Courage 12-Courage to Move Forward
This is the final chapter of this story. I hope all that have taken time to read this have enjoyed it. As previously stated I wanted to write a story that reflected the true heart of When Calls the Heart. I love this show because of the loving atmosphere it created. I have followed my heart in writing this story in hopes of sending a positive message into this fan-fiction world.
The town of Hope Valley was entering newness. There was new hope, new love, and new faith. This was a time of growth and potential. With the influx of new citizens came the need for more houses, a bigger school house, and a new hospital; which meant more doctors would be needed. Carson and Faith Shepherd returned to town to spearhead the construction of the Hope Valley Medical Center. They would be working closely with Dr. Grady in interviewing potential medical staff for the hospital. The center would be complete in another week and they wanted to be ready to open at that time. Governor Bouchard would be in town for the ribbon cutting at the grand opening. So the three doctors spent most days on the phone or in meetings screening prospective doctors, nurses, and other staff. At the moment they were having lunch and discussing who they might be hiring. It would not be long before the new hospital would be up and running. Carson and Faith were both delighted to finally be home. Leaving Hope Valley had been necessary for the advancement of their careers; but now that Hope Valley would have a hospital they could return to the place that was always in their hearts.
Everyone was making changes; either professional or personal. Allie was seriously contemplating exploring a career in journalism. Robert Wolfe had applied to become a Mountie and would be leaving for basic training in a little over a month. Angela decided that she wanted to go to school to become a teacher for blind children. Elizabeth Thornton was providing encouragement to all her students; inspiring them to follow their hearts and pursue their dreams. Mike and Mei were now expecting their first Child and could not be happier. Hope Valley was abuzz with planning a baby shower. Mike's face wore an even broader smile as he walked in town with the lovely pharmacist on his arm. Fiona was anxiously awaiting Lucas' return to Hope Valley. They were now engaged and their wedding would take place here in about a month's time. Bill decided to build a house on his land; he hoped soon to be saying goodbye to his bachelor days. He planned to put himself out there again and find his own true love.
Elizabeth was smiling as she watched from the porch outside the library; the town and people she loved were finally in sync. There was a spring in Ned Yost's step as he walked into the Mercantile. Florence, Minnie, and Molly sat outside the Cafe enjoying each other's company over tea and fresh baked cookies. She was so engulfed in her reverie that she hardly noticed when Nathan came and stood beside her. "I see you're honing your spying skills." He says smiling at her as she looks up into sparkling blue eyes. There was happiness in his eyes, peace, and passion. "I'm not spying; just admiring the newness that has brought so much joy to Hope Valley. There is so much to be thankful for–Faith and Carter coming home, the hospital, Mike and Mei's baby, and…" Elizabeth trails off as she takes Nathan's hand into her own. She leads him inside the library and he follows without any objections. Once inside he speaks, finishing off her thoughts "us–I am thankful for us." "Me too." Elizabeth and Nathan both look up at the plaque he had made for her—Always Do What You Are Afraid to Do. Then looking at each other as if for the first time; without hesitation and uninterrupted Nathan pulls Elizabeth close and they share a beautiful passion filled kiss.
The remarkable truth about the love and friendships of the citizens of Hope Valley is that they know how to move forward. It is not always gracious or certain; but it is always with good intentions and hope. Hope that all will work out for the best. The steps are often wobbly and unsure—the path ambiguous and daunting; but they move forward just the same. Sometimes with hurried anxious strides and sometimes with cautious insecure steps they have moved forward. However, this time it should be noted that as they walked into the future the pace was confident and fearless. Through accepting grief's gifts of truth and honesty they have learned how to move forward unshackled by the bondages of fear.