A Month Later

...

"Well, Mrs. Spencer," Dr. Shepherd cleared his throat, "everything looks good. Your leg has healed up nicely, and Nurse Carter has done a great job treating your wrist."

"So everything is back to normal?"

"Mostly. Your leg will be weak for a while, so try not to push yourself too much. I want you up and moving to build your strength back up, but make sure you take plenty of breaks." He was quiet for a moment, taking a seat beside the bed before speaking again. "How are things going otherwise? What you went through was very traumatic, so it would be understandable if…"

"I'm fine," she replied. "Really. I'm happy that I'm still around for my children, and I'm happy that we no longer have to worry about the man who did all of this to me."

"Well, if anything changes, I can put you in touch with someone you can speak to."

"Thank you, Dr. Shepherd, but I'm okay right now."

"In that case," he stood back up, "you're free to go. Remember, take things slow, and please see Nurse Carter if you start having any pain."

"I will. Thank you again, Dr. Shepherd."

He helped her up, keeping her stable as she put weight on her newly cast-free leg and slowly walked out to the waiting room.

Her father quickly approached, taking Dr. Shepherd's place. "Thank you, Doctor."

Dr. Shepherd gave him a nod.

"Let's get you home, dear. I know the children will be eager to see you."

"I'm eager to see them, and to be able to give them a proper hug without that bulky cast in the way." She chuckled quietly. "I'm so glad I can put this whole ordeal behind me now, and get on with my life."

He helped her into the car that was waiting outside. "Are you sure you still want to stay in Hope Valley? The offer still stands for you and the children to come back to Hamilton."

"I'm sure, father. Hope Valley is our home now. You know," she turned to look at him as he started the car and began their journey back, "you and mother have been in Hope Valley for a while now. You could always stay. Willie and Emma would love having you close by."

He smiled. "It's tempting, but I think your mother and I are ready to return home. We've enjoyed this visit—although we're sorry about the reason for this stay—but we just can't quite imagine living in a small town in the long term. We miss the hustle and bustle of the city. Besides, your sisters need us, too."

"I understand." Her smile dropped a bit. "Then the children and I will be sure to visit. Perhaps at Christmas?"

"We would love that. And I'm sure your mother and I will come back here, too. It would be nice to come for a visit that isn't prompted by something so unpleasant."

...

Grace put her hand on Elizabeth's arm. "Are you sure you don't need us to stay a bit longer?"

"As much as I would love that, you and father have already given up so much time to help me. Father should get back to work, and you need to get back to keep an eye on Julie," she teased. "I told father I'll try to bring the children out for a visit at Christmas, and I have Rosemary and Abigail here if I need anything in the meantime."

"And the Constable," Grace added with a knowing look, smiling when a blush rose in her daughter's cheeks.

Elizabeth ducked her head, trying—and failing—to keep the smile off of her face. Although she was still unsure if she was ready to open her heart to the possibility of love, every time she interacted with Jack, her walls crumbled just a bit more.

"Him, too," she admitted.

Grace wrapped her in a hug. "I'll miss you, sweetheart. Please write to us. And tell the children goodbye from us again, and let them know we'll see them soon."

"I will. Safe travels. I love you, mother."

"I love you, Beth."

She gave her father a hug as well, then took a step back as her parents entered the stagecoach. She waved as the stage pulled away, fighting the tears that filled her eyes. She knew she was making the right decision to stay in Hope Valley, and she knew that she wouldn't be alone, but it was still hard to see her parents leave.

She stood there for a few moments longer, sighing before making her way across the street to the dress shop. She quickly glanced over at the jail, hoping to catch a glimpse of Jack even though she knew he was still in Union City, helping the Inspector there with the search for Allie's father.

"Your parents left?" Rosemary asked when she finally made her way into the shop.

She nodded. "The stage just pulled away."

"I'm sorry they couldn't stay longer."

Elizabeth shrugged. "I always knew their stay was temporary, and honestly, I'm surprised they stayed as long as they did. Besides, I'll see them again soon. I'm not hiding anymore."

