As Nathan sat on the bench in the garden, he reflected on the last few weeks. After the incident in the mine, Nathan stayed overnight in the infirmary. He had a couple cuts and bruises, but nothing too life threatening. After clearing the rubble, Lucas's body was found. Nathan did try to help him that day in the mind, but Lucas had his mine made up and lost his life.
But the most significant change was his relationship with Elizabeth. After the mine incident, she slowly started to drift away from Nathan. They still had conversations but they weren't deep. They were polite. And Nathan knew why she was backing away. He almost died. That hug she gave him was more than just a hug. She was glad he was alive. And if Nathan was being honest with himself, he was glad to getting some distance from Elizabeth. He had to figure out his feelings for her.
Nathan heard the gate close to the backyard. He looked over and saw Judge Avery walking over to him.
"Your Honor." Nathan started to stand up.
"Please don't get up on my account. I'm here in an unofficial compacity." Bill said.
Nathan sat back down on the bench.
Judge Avery stood in front of him.
"These last few weeks have been overwhelming to say the least." Judge Avery said.
Nathan chuckled.
"You could say that." Nathan said.
Judge Avery pulled out a letter from his pocket.
"I know that June is in just three weeks and I don't know what your plans are, but I think you need to read this before making any decisions." Judge Avery said giving him the letter.
"What is it?" Nathan asked.
"A letter from your sister. Don't get upset, she gave me strict orders to only give it to you when you needed it." Judge Avery said.
Nathan looked at the letter. It had his name on the front.
"Any who, I just wanted to give you this." Judge Avery said and started to walk away but stopped and turn.
"You know, Hope Valley could use an attorney like you around here." Judge Avery said and walked away.
"Thank you." Nathan said confusingly. Was that a compliment from the prickly Judge Avery? Nathan took a sip of his lemonade and opened the envelope. It was a one-page letter. Nathan unfolded the letter and started to read.
"My Dearest Nathan,
If you are reading this, then the worst has happened; I am no longer on this earth. You are probably wondering why of all the people on this planet that I picked you to be Allie's guardian. You weren't my first, second, third or fourth choice. But as I sat at the table with a pen in hand deciding whose name to write down, your face came into my thoughts. If anyone was going to relate to Allie, it was going to be you. You know what it was like when a father abandons you. You will be able to tell her everything about me. The good and the bad. You will be her rock like you were for me. You both will find an unconditional love for each other.
Nathan, I'm sorry for everything that happened between us. There have been so many times that I wanted to write to you. But my pride or embarrassment prevented me to reach out to you. You are my little brother and I should be the one to reconcile our damaged relationship. And I'm sorry that didn't happen before you read this letter.
I need you to promise to do two things for me; do what is best for Allie and do what is best for you. If that means leaving Hope Valley, then so be it. But before you decide to leave, look deep inside yourself and find what is best for you. This little town will surprise you.
Always remember that I love you and I will be watching over both of you.
Love always,
Colleen.
Nathan folded the letter back up and put it in the envelope. Nathan wiped the tears from his cheeks and eyes. He smiled at the letter. He looked out into the garden and saw some berries ready to be picked up.
"Allie." Nathan yelled.
Allie came running out.
"Yes?" Allie asked.
Nathan smiled.
"Show me how to make your mother's jam." Nathan said. Allie smiled. She went inside and brought out a little basket to collect the berries and they both went inside.
"And then you let the jam cool down before tasting it." Allie said after showing Nathan how to make the jam.
"Thank you for teaching me."
Allie smiled and sat down next to Nathan at the table.
"Are we moving to Toronto?" Allie asked.
"Why do you ask that?" Nathan asked.
"I saw the letter and offer that Mr. Smith made you." Allie said. Nathan forgot he had set the letter out.
"Maybe." Nathan said.
"It is a really good offer. The money and the land. We could have our own ranch." Allie said.
"But you don't want to move from Hope Valley." Nathan asked.
"No. But this seems like a good opportunity for you. And remember, we are partners." Allie said.
Nathan smiled and put his arm around Allie.
"We are partners and I want to do what is best for you." Nathan said.
"Being with you is the best for me." Allie said.
Nathan kissed the top of her head. Before making any decisions, he needed to talk to Elizabeth.
"I'm going to go for a walk. Will the jam be ready when I get back?" Nathan asked.
"Yes." Allie said.
"Good." Nathan said. He put his shoes on and went for a walk.