Elizabeth rushed through the darkness into the town, heading for the Mountie office where she knew she could find Nathan. She knocked on the door, pleased to see a strip of light shining under the door; he was awake at least. While she waited, she tried to catch her breath; she was winded from her run to town, combined with her concern for her friend.

She heard the bolt on the Mountie office door slide back and raised her lantern so Nathan could see it was her.

"Elizabeth, what are you doing here? It's late?"

"I'm sorry, Nathan, Abigail hasn't come home, and I don't know what's happened; this isn't like her," she said, still trying to catch her breath.

"Come inside; it's freezing," Nathan pulled the door open wider, self-conscious that he was dressed only in a pair of trousers and a Henley. It wasn't appropriate attire to meet with a young lady, but neither was the two being alone together at this time of night. He ushered Elizabeth toward the stove to keep warm, taking the lantern from her and placing it on the table.

"I want you to wait here for me, Elizabeth; I have an idea where I can find Abigail." Picking up his lantern, he strode into the street, ignoring Elizabeth's sound of protest.

Nathan had seen Abigail lurking around one of the boarded-up shops in town; she had been looking in the side window, clearly not wanting to be seen. Nathan had left her alone at the time but was worried now he should have checked on her; he hoped he hadn't left it too late.

Nathan walked alongside the store toward the back entrance, where he had seen Abigail. He could see the light spilling out the window and stepped forward, looking inside the abandoned building. He was surprised and relieved to see Abigail Stanton asleep at a table, head resting on her forearms.

Nathan stepped back and tried the door next to the window, pleased to find it unlocked. Twisting the doorknob, Nathan stepped inside and hung the lantern on a hook near the door. He didn't want to frighten Abigail, so he called her name, his voice just above a whisper.

Abigail jumped at the sound of her name, looking around disoriented. Her shoulders slumped, and she sat back in the chair when she saw Nathan, realising she had fallen asleep.

"You startled me, Constable; how on earth did you find me?" Abigail stood as she questioned Nathan, tilting her head from side to side, trying to relieve the crick in her neck from sleeping poorly.

"I have seen you around here a couple of times, Abigail, I wondered what you were doing, but I didn't want to say anything because it looked like you didn't want anyone to know," Nathan explained. "Elizabeth was worried about you when you didn't come home, she came to me, and I came looking for you here."

"I'm surprised she isn't with you," she said, smiling.

"She wanted to be. I didn't give her a chance; I left her in the Mountie office." Nathan's smile matched Abigail's; they both knew how headstrong Elizabeth could be. "I can't guarantee how long we have before she comes looking for us. I am sure she watched to see which way I went."

"We should go to her then, save her running around Town in the dark," Abigail said, gathering her basket of belongings and taking one final look around the room.

"Why are you here, Abigail, and how did you get inside the building?" Nathan's curiosity had gotten the better of him after he looked around the room.

"It's mine," Abigail explained succinctly. "I have traded my row house for it; there is accommodation upstairs, a dining area downstairs, and the kitchen where you found me."

"Why?"

"I intend to open a cafe, Nathan," she explained, her voice full of excitement. "I need something to do now Noah and Peter are gone, and I believe I could be good at it. Of course, Henry Gowan thinks I will fail, which has given me even more incentive to make a go of it."

Nathan walked beside Abigail, in awe of the woman beside him. She had been through the worst tragedy imaginable and never gave up. While Abigail might say she was opening the Cafe for herself, he knew the Townspeople would be the ones who would benefit most.

"I think that sounds like a wonderful idea Abigail, and I, for one, would love you to open up a restaurant; I promise to be your best customer."

"A cafe," Elizabeth's eyebrows shot up, "really," glancing over at Nathan; she saw him nod, indicating Abigail was serious. "That's wonderful, Abigail."

"I am glad you think so, Elizabeth, because I have traded the row house for the Cafe. Don't worry; there is plenty of room upstairs for the both of us."