Rosemary smiled at her friend. "You're happy?"

"Very," she assured her. "I'll always have my regrets, but coming here isn't one of them. This is absolutely where the children and I belong."

"I'm glad."

"Now, I know I haven't been much help around here lately, so what can I do?"

"We just got a new shipment of fabric in, if you could get that organized. And while you're at it, you can tell me what's going on between you and the constable." She raised her eyebrows. "I saw you looking over at the jail before you came in."

Elizabeth cleared her throat. "There's nothing going on between us. Um, where did you say that fabric was?"

"Behind the counter. And you know I'm just teasing you, Elizabeth. I do think you and Jack would make a lovely couple, but only you'll know if it feels right."

"Thank you, Rosemary."

...

Jack slowed his horse as he neared the town, a smile appearing on his face. His trip had been fruitful, but he was eager to see Allie again—and Elizabeth, if he was being honest with himself.

"Whoa." He pulled back on the reins, thoughts of Elizabeth making him debate which way to turn: toward the jail, to let Bill know he was back, toward the café, to see Allie, or toward the dress shop, to see her.

"Good morning, Constable." Ned Yost waved to him from the steps of the Mercantile.

"Morning, Ned." He waved back before turning the horse and starting down the road. He dismounted and tied the reins to the post outside the dress shop.

"Jack! Welcome back," Rosemary greeted him as he walked in.

"Thank you, Rosemary. Is Elizabeth…?"

Rosemary gave him a knowing smile. "She's in the back."

He gave a nervous chuckle. "Thank you."

Elizabeth looked up at the sound of footsteps, a smile spreading across her cheeks before she could stop it. "Hi."

"Hi."

"Did you just get back?"

"Yeah. I, uh," he cleared his throat, trying to quickly come up with an excuse for coming to see her first thing after arriving home, "I thought I'd stop by to thank you for watching Allie for me while I was gone."

"You should really thank Abigail. She's been watching the children a lot during the day while my parents were getting ready to leave."

"When did they head out?"

"They left on the first stage this morning." She folded another bolt of fabric. Not wanting to feel sad again about her parents leaving, she changed the subject. "So…how was your trip?"

"It was good. Really good, actually. We found Dylan, so we just need him to sign away his rights, and I'll be able to proceed with Allie's adoption."

"Jack! That's wonderful news!" She set down the fabric and moved toward him, stopping herself when she realized she was about to go in for a hug.

"Wait." He glanced down at her leg, noticing that she was walking normally again. "You didn't tell me you were getting your cast off."

"Oh. Yes. That happened yesterday." She wiggled her leg around a bit. "The doctor said everything looks great. He cleared me to go back to my normal life, whatever that is now."

"We should celebrate," he suggested. "You, getting your cast off, and Allie's adoption case moving forward."

"Celebrate how?" She tilted her head, wondering where he was going with his suggestion.

"Elizabeth." He nervously cleared his throat. "Would you, um, would you join me for dinner tomorrow?"

"Oh." She wasn't expecting that invitation, and she wasn't sure how to respond. They'd had dinners together before, but always with the children, or Rosemary and Lee, or her parents. This felt an awful lot like he was asking her on a date, and she knew she wasn't ready for that. "Jack, I'm flattered, but I don't know…"

"If you'd rather bring the children along, too, that's fine."

"It's not that. It's just…"

"I'm not expecting anything from you, Elizabeth. It's just a friendly dinner," he clarified, understanding her hesitation. "I promise."

"Well, in that case," she took a deep breath, "I would love to have dinner with you tomorrow."

...

"What are you planning to wear?" Rosemary asked as Elizabeth rifled through her wardrobe.

"I wasn't planning to change." She glanced down at her outfit—a white blouse and gray skirt. "I was just looking for a shawl."

"Elizabeth, you're going to dinner with a man you really like. You should dress up a little."

"It's not a date, Rosemary," she reminded her. "I wouldn't be going to dinner with him if it was."

