. They were smiling and talking, and though the scene looked like a happy one, there was an underlying tension about Nathan that was impossible to miss. Automatically, Elizabeth's feet carried her down the steps and straight toward him.

He saw her moments before she reached him. Even a few feet away, Elizabeth could see the dark circles under his eyes. When she stopped at his side, Allie glanced between the two adults. "I'm just going to see if I can walk home with Opal," she said to no one in particular. She dashed away, and Nathan and Elizabeth were alone.

Nathan's eyes were guarded, but he smiled. "Hello, Elizabeth."

"Hi," she replied. "Are you alright?"

His lips pressed together. "I don't know," he said, his tone slightly defeated.

Elizabeth felt a prick of guilt. "Is it because of me?" she asked, hardly daring to meet his gaze. She almost jumped when she felt his gentle hand on her shoulder.

"I know you're still sorting through your feelings," Nathan said quietly. The pressure from his hand increased a little, his eyes unfocusing momentarily. "I have a meeting soon that may impact my future."

"With who?" Elizabeth asked.

Nathan inhaled before looking her in the eyes. "Superintendent Hargraves."

Eyes widening, Elizabeth stared at him. "The man who made Jack go on that training mission?"

Nathan nodded slowly. Elizabeth's eyes sparked. "Why would meeting with him impact your future?"

He shook his head. "I probably shouldn't talk about it, Elizabeth. I don't know exactly what's going on. I just know he has questions for me about the prisoner transfer case."

Elizabeth frowned. "I thought that case was closed."

"It is," Nathan said slowly. "Or it was. Hargraves claims he has new information."

Anger swirled inside. "I'd like to give him a piece of my mind," she said, planting a hand on her hip. "How dare he keep this going! You are completely innocent! Anyone who knows you knows that you are honorable and brave and would do whatever it takes to protect those under your care. This Hargraves character clearly has no idea of the man you are!"

Nathan's eyes began twinking at the end of her little rant. He reached out, placing a hand on her cheek. "I think I like having you on my side," he said, smiling at her. His thumb gently brushed her jaw. Butterflies swarmed inside of Elizabeth's stomach. She leaned into his touch unconsciously. Surprise lit Nathan's eyes. He leaned toward her, then abruptly jerked back. His hand fell to his side. "I suppose I should let you get home," he said, backing up slightly. "You probably have lots to do."

Elizabeth felt his distance keenly. She knew it was out of respect for her boundaries, but a part of her wished he would take her in his arms. The thought surprised her, and she tucked it away to analyze later. "I'm not going home," she answered. "I'm going to Jack's land. I have some thinking and journaling to do." She took a step closer to him, laying a hand on his arm. "I'm close, Nathan. I'm trying to overcome my fear."

He looked like he didn't dare breathe. "You are?"

She nodded. "I am." Unable to resist, she raised herself on tiptoe and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek. "I've almost figured out what's in my heart," she whispered.

Nathan smiled. "I'm glad to hear it." He looped his thumbs into his belt. "May I walk you to the stables?"

Elizabeth smiled back. "I would like that." They set off together, chatting about their children. The walk wasn't a long one, and when they reached the stables, Nathan gave her a nod. "I'm heading out on rounds. I hope to see you soon, Elizabeth."

"I hope so too," she replied. She lifted her chin. "Don't let Hargraves bully you."

Her words must have surprised him, because he laughed. The twinkle was back, even though his tension was palpable. "I won't." He touched the brim of his hat, then headed out. Elizabeth watched him go, noticing the slight slump in his normally straight shoulders and the rigid gait as he walked.

He was worried.

Feeling worried for him, Elizabeth closed her eyes, breathing a prayer for Nathan's meeting. A spark of anger shot through her again. She hadn't met Superintendent Hargraves, but the little she knew made her inclined to dislike him. Maybe she would have a chance to tell him so when she got back to town. She had a feeling if she ever saw the man, she wouldn't be able to hold her tongue.

Packing her things into the saddlebag, Elizabeth swung onto Sargent and nudged him into a trot. When she reached the edge of town, she gave the horse his head. They flew across the landscape until they reached Jack's land. Patting Sargent, Elizabeth dismounted and allowed him to graze freely, knowing he never went far. She retrieved her bag, then found a log under a shady tree. Taking a drink of water from the canteen, she closed her eyes and spent a few moments collecting her thoughts. Seeing Nathan, being with him for even a short time, had moved her in a way she hadn't expected. Her feelings grew inside until she thought she might burst. Pulling out her journal, she began to write.