It didn't take long for news of the new Cafe to spread through the town; people were excited to have options again for eating out. Abigail and Elizabeth focused their attention on the upstairs living quarters so they could move out of the row house as quickly as possible. They each had a good-sized room, Elizabeth's, had a spare bed for guests. There was a living area between their bedrooms so they could escape upstairs and away from the Cafe if needed. They were grateful for the assistance of Nathan and some of the other men who did the heavy lifting of their furniture, with Abigail treating them all to a meal in the kitchen to say thank you. The meal was a hit, and it seemed Nathan would have some competition for who would be Abigail's best customer.

Eventually, the little Cafe, to be known as Abigail's Cafe, started to take shape, and they were only days away from opening. The weekend before the grand opening Abigail decided Elizabeth and Nathan needed to take a break and insisted Elizabeth have her next riding lesson. She wasn't surprised when she received no argument from either of them. Anyone seeing them together over the last few weeks would not doubt their feelings for each other; it was time the two of them finally admitted it.

Elizabeth and Nathan decided to repeat their previous lesson, ride out of town, bring their letters, and enjoy a bite to eat before returning. Elizabeth had been more than happy to supply some of Abigail's baking this time, she had been cooking up a storm to perfect the menu for the Cafe, and there was an overabundance of food.

The ride out was uneventful, Elizabeth having remembered how to saddle and bridle her horse, once again riding Sugar. Nathan was a little disappointed that she was a quick study and didn't need his help to mount the horse this time.

As they rode through the meadow, they again talked about inconsequential things, his work, her teaching, the townspeople. Elizabeth and Nathan had funny anecdotes to share, so there was a lot of laughter on the ride to 'their' spot.

As they settled in, Elizabeth passed Nathan his letters, noting that he had a letter from Rosemary. Biting the inside of her mouth, she resisted the temptation to ask him about it, hoping her friend would explain in the letter she had received from her.

Of all her letters, Elizabeth decided to open Rosemary's letter to her first; she wanted to hear from her friend, and if there was an explanation about corresponding with Nathan, well, that would be nice.

Rosemary started her letter the usual way, telling Elizabeth stories about her job, customers, culinary achievements, and disasters. Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh as she read about a particularly inventive sandwich Rosemary had tried to serve to some poor unsuspecting regular. Elizabeth couldn't wait to share the story with Abigail, who enjoyed hearing of Rosemary's creativity with everyday recipes.

Elizabeth's smile dropped when she read Rosemary's following sentence and realised the mood of her letter had turned serious. Rosemary wrote of her flatmate Clara, explaining, 'I have discovered the reason she's so sad, she is an orphan, recently losing her last remaining parent. Clara is also a widow; her husband and his father were killed in an accident two days after they were wed.'

Elizabeth glanced up at Nathan, but he didn't make eye contact with her as he was still engrossed in his own letters. Continuing to read, tears filled her eyes as Rosemary continued her tragic telling of Clara's story. 'Clara's husband didn't have the chance to tell his parents of his and Clara's wedding, so his mother was unaware she had a daughter-in-law. Clara had been concerned as to how she would receive the news so soon after his death, so she decided to wait before reaching out, and now she wondered if it was too late.'

Elizabeth's heart plummeted as she read Clara's story, unsure why she had such an uneasy feeling about the words on the page. Could it be only that it was like Abigail's story of losing a husband and son, or because it was Abigail's story?

'The moment I heard Clara's story, I knew who her husband was, how many mining disasters have there been, and how many sons named Peter had died along with their fathers? Your Abigail Stanton is Clara Stanton's mother-in-law.' Elizabeth couldn't contain the gasp when she read that line; looking up again; she realised she now had Nathan's attention.

Elizabeth's gentle heart went out to the young woman she had not even met. Rosemary continued writing; I must ask you "not to share this with anybody but Nathan because he is the only other person who knows."

"She's told you, hasn't she?" Nathan asked, although he knew Rosemary had, given her reaction to the letter and the look of shock on her face. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but Rosemary swore me to secrecy until she was sure, and I had to honour that request."

Nathan explained that several weeks ago, Rosemary had asked him if he could make some discrete inquiries to confirm Clara's story. Nathan had researched marriage records, and while not really Mountie work, he could prove Peter Stanton was Abigail's son and Clara's husband.

