Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Matthew 22: 36-40 (KJV)

Sunday, December 12, 1920

The following day, as requested, Elizabeth had left all her notes about what the children needed to be doing for the next week in a bag hanging from her doorknob. Rosemary finally allowed off restrictions, grabbed it, and glanced over the contents as she, Lee, and Goldie walked to church.

Nathan and Allie had walked to church with the Canfields, so they were already seated when Bill and Jack arrived. Knowing Jack would want to be with Allie, he headed in their direction, sitting Jack beside him with him and Nathan essentially bookending the kids. Though it wasn't the first time that he kept Jack overnight, last night made him a bit more nostalgic as he recalled memories of his times with his son Martin at Jack's age along with Jack Sr. He even made one of his two guest rooms into a second bedroom for his godson.

He chuckled as he recalled waking up to find that the little man had joined him in his bed and was snuggled up like a pup to its mother. He had spent 30 minutes just cuddling him and letting memories flow in his mind of other special times when he would wake up with Jack Sr. exactly the same way. One time, just after Tom Sr. had died, both Tom and Jack had sought him out. It was during a time when Charlotte was too deep in her grief to notice her boys struggling.

He always had a soft spot for little ones, especially for the ones in Hope Valley. But Jack and Allie were his heart, and there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for those two. As if sensing he was thinking of them, they looked over at him and smiled. He knew that Nathan correctly discerned his thoughts and was amused, though Bill didn't care because Nathan was in the same boat.

Before he could say anything, Henry arrived with the Coulters speaking softly to Goldie, making her chortle. Henry's normal dour expression was missing, and a gentle smile and softness in his eyes were there instead as Goldie reached for him. Bill watched as he held her like she was a fragile piece of china. Rosemary made her way to the front, where the choir was standing, while Lee ushered Henry to their pew with an amused smile. It looked like he was in good company because Henry was just as in love with Goldie as he was with Jack and Allie. He and Henry had sure come a long way since their early days in Coal Valley.

The service was wonderful, leaving all that attended feeling encouraged and blessed. After Joseph finished the closing prayer, he called Lee to the front.

"I promise I won't keep you long, but there is some business we need to discuss. As you notice, Elizabeth is not here today. She has contracted the cold that has been going around. As of last night, Dr. Carter has deemed it necessary to confine her to the house until further notice to prevent it from spreading and for Elizabeth to rest and recover. Because of this, she will not be able to teach, so we will need a substitute or substitutes for the next five days since school is scheduled to close for the holidays on Friday."

There was a lot of murmuring at his words. "From what Elizabeth said, the children are mainly working on the Christmas program and a few other Christmas projects. Rosemary has a list of what those are and will be coordinating it. If you feel that you can help, even if only for a morning or afternoon shift, let her know."

"What about meals?" Molly asked.

"I'll be handling that since Jack is staying with me, though; if you want to assist in that, let me know," Bill called out.

"I think for now, the fewer people in contact with Elizabeth, the better, especially since she spends most of the time sleeping," Faith said. "I would also like to say that if you feel even a bit of a cough or runny nose, please come in for an exam. Hopefully, we can stop the spread and get everyone better before Christmas."

"Does anyone else have any questions or announcements?" Joseph asked.

Minnie stood, "I just wanted to remind everyone that we will be having our Christmas Program on the 19th, along with our potluck afterward. There's a signup sheet for the food in the vestibule. The turkeys for the dinner will be provided by the Queen of Hearts and Gustav."

Since no one else had anything to share with the congregation, Joseph dismissed them. Faith was going to stop by and check on Elizabeth on her way home, so she left immediately. Others lingered, speaking with Rosemary and Minnie about the potluck and Elizabeth's situation.

By the time the church emptied, the signup sheet was filled out, and the school days were covered. The Grants had lunch before Joseph and Nathan headed into the backyard to work on the Manger and Nativity pieces. He also planned to spend a little time cutting out the pieces for the doll cradle.