I've spent so much time letting fear have the upper hand. When I couldn't respond to Nathan's dinner invitation, it was because of fear. How could I let another Mountie into my life? Only recently did I realize that I had already let him in, without even knowing it. When I embraced him in the street, it was in reaction to the fear and grief I felt when I thought I'd lost him. When I pushed him away after he told me about Fort Clay, it was in fear of letting go of Jack and possibly betraying his memory. Since then, I've been fighting my fears in loving Nathan, knowing his job is dangerous and knowing he could be taken from me.

But I've learned something over the past few days. Fear will always be a part of life. It's inevitable. When we love, we open ourselves to being hurt. And that's okay. I can't keep my heart locked because I'm afraid of the pain. I can't let fear dominate my life. Joseph told me the best way to overcome pain is to face the thing that scares you. Nathan gave me a plaque that says to always do what you're afraid to do. I'm afraid to love Nathan. After what I suffered with losing Jack, I know it would tear me apart to go through that again. But thinking about losing Nathan is borrowing trouble from tomorrow, a tomorrow that might not exist. It's far more likely that he will live a long, healthy life than die in the line of duty. Am I really willing to throw away a chance at love because I want to protect myself from pain?

Elizabeth looked up, pen poised over the page. A sure realization swept through her. She loved Nathan. And love was stronger than fear. A smile tugged at her lips as she continued writing.

No, I'm not willing to throw that away. Nathan is a wonderful man, one I would gladly give my heart to. He asked me what was in my heart. I know the answer now. It's him. It's been him for some time, I was just too stubborn and scared to see it. I'm still scared, but I'm not going to let it rule my life and my decisions. I am going to embrace love. If the offer still stands, I will accept Nathan's dinner invitation, and we can see where things go from there.

As she finished writing, Elizabeth was filled with peace. She let out a sigh, content with her choice. Yes, there might be scary situations ahead, but she and Nathan could weather them together. Neither one would have to be alone any longer. She placed her journal back in the bag, then leaned back, letting the wind brush over her face. Now that she'd finally made a decision, the future didn't seem quite so frightening. Her fear was already losing its hold.

She laughed. What irony, that as soon as she accepted the thing that scared her, her fear diminished. She whispered a prayer of thanks, then closed her eyes and just rested in the peace that consumed her.

After some time, she slowly opened her eyes. As she lifted her hand to brush some hair from her face, her eyes settled on Jack's rings. Rosemary's words from the night of her first dream came back to her.

"People come into our lives everyday. Some for a season, others for a reason, and some for a lifetime. Jack was a season, a beautiful season that bore priceless fruit. Part of him will live on in the son you created together. He taught you how to love, and a piece of your heart will always be his. But he wasn't your lifetime. That will fall to someone else, if you're open to it. I think you know who that someone is."

"I do know who that someone is," Elizabeth whispered, twisting the rings back and forth slowly on her finger. "Nathan is my lifetime."

Saying the words out loud made tears spring to her eyes, tears of both joy and pain. Jack had been a truly wonderful season. He would always have a piece of her heart. It still stung that he had been taken from her. But he was gone, and his last wish for her was to find love again. She had found that with Nathan.

"I'm glad I was able to honor your final wish, Jack," Elizabeth said softly. "Thank you for giving me such a beautiful gift. I'm finally ready to move on." Slowly, she slipped the rings from her finger. "I will keep these safe for our son," she said, looking up at the sky. "When little Jack is ready to ask a special woman to marry him, I will give him the option of using these rings." She pulled a clean handkerchief from her bag, carefully wrapping the rings inside. "Thank you for loving me, Jack. Thank you for teaching me what it meant to love and be loved." She kissed the small, wrapped bundle, then tenderly placed it in the bag. She rose, suddenly determined to see Nathan. She wasn't sure what time it was and she didn't know if his meeting happened yet, but she didn't want to wait a moment longer to tell him how she felt.

He'd been patient for so long. He deserved her answer.

Excitedly, she rose and hurried toward Sargent. She placed her bag in the saddlebag, then mounted the horse. "Let's go, boy."

Sargent whinnied in response. He began to gallop. Before they went far, a rattling sounded. Elizabeth barely saw the snake in their path before Sargent reared up at the unexpected danger. Unprepared, Elizabeth flew from the saddle. She hit the ground hard, her head crashing into a large rock. Pain exploded inside before her world went black.

As Nathan rode into Hope Valley, he could see the tell-tale red of a Mountie's serge in front of the NWMP office. He knew it was Hargraves, and assumed the person standing next to him was Bill. Nathan also had a feeling he was late for his meeting with the superintendent, if he read the distant body language right.

Oh well, he thought as he continued toward Hope Valley's jail. I was doing my job, which made me late. If he can't deal with that, so be it. Though he tried to feel confident, Nathan worried if Hargraves would really consider getting a kitten out of a tree for a little girl actual Mountie business.

Getting closer, the scowl on his superior's face gave Nathan a good indication of how this was going to go. Even Bill's face wore a you better have a good excuse expression. His friend had been trying to run interference for him throughout the current situation. Nathan was grateful to have him here now.

