Jack went with his father to extend dinner invitations the following morning. Much to Jack's delight, they rode Newton, the little boy sitting proudly in front of Nathan. Father and Son waved to Elizabeth and Ally who were on the front porch to see them off. Nate was held snugly in Elizabeth's arms. For all of her early protests about the duck remaining in her house, it had been Elizabeth who had decided it was too cold even in the barn for him, arguing that he had no one to snuggle with. Out of fear of the duck getting trampled under hooves, Nathan had built him a little pen in the barn. The pen had plenty of hay and fresh water and food in it, but Elizabeth had still commented that the duck looked lonely. Chuckling quietly behind his wife and Nate, Nathan had known Jack would be delighted to have his duck in the house for the winter.

As father and son approached the Mounted Police office, they spotted Tom, Gabriel and Henry standing beside the latter's car. The former mayor of Hope Valley was currently giving what appeared to be a long lecture to Tom, who was standing at the driver's door.

Nathan reigned in Newton as he came alongside the car. The three men looked in their direction.

"I am going to take Tom and Harold out to get familiar with the surrounding area," Gabriel explained, not waiting for his friend's question.

"Uncle Tom get to drive?" Jack inquired.

"Yes, buddy, I get to play chauffeur today," Tom replied, giving his nephew a smile and a wave.

"I almost want to play chauffeur to the Mounties myself," Henry inserted. "From what I hear, you don't have the clearest driving record."

"I wasn't actually driving with the first accident I was accused of, and I was intoxicated for the most recent incident. I promise you. I am sober. But if you're more comfortable with Harold driving, he keeps saying he want to learn," Tom added, the last words coming out with a little smirk.

"If Corporal Mayne wants to learn to drive, I will be happy to teach him myself," Henry replied. "You will be careful with the car?" the older gentleman asked, his gaze leveled at Tom.

"I will be very careful," Tom promised. He nodded his head in Gabriel's direction. "Besides, I have to be careful to not jar my superior too much or he might write me up."

"Watch the cheekiness or I'll write you up for that," Gabriel countered without missing a beat.

Tom looked over his shoulder. "Yes, sir," he replied, his tone a bit more serious as if he was trying to determine if he may have pushed too far. Gabriel's response was a half smile letting Tom know the exchange was all in good humor.

"So, what brings you two, into town?" Gabriel asked, looking toward Nathan and Jack.

Nathan looked down at Jack. "You said you wanted to extend the invitation," he reminded his son.

Jack beamed, looking from his father to Tom. "Can you come to dinner tomorrow after church Uncle Tom?"

Tom glanced at Gabriel. As ranking officer in Hope Valley, the duty roster fell to him. Gabriel nodded his consent.

"I would love to, Jack." Tom replied. "Are you cooking?"

"I help sometimes," the boy replied. "Mama and Dad say I am a big help."

"Is that so?" Gabriel asked. "Perhaps you could come give your Aunt Faith a hand with supper on occasion," he said lightly as he saw Faith approaching them.

"Could I Daddy?" Jack replied looking up at Nathan. He was clearly happy at the prospect of spending time with his newest aunt to young to even consider Faith's lack of culinary skills.

"We'll see," Nathan told him.

Coming up beside her husband, Faith draped an arm casually around his shoulders. "Perhaps I should take Vincent to the café for supper tonight and let you try to fend for yourself," she commented sweetly, getting a chuckle from Nathan and Henry. Though Tom looked like he wanted to laugh, self-preservation held him in check.

"You wouldn't do that," Gabriel replied.

"And why not?"

"Because if you leave me alone without properly feeding me, I may just not listen to my doctor's orders, ditch the sling, and use the arm as best I can."

Faith sighed. "Yes, I believe you would," she confessed, even as she placed a kiss on his cheek. "Luckily for all of us, Florence told me that she was planning on making two of the casseroles that she was preparing for her family's supper tonight. She said she would send Paul over with it later. That means neither of us have to stress about supper tonight."

"I will have to thank her for that," Gabriel replied. "Was there a reason you came this way other than giving your husband a hard time?" he asked, noting that his wife carried her medical bag with her.

"There was," Faith replied. "Ned mentioned the Mr. Scottsdale didn't make his weekly trip to the mercantile yesterday so he took what he thought the man and his wife needed out to them. Seems like Emma was too weak to get out of bed yesterday and he didn't want to leave her alone," she informed him.

Emma Scottsdale was the wife of Ernest Scottsdale. The couple had just recently celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary, but Emma's health had been failing. Ernest had taken her to Union City Hospital for special tests, but even the doctor's there had said there was nothing they could do, except keep Emma comfortable until the end.

"Perhaps all my visit accomplishes is giving Mr. Scottsdale a chance to rest but I want to check in on them. I was hoping I could get a ride out with you all, and then I could walk home."

"I don't want you walking home alone in the cold," Gabriel said. "We'll drop you off on our way out and then I will send someone back out for you later," he said, knowing his wife would stay with the Scottsdale a good portion of the day.