"And why does that mean you can't look nice?" She glanced at her friend, sincerity on her face.

"I don't want him to get the wrong idea." She sighed, sinking down onto her bed. "Is this a mistake? He hasn't told me directly, but I know that he'd like us to be more than friends. I'm not ready for that."

Rosemary sat beside her, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I'm sure he knows you aren't ready. He's a good man, and he won't do anything you aren't comfortable with. But," she paused for a moment, "do you think you might be ready someday?"

She was quiet as she thought, her voice sounding small when she finally spoke. "I don't know. I…I don't know what it means to date, or to be in love. I just," she shrugged. "I don't know that I can be the person he needs."

"Well, I know you didn't ask for my opinion, but I think you could be exactly the person he needs. Also, you should wear that green dress," she added, just a hint of teasing in her voice.

Elizabeth cracked a smile. "Okay. I'll wear that dress. But it's still not a date!"

"I never said it was."

...

"Uncle Jack?" Allie tapped on his arm. "Aren't you going to knock?"

He cleared his throat, shaking himself out of his thoughts. "Yes." He rapped quietly on the door, stepping back slightly as he waited for her to answer.

"Hello, Jack." Rosemary gave him a smile. "And hello, Allie."

"Hi, Mrs. Coulter." Allie smiled sweetly. "Where's Mrs. Spencer?"

"She's just finishing up getting ready. Why don't you two come inside while you wait?"

Allie eagerly rushed into the house, immediately seeking out William and Emma, who were seated at the table, coloring pictures.

Jack stood just inside the doorway, nervously shifting from one foot to the other. He glanced up when he heard steps on the stairs. His breath caught in his throat as Elizabeth appeared in front of him. She was wearing a dress he'd never seen before—light green with sleeves that fluttered just above her elbows—and her hair hung in loose curls to her shoulders. He'd never seen someone more beautiful.

"Elizabeth… You look…"

She blushed, dropping her gaze to the floor. "Thank you."

"Shall we?" He nodded toward the door.

"Let me just say goodbye to the children."

He watched her as she hugged each of the children, including Allie.

"We won't be too long. You be good for Mrs. Coulter."

"Yes, ma'am," the children replied in unison.

Finally, she rejoined Jack at the door. "I'm ready."

He motioned for her to go ahead of him, then closed the door behind them. He kept his hands in his pockets as they walked, reminding himself that they were just friends, that he would let her make the first move if she ever decided she was ready for more. He wouldn't want to ruin things by doing something stupid like trying to take her hand.

"So, uh," he paused, feeling a bit awkward now that they were alone. "How does it feel to be out of your cast?"

"Wonderful." She chuckled softly. "I'd forgotten how nice it is to be able to get around my house without any help. And I can finally get to my bedroom again. If I ever move, I'm going to make sure my room is on the ground floor."

"Oh, I understand that." He smiled. "Those stairs can be tough at the end of the day. Sometimes I feel like I'm dragging myself up them. To be honest, sometimes I just sleep on the sofa because I'm too tired to go upstairs."

She laughed internally at the image of him sprawled out on the little sofa, his legs hanging over the edge.

"But I've actually been thinking about finding some land and building a place for me and Allie."

"Not too far away, I hope. I know William and Emma love having Allie close by."

"No, not too far," he assured her. "Maybe just on the edge of town. If I can find some property this fall, I could break ground come spring and have a house ready for me and Allie by next summer."

"That would be nice." Elizabeth watched the gravel shift under her feet as they continued on toward town. "Um, so do you know how long it might be before you can complete Allie's adoption?"

"Hopefully not long. As soon as Dylan signs away his rights, I'll meet with the judge again."

"I'm sure you're ready to make everything official."

A smile played on his lips. "I am. I've wanted to be her dad for a long time, but I needed to make sure that's what she wanted, too."

"Of course, she wants you to be her dad. She's lucky to have you."

He gently nudged her with his elbow. "William and Emma are lucky to have you, you know."