A few hours later, with the nativity pieces and Manger done and delivered to the church, Nathan and Joseph turned their attention to their other projects. Bill and Jack arrived as Nathan had begun to cut out the pieces for the doll cradle. When Jack asked to help, Nathan patiently agreed and worked around him, letting him help while keeping him safe. Joseph and Bill stood by, watching the pair as they worked.

Later, after Bill and Jack had gone, Joseph was helping Nathan sand some of the pieces in preparation for painting when he decided to maybe begin the conversation about where he and Elizabeth were with their relationship.

"You know Jack sure does love you and Allie." Joseph mused.

"Well, I would say the feeling is mutual in that regard," Nathan replied. "His father would be proud of him. Elizabeth is doing a good job with him."

"That she is. Bill was telling me the story of the day he was born. With a story like that and all the love that surrounds him, it only stands to reason." Joseph chuckled. "But then the same could be said of your Allie. I would say both of them are very special, and I can only imagine that God has a special plan for both of them."

Nathan laughed then with a fond smile. "If you would have been here for Allie's early days, you might not say that. When Allie first came to me at age 4, I was sure that I would mess her up in some way. I was terrified that, somehow, I would fail her and not give her what she needed most. I always felt that maybe she would be better with two parents instead of one."

"Just because a child has two parents raising it doesn't mean they are happier or better off. What any child needs most to thrive is a loving home with the guiding hand of someone who truly loves them. I see that in both Jack and Allie. I know it probably seems hard since you are trying to raise a girl. I don't even want to think what it would be like if Minnie wasn't here to help me with Angela." Joseph said with a playful shudder, making Nathan laugh.

"Some days, I walk around on eggshells with her when she is in a mood, not knowing what to do or say that won't either irritate her or make her mad." Nathan groused. "The older she gets, the worse it is. Parenting her now is a whole new level of difficulty."

"Try having two of them in your house. I usually bring home chocolates and find something for me and Coop to do outside." Joseph said teasingly. "I can imagine that Elizabeth will be in the same boat with Jack. Parenting is tough, but then the two of you also have the added difficulty of navigating their feelings for the missing parent."

Nathan's smile fell as he thought of Allie's struggles and missing her mom, along with Jack, now beginning to feel that loss of his dad.

"It has been a blessing that we moved to Hope Valley, where there are lots of children that have faced similar loss, so it has helped immensely."

"Elizabeth has mentioned how much of a comfort Allie has been to Jack since she has been watching him. She said Allie wasn't the only one to help Jack. Now that I can see your bond with Jack, I see what she meant."

Before Nathan could respond, Minnie called for her husband. Knowing they had an early start in the morning, Nathan said goodbye and headed home, more than ready to get a good night's sleep.

The following morning there was light snow falling as they headed towards Eagle Creek.

"I sure hope the snow stays light today." Joseph mused.

"I checked the weather with the Mountie Headquarters, and there are no weather advisories concerning heavy snowfall. All that was forecasted was periods of light snow and occasional wind gusts. To be cautious, though, I think I will ride Homer instead of drive."

"I'm sure he will love that. He always seems to perk up when you saddle him up to do rounds."

"At least he listens to commands and doesn't go off chasing squirrels or rabbits when working and doesn't steal food or take up practically the whole bed, unlike a certain Mountie dog," Nathan growled.

Joseph chuckled. "Let me guess, Scout problems?"

Nathan just looked over at Joseph in reply. "Since Allie spent the night at your house, I woke up to find that Scout had decided to join me rather than just sleep in her room as always. Since he was on top of the covers, I couldn't really move around. Whenever I moved him off, I would soon wake up to discover he had got back up. I gave up keeping him off the bed and woke up with his head on my stomach, lying sideways, and I was practically hanging off the edge of the bed."

Joseph laughed, then added teasingly. "You know that he has begun to worm his way into your heart. Not to mention, I have observed you giving him treats just like you do Newton. Just think, in a few years, when Allie goes away to college, you'll still have a faithful companion right beside you."

Nathan looked over at Joseph. "Is that supposed to be helpful, Joseph?"

