The next day
Elizabeth saddled Sergeant and decided a horse ride would help her. Rosemary had told her yesterday at lunch to take some time for herself. Little Jack would be spending the next few Saturday mornings with the Coulters.
She rode up the main street and headed past the schoolhouse. Then into the woods where she galloped for a few miles. Next past the Hope Valley cemetery though she decided against visiting Jack today. Something was holding her back from going to his grave today.
Elizabeth continued on until she came to a place in the woods that had given her some comfort over the years. She stopped and dismounted Sergeant, tying him to a nearby tree. She walked to the log and sat down lost in her thoughts. Closing her eyes, she said a prayer for some peace in her heart and guidance.
After a few minutes, she reopened her eyes as she took a long breath. The sun shone brightly in the area of the woods where she sat. Across from her she suddenly saw a cardinal land on a tree branch. Elizabeth shook her head in disbelief thinking it was the same bird she had seen before. Was she starting to see things that were not there? A rustling came next as she could hear a horse galloping up the path.
"Elizabeth, good afternoon. I wasn't expecting to see you today." Nathan smiled as he rode his horse up the path.
"Nathan, hi. How are you?" Elizabeth stood up as the Mountie dismounted his horse. She walked closer to him on the path.
"Just on my daily rounds. Thankfully a quiet day nothing happened. I just had the joy of riding and enjoying the nice fall weather." Nathan took off his hat holding it in his right hand.
"Do you see that bird? The cardinal is watching me. I keep seeing him." Elizabeth pointed to the cardinal in the tree who was still watching them.
"A very beautiful bird. Do you know the meaning of a cardinal if you see them? A loved one is visiting you who has passed away." Nathan watched the bird and how its eyes were watching Elizabeth.
"I can't bear to think that. It couldn't be." Elizabeth shook her head.
"Who would you want it to be?" Nathan asked.
"Jack. Always him. Just to see him again for just a moment. One last talk. One last hug." Elizabeth wiped away her tears.
"Elizabeth, I am very sorry for your loss." Nathan looked away.
"I never got to." Her words trailed off.
"If only I had kept my assignment, you would still have your husband. He would be here today with you. This is my fault." Nathan felt the remorse bubbling up.
"Please don't blame yourself. I don't blame you. It was a terrible accident. A terrible accident. If I can tell you one thing, please let go of your hurt. Don't let it hold you back from finding your own happiness." Elizabeth walked to her horse untying Sergeant from the tree.
"Elizabeth, thank you. Please do the same for yourself. Let yourself find happiness again." Nathan asked.
"I'm sorry I need to go." Elizabeth mounted the horse, and she rode away. As Elizabeth passed the tree the cardinal flew away high up into the sky disappearing just past the clouds.