Her cheeks turned pink, and she cast her gaze back to the road beneath her, unused to being complimented. "Well, I wouldn't be here without them."

"And I'm glad you're all here. Allie and I are happy to have more friends around."

...

Elizabeth glanced up from her plate, finding Jack's eyes on her. She gave him a little smile. "Um, I've been meaning to tell you. I started writing again."

"Really? That's wonderful, Elizabeth."

"I don't know that I'm any good at it anymore, but it feels good to be doing something just for me for a change. I've spent most of my adult life just doing things for my children…and for James." She shook her head. "Never mind. I don't want to talk about him this evening. He's out of my life forever, and I'm moving forward."

"You're a strong woman, Elizabeth. I don't know if anyone's ever told you that before, but it takes a lot of strength to do what you've done."

"Thank you," she said quietly, unable to look away from his eyes this time. There was something in his gaze, something she couldn't quite place. Longing? Desire? Whatever it was, it caused her to shiver.

"Are you cold?"

"No." She shook her head. "I'm fine. So, um…" She cleared her throat, trying to calm her racing thoughts. "What do you like to do? When you aren't working, I mean."

He set down his fork, leaning back in his chair. "Well, I like to go fishing with Allie. But as far as things I like to do just for me?" He shrugged. "I draw and paint a bit. I do some woodworking."

"The little car that Allie gave to William," she confirmed. "I forgot she said you made that."

"If you don't mind, maybe I could make him another for Christmas. I could make something for Emma, too."

"You don't have to do that. I'm sure you're very busy."

"I'm really not," he chuckled. "Sure, I have my days with a little more action, but most of my time is filled with paperwork or just waiting around for something exciting to happen."

"Do you ever wish you were stationed somewhere more exciting?"

"Not anymore," he admitted. "When I first got out of the academy, I definitely wanted to be assigned somewhere with lots of action, and I was lucky enough to get stationed in Cape Fullerton for a little while. But then Colleen died, and my priorities changed when I got custody of Allie. I didn't want her to be worried about me all the time, so I requested a transfer to a quieter post, and that's how I ended up here."

"Does your family live close?" she asked, realizing she knew very little about his family aside from his sister and Allie.

"My brother is actually out in Hamilton, and my mom lives on my uncle's farm just outside of Regina."

"And your dad?"

"He died when I was a teenager," he replied.

"Oh, I'm so sorry."

"Don't be. We had a…complicated relationship." He sighed. "He was in prison for theft when he died. It's a long story, and I don't really want to get into it right now."

"Well, I'm sorry for bringing it up."

"It's okay. You didn't know." He gave her a reassuring smile. "Let's talk about happier things. Are you glad to be back at the dress shop full time?"

...

"Thank you for dinner, Jack." Elizabeth stood from the table. "This has been a lovely evening."

"Thank you for accepting my invitation." He placed her shawl on her shoulders, following close behind her as they stepped out of the café. "It was a nice change to have dinner with an adult for company. I love Allie, but sometimes I just want to have a conversation with somebody over the age of eight." He chuckled.

She joined in his laughter. "I completely understand that."

"If you'd like, we could, um," he shuffled his feet nervously as they continued on toward the row houses, "we could do this again. Not as a date," he added quickly. "Just two friends, enjoying a little break from being parents."

"I'd like that." She smiled, slowing her steps a bit in an attempt to prolong the evening, thinking back on how wonderful it had been. She couldn't remember the last time she had enjoyed herself so much, let alone in the company of a man. There was something about Jack that drew her to him. She could no longer deny it.

As much as it scared her, she knew that she wanted to see where things went, wanted to know what it could be like to be truly cared for, truly loved.

"Jack?" She took a deep breath, continuing before she could talk herself out of it. "Maybe it could be as a date." She reached over, slipping her hand into his.

He tightened his fingers around hers, a smile stretching across his face. "Yeah? Are you sure?"

"I'm sure. I think we need to see what this could be. What we could be."

He lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. "Then let's see where this goes."