"Of course, Nathan, I understand why you were both so cautious; this will shock Abigail. I don't know what to do now, I know." Elizabeth shook her head; she felt sick to her stomach at the thought of upsetting Abigail.

"It isn't for us to decide, Elizabeth; it's not our secret to tell." Nathan had felt the same way Elizabeth did when he first found out. He kept his voice gentle; he didn't want to sound like he was telling her what to do; he understood her dilemma.

"You're right, Nathan; it's not our secret to tell, but I think when I write back to Rosemary, I'm going to ask her to tell Clara the name of the woman I'm living with and of our connection; I don't want her to feel deceived when she finds out, and I am sure she will."

"I think that's the right thing to do, Elizabeth. It should be up to Clara to reveal her secret." Nathan reached over and took Elizabeth's hand in his, "I wish it wasn't the case because I think Abigail is the kind of person that would welcome Clara with open arms, but we can't make that decision for either of them."

Elizabeth was grateful for the connection with Nathan, squeezing his hand to say thank you. They sat silently for a moment, lost in thought, before Nathan shook himself out of his daydreaming and reached for the letter from his sister.

"Is that going to have another drawing for you?" Elizabeth asked.

Nathan chuckled, "yes, it is a letter from Colleen, and I hope there's a drawing inside from Allie. I'm starting to line the walls in my bedroom with them, which is much nicer than the 'wanted posters' hanging in the Mountie office.

Nathan sat back and opened the envelope, sharing a smile with Elizabeth when the drawing fell out. Nathan decided to read the letter before checking the picture; sometimes, Colleen gave an explanation which helped him understand what he was looking at.

Nathan read the first two lines of his letter from Colleen before dropping it into his lap; Dylan had left again. Colleen, although trying to remain upbeat, couldn't hide the pain she was feeling at being abandoned once more. Colleen explained she had found work several days a week and a reliable babysitter who Allie adored. Nathan's jaw clenched as he read between the lines, knowing Dylan had left them without money which was why Colleen had to find work. Anger bubbled up in Nathan; he couldn't understand a man who left his wife and child to chase a quick, easy dollar.

Trying to distract himself from the anger he felt, he picked up the drawing from Allie. According to Colleen's description on the back, Allie had drawn a picture of their new home in Benson hills. Allie had drawn a small house with herself and her mother out front, wearing big smiles while holding hands. Nathan studied the picture; at least it appeared Allie and Colleen were happy in their new home without Dylan.

Nathan looked up to see Elizabeth's gaze on him, and as he had done last time, he showed her Allie's drawing. Elizabeth leaned in closer to get a better look and smiled at him, "this one looks like a drawing of Allie and her mum, is that right?"

"Yes, just the two of them," Nathan responded, unable to keep the bitterness from his voice as he watched Elizabeth study the drawing.

Elizabeth's eyes flicked to Nathan as he spoke, wondering what had caused the bitterness she heard in his voice.

"I'm sorry, Elizabeth," he answered her unasked question. "Colleen's husband Dylan has left them alone in Benson Hills; he's taken off chasing another opportunity that sounds too good to be true because it is."

Elizabeth could see the anger mixed with sadness in Nathan's eyes and said, "I'm so sorry, Nathan. Is it awful for Colleen and Allie?"

"Colleen is very resourceful, which is how she found work so quickly, and a babysitter for Allie, but that isn't how it should be. A man should not run from his family and responsibilities."

"I agree, Nathan, it isn't right, and I'm sorry that your sister has to go through this." Pausing as an idea came to her, she said quickly, "do you think she would be willing to be introduced to Rosemary? I know Benson Hills is much bigger than Hope Valley, but surely she could find the Cafe, and it doesn't hurt anyone to have more friends and people they can rely on."

"Great idea, Elizabeth. I should've thought of that myself. Would it be okay to mention this to Colleen when I respond to her, and you can tell Rosemary?" Nathan said, smiling.