Reining in Newton, Nathan gave his superior a salute before dismounting. "I regret that I am late for our meeting, sir," he began as he secured Newton's reins. "I got delayed on my rounds."

"Doing what?" Hargraves demanded.

"Sarah Wolf's kitten was up a tree. I was getting it down for her," Nathan replied, not missing a beat. He could see the frustration growing on his superior's face.

"A kitten?" Hargraves asked, his voice slightly raised. "You are late to our meeting because you were climbing a tree for a kitten? Cats do come out of trees, Grant."

Slightly behind Hargraves, Nathan saw Bill biting his lip as he looked down at his feet. Though the superintendent was not amused, his friend clearly was.

"With all due respect sir, a three-year-old does not understand that. My job is to serve and protect the people of this town, no matter what their age is. If I didn't get the kitten, her brother may have tried climbing the tree and gotten hurt. I believe my actions fall under the definition of serve and protect."

"Sounds about right to me," Bill piped in, coming to Nathan's support.

Hargraves shot Hope Valley's judge a look. Undeterred by the look, Bill shrugged. "Legal definitions do fall under my area of expertise now."

Ignoring Bill, Hargraves addressed Nathan again. "How about we stop wasting my time and get down to business." The words were a command, not a suggestion.

"Yes, sir," Nathan replied.

As Hargraves and Bill started toward the jail, Nathan stepped up onto the boardwalk. The sound of galloping hooves caught all three men's attention. They turned, like many other townsfolk on the road, toward the sound. A black horse soon came into view. As it was riderless, some tried to scurry out of its way while other men attempted to stop the horse.

"That's Sargent," Bill commented, even as Nathan made his own recognition of the horse. The concern in the older man's voice was clear.

Not bothering to reply, Nathan stepped back off the boardwalk and toward the horse, with hands raised. While the horse avoided the others trying to stop him, Sargent headed in Nathan's direction as if he recognized the red serge. The horse came to a stop in front of the Mountie.

"Easy, boy," Nathan said calmly as he reached for the horse's bridle. Sargent was pawing at the ground with one foot as he stood in front of Nathan. "What's wrong?" Nathan asked, hoping his voice would help soothe the animal.

Had Sargent not been secured properly and slipped away, or had Elizabeth been thrown from his back? As he was in full tack, Nathan knew something was wrong.

He continued talking to Sargent as he checked the saddle bags. In one, he found a canteen, a journal, and a pen. He had a feeling that if Sargent had slipped his tie, those items would not be in the saddle bag. Noticing a handkerchief wrapped and tied neatly, Nathan pulled it out. Untying and unfolding it carefully, he found the engagement ring and wedding band from Elizabeth's marriage to Jack. Elizabeth must have taken them off during her time out on Jack's land. If she took them off, perhaps that meant she was finally ready to let go of the past and step into the future. Nathan hoped that future would include him.

Wanting to keep them safe, Nathan put the rings in one of the breast pockets of his serge as he thought about the situation. Given the items in the saddle bag, his deduction would be that something had caused Elizabeth to fall while on the horse. Had she still been out on Jack's land like she had said, or had she left the land? Was she on her way home when it happened or gone somewhere else?

"I am going to look for Elizabeth, Bill," Nathan said, already lengthening the stirrup for his own use. "She told me when I was picking up Allie that she was going out to Jack's land. That is where I am going to start. Can you tell Carson what is going on and maybe get some other men together in case she was not still up there when Sargent ran off?" He swung up onto the horse.

"I can do that. Do not leave Jack's land until we get up there," Bill said. Mike appeared and adjusted the stirrup on the other side for Nathan. "If we need to search for her elsewhere we need to do it systematically."

Nathan nodded in acknowledgement of Bill's words.

"We have a meeting on the books, Constable Grant," Hargraves interjected.

"With all due respect, sir, a member of the community I am assigned to is missing. I intend to go look for her," Nathan said. "After that, I will gladly sit down and tell you the same information that I have told you in all our other meetings. The truth doesn't change."

"If you leave here, Constable Grant, you will be coming back to official charges of insubordination."

"So be it, sir," Nathan replied, the last word tacked on tersely. He looked to Bill. "I will see you soon. Hopefully I will have located Elizabeth and she is uninjured."

"The others and I will not be far behind you," Bill said. "I will also let Laura know what is going on. If she can't stay with Jack herself, she will at least know to ask Rosemary to take over for her."

Nathan nodded and slipped his foot into the stirrup that Mike had adjusted. "Thanks," he said to Mike before turning Sargent back in the direction the horse had come from.

"Will you be assisting with the search, Andrew?" Nathan heard Bill ask as he rode away. He had a fairly good idea at what that answer would be.