Joseph laughed. "I'm merely making an observation, my friend." He paused for a few minutes before saying, "Speaking of observations, I can't help noticing how happy you seem around a certain schoolteacher. Who knows, maybe you could even be married by the time Allie is ready to leave for college."

Nathan scoffed. "I would have a better chance of Scout being named Top Mountie Dog."

Joseph chuckled, "That good, huh?"

"Joseph, you know all that happened between Elizabeth and me," Nathan said, fidgeting nervously.

"I thought the two of you had cleared the air with one another."

"We did. But that doesn't mean some obstacles don't remain."

"Such as?"

"I'm a Mountie, and she wouldn't let me quit. I know because back when I told her I loved her before she got with Lucas, she wouldn't let me."

"Since you said obstacles, what else is there?"

Nathan didn't say anything at first, choosing to ponder the question. Joseph stayed silent, knowing that when Nathan was ready, he would speak.

"Look, Joseph, although I would like nothing more than to pursue Elizabeth and marry her, I don't think it is what she wants. I can't risk our friendship to ask if there is the possibility of more, and she hasn't mentioned it either. Not to mention, our kids could get hurt if it doesn't work out. Allie was already hurt last time, and she and Elizabeth have finally healed that relationship. I just can't risk it."

"I see. Can I ask you why you think Elizabeth doesn't return your feelings? Because from what I and everyone else in town have seen, it sure seems like she does."

"I think because she broke up with Lucas and we have been hanging around, more people are seeing what they want. Molly, Florence, and Cat have all made comments about what a wonderful family we would be. It's no secret that Bill has also wanted us to be together."

"You know, Nathan, the Bible is full of instances where no matter what God did, there were always doubters and those who refused to see what was right in front of them because of fear. Just look at the New Testament and what our Savior had to deal with."

"I really don't think that applies here, though, Joseph."

"What I am saying is maybe you should look at what is happening around you more objectively and less with your emotions. Isn't that what you are taught to do when investigating a crime?"

They were prevented from further conversation by their arrival in Eagle Creek. Joseph quickly dropped Nathan off at Harry's family farm at the top of South Hill Road to get Homer and then headed back to the church. As he stepped out of his car, he mumbled a quick prayer, "Lord, Bill and I are definitely going to need your help to make these wishes come true. Also, a little guidance would be very appreciated right now."

As Nathan did his rounds, he thought back on what Joseph had said about him and Elizbeth. 'Could he be missing something because of his preconceived notions based on their past?' He thought. 'It certainly wouldn't be the first time that he had made that mistake, both with Elizabeth and in other situations. The only problem was it involved facing the fear of rejection and the risk of ruining what they had now. Could he even ask Elizabeth and Jack to face the worry over his job, given what they had already lost to the Mounties? Having Elizabeth and Jack as part of his family was his greatest wish, but the uncertainty was just as great, and he wasn't sure he could be brave enough to overcome it.'

After completing an uneventful set of rounds, he brought Homer back to the stables where Joseph was waiting. They were going to make a few repairs to the barn where weathered wood had managed to give way, causing a draft and, in a few places, allowing moisture in. Nathan had also noticed that there were a couple of places where the fence needed mending, as well as the rickety railing on the family's steps in a couple of homesteads nearby. As they worked, family members came out to talk with them, plying them with coffee and baked goods. Offering hospitality to them was the family's way of showing appreciation; though not needed, it warmed their hearts. The people of Eagle Creek were so much like Hope Valley with the way they took the Love Thy Neighbor commandment very seriously, and it was what kept them all going.

On the way home, nothing more was said of their earlier conversation. Instead, they rode home the entire way in quiet contemplation about the town, its people, and upcoming holidays. Unlike Hope Valley, where the streets were bedecked with greenery and ribbon and, of course, the wishing tree, Eagle Creek was bare. While there were smiles in town, they didn't reach their eyes and were mainly filled with worry. They arrived back in Hope Valley with a heavy burden on their hearts for the impoverished people of Eagle Creek.