"Of course, Nathan. I think it would do both a world of good." Elizabeth said, pleased to have said something that brought a smile to his face.

Nathan was determined not to let the letter from Colleen spoil their day, so instead of wallowing, he asked Elizabeth if she wanted to try trotting again.

Initially, Elizabeth was disappointed, thinking Nathan was ending their afternoon, but when she realised, he wanted to extend the lesson instead, she agreed immediately. They worked together to pack up their picnic, and then she mounted Sugar, ready for her lesson.

Nathan sputtered with laughter at the sight of Elizabeth bouncing around on Sugar. He knew he shouldn't laugh, but despite many attempts, she still hadn't gotten the hang of it.

"Stop laughing, Nathan, that isn't helping," Elizabeth called out, her own laughter making it difficult for her to talk. Reigning Sugar next to Nathan, she said, "I don't believe I am meant to trot. Can we skip it and move to a canter?"

"Maybe on the way back," Nathan agreed; she could pick up trotting again later.

Elizabeth did get the hang of cantering, and when Nathan looked over at her face, shining bright with joy, he felt his smile widen to match hers. As they flew through the meadow, side by side, Nathan couldn't remember when he had felt this much joy in a simple ride.

Approaching the Livery, Elizabeth realised she was disappointed the day was ending; she had enjoyed spending the afternoon with Nathan. There was nothing to do about it, the only way to continue their time together was to go to Abigail's for dinner, and she didn't want to impose on her friend too much.

They stopped the horses outside the Livery, and Nathan dismounted first, ready once more to help Elizabeth if needed. He knew she would be stiff and aching, possibly more so than earlier. He tied Newton loosely to the top rail of the corral and rushed over, waiting.

Elizabeth followed the actions she had done earlier when dismounting and slid her leg over Sugar's rump; unfortunately, her leg didn't cooperate as before, and she slipped from the saddle, slightly out of control. Nathan grabbing her around her waist was the only thing that prevented her from landing in an undignified heap on the ground.

Nathan stood behind Elizabeth, his hands still on her waist, giving her a moment to catch her breath. He had to resist the temptation to lean in and inhale the scent from her dark hair, to stop himself from turning her in his arms, so she faced him, her lips right there ready for his kiss.

"Thank you, Nathan; I believe you saved more than my dignity," Elizabeth whispered. She took a deep breath and turned to face him, unhappy when she felt his arms drop away. She felt the pull of his body, the temptation to lean in against his muscular frame.

"You're welcome," Nathan said, his voice low. He wasn't sure what to do with his hands now; he knew he shouldn't and couldn't place them back on her waist.

Elizabeth stared into Nathan's beautiful blue eyes, knowing what she saw in his eyes was reflected in her own. She was tired of denying how she felt about Nathan; she wanted to pursue being more than friends with him and to see where it led. Not caring if it was right or proper, she reached her hand up and placed it on his cheek.

Nathan felt a jolt of electricity at her touch, shocked by the fact she had touched him and by the expression in her eyes. He turned his cheek into her palm, relishing her soft touch. Nathan found he couldn't look away, lost in her eyes.

She knew she should drop her hand, but she didn't want to; she needed him to understand how she felt but wasn't sure she dared to say it aloud. Boldly she took a step forward, closer to him and placed her other hand on his arm.

Nathan smiled crookedly at Elizabeth. Mirroring her touch, he reached out and stroked the back of his hand down her cheek. He gently cupped her jaw in his large hand and bent his head toward her. He lowered his head slowly, making sure Elizabeth had time to stop him if she didn't want his kiss. He paused just before his lips met hers, and she stood on her toes, closing the distance between them.

Elizabeth sighed quietly when their lips touched; At first, Nathan's lips were soft against hers, but butterflies swirled in her stomach as he deepened the kiss. Elizabeth slid her arms up his torso and around his neck, her fingers tangling in his hair, holding him close.

Nathan couldn't believe how good it felt to kiss Elizabeth Thatcher. Holding her warm body in his arms, feeling her lips move beneath his, set his heart racing. He didn't know about her, but he never wanted the kiss to stop.