A few days later

"Are you going to try talking to Lucas? He came back late last night. Lee is supposed to meet him this afternoon along with Bill and Henry." Rosemary Coulter asked as they walked down the main street of Hope Valley.

"No, his focus should be on the governor race." Elizabeth looked as the saloon doors opened with Mike Hickam walking out. The town had been even more packed the past few weeks. Mike put up a notice on the posts for a new waitress.

"I think there is more you should discuss. But I support your decision." Rosemary grabbed Elizabeth's arm wrapping it tightly around hers. "Let's go get something from the café. I am starving."

"You are always hungry. " Elizabeth laughed as they walked to the café.

"Ladies, let me get the door for you. How is Goldie?" Henry asked as he walked up the stairs opening the door to the café.

"She is spending some time with Lee while I have lunch with Elizabeth. Then we will swap later." Rosemary smiled at seeing this softer side of Henry.

"Oh, I will stop by for a few minutes. Good Afternoon." Henry whistled as he headed to Lee's office.

"He is always so good with kids. His soft spot to the walls he has up." Elizabeth smiled as she sat down at a table near the window. The next few minutes they sat in silence after they placed their orders.

"Please talk to me. I know something is going on. That is why I asked you to lunch today. Elizabeth, you can't keep pushing us all away. You are doing it with me, Bill, Henry. And of course, Lucas. I know there is more to the story there as well. Please talk to me." Rosemary asked worried about her friend.

"I am fine. Everything is fine." Elizabeth held her breath as she heard a familiar voice behind her as the café door opened.

"Rosemary, nice to see you." Lucas smiled as he and Nathan Grant walked into the café.

"Ladies, afternoon." The Mountie said as he quickly walked past them to the cafe's kitchen.

"Lucas, welcome back." Rosemary smiled as she saw him walk up to the table.

"Thank you. It's good to be home. A very busy few weeks getting prepared for the election. Elizabeth, good to see you." Lucas's voice slightly cracked when he said his fiancé's name. He wasn't ready to admit it was over between them. Though he would respect her wishes and give her space.

"Lucas, welcome back." She lifted her head up and looked into his deep brown eyes. Elizabeth saw the pain and confusion reflected back to her. After a few moments, she turned away and looked out the window.

"Good afternoon," Lucas whispered as he turned and walked to the kitchen. He could feel the pain return to his heart which was always there.

Elizabeth wiped away tears as she saw him walk away. "Can we please go?" Elizabeth's voice cracked.

"Yes, let me cancel our order and get some sandwiches. I will be back in a few minutes." Rosemary headed to the counter to talk to Minnie.

Elizabeth got up and walked outside. She watched as a red cardinal flew onto the railing just a few feet away. This was the second time she had seen a cardinal in the past few days. This one was different from others she had seen. It was beautiful and almost regal in the way it perched on the railing. Even stranger the bird both times sat and watched her closely.

"Ready? Let's go eat in the library. It will give us some privacy." Rosemary looped her arm around Elizabeth's as they walked down the stairs.

"Sure." After Elizabeth walked down the stairs she turned and saw the cardinal still watching her. "Look at the cardinal over there. It has been watching me."

"That is a very pretty bird. Are you feeling alright today?" Rosemary asked as she looked at her friend.

"Yes, never mind. It's just a bird." Elizabeth watched as the bird flew high up into the sky almost going to the heavens above.