"I would be happy to make the trip out this afternoon," Henry replied. "Just give me a time."

"Three o'clock," Faith said, knowing that arguing the point would lead her nowhere. Though Gabriel got a little overprotective at times, she reminded herself that it was done out of love and not because he didn't think she could take care of herself.

"Three o'clock," Henry confirmed, with a nod to Faith. Switching his gaze to Tom, he continued. "Not stranding your boss' wife should be further incentive to be careful with my automobile," he told the young Mountie before turning and walking away.

At that time, Harold came out of the Mounted Police Office, having been inside on a phone call. The Mountie held a rolled up map in his one hand.

"Sorry about that," Harold said quickly, the words directed to Gabriel.

Gabriel waved a hand dismissively. "We all have mothers. Checking up on kids no matter how old they are is what mothers do. I think we're ready though," he said, looking around at those gathered.

"Jack and I have another dinner invitation to extend. You all be safe with your travels," Nathan told them.

Acknowledging the words and saying good-bye to Jack, the Mounties and Faith got into the waiting automobile. Giving Newton a nudge, Nathan continued on to the Office of the Judge at the end of the street.

Dismounting, Nathan lifted Jack from the saddle and placed him on the ground. The little boy stood nearby, shifting weight from foot to foot in anticipation, while Nathan secured Newton's reigns. Only when Nathan turned from his task and motioned Jack toward the building did the boy hurry off up the steps. Nathan bit back a chuckle at the five-year-old's attempt to open the office door. Catching up to Jack, he reached out and helped him with the door.

"Morning, Grandpa Bill!" Jack exclaimed, entering the office. Nathan hoped Bill would be alone as it was a Saturday, though he knew the older man would never scold his godson for his exuberant greeting.

Stepping into the office himself, Nathan was happy to see Bill unaccompanied.

"Good morning, Jack" the judge greeted, pushing his chair back from his desk as Jack hurried toward him. "What brings you into town this morning?"

"To see you!" Jack exclaimed as he ran into Bill's arms. The judge settled him on his lap. "Can you come to dinner with us and Uncle Tom tomorrow?" Jack asked.

When Bill cast a quick glance in his direction, Nathan nodded his consent. "I think I can manage that. Are you cooking?"

"I'll help Mama," Jack replied.

"Then dinner should be delicious. Tell your Mama that I have dessert covered though," Bill said, his attention back on the little boy.

"Can you make your bread pudding?" Jack asked hopefully.

"I think I can manage that," Bill said, reaching up and ruffling the boy's hair, causing Jack to giggle.

"I wish we could stay longer Bill, but I have a meeting with Jesse about a wood order," Nathan said, about to tell Jack they needed to go.

Bill waved a hand toward the door. "Go, take care of business. Jack can stay and help me with my paperwork."

"Are you sure?" Nathan asked, having his doubts that Bill would get much paperwork done. Then again, maybe avoiding the paperwork was the man's whole point.

Bill leaned in and whispered something in Jack's ear.

Grinning, Jack looked to his father. "Run along, Dad."

Nathan chuckled. "At least you are not teaching him the new slang like Ally is picking up from Fiona. Since when is a person a 'dish'?"

Bill chuckled. "Not sure, though from idle talk I have heard from the single ladies, you fit that definition," he informed him. Nathan's blush made him laugh harder.

"I am going to go put in my order," Nathan replied. He looked at his son. "You be good for your old Grandpa, Jack."

"I will," Jack replied.

Turning to leave, Nathan chuckled himself as he heard Bill mutter, "who do you think you're calling old."

Elizabeth spent Saturday afternoon dusting and sweeping the house. Ally happily offered a helping hand while Nathan kept Jack and Nate from underfoot. Though she realized she was probably fussing over the appearance of her house more than she needed to for Tom and Bill, who probably wouldn't even notice, it gave Elizabeth something to do other than overanalyzing seeing Tom again.

Though she tried to pay attention in church the next day, Elizabeth was glad that a quiz would not be given at the end. Having attended church with his family, Gabriel told Elizabeth he would go relieve Harold and Tom at the office so that Tom could come out for dinner. After sitting with the Grants during the sermon, Bill came home with them, planning to make the bread pudding there.

As she cooked dinner, Elizabeth was thankful for both Jack and Bill's company in the kitchen. Jack kept her from getting too wrapped up in perfection while Bill's presence was grounding. This was just another family meal. If the food didn't come out just so, it would not be the end of the world. Being together was what was important. Letting Tom know that despite her initial reaction he would always be welcome in her home was what was important. Jack would want her to give Tom a sense of family in his absence.

Finally allowing herself to relax a bit, Elizabeth was able to enjoy the process of Jack "helping' her cook dinner. In the next room, she could hear her husband and daughter as they conversed over their game of checkers. Bill was humming a hymn softly as he stirred the mixture for his bread pudding nearby. She doubted he even realized he was doing it, so she said nothing as she prevented the bowl of potatoes from falling off the counter as Jack vigorously smashed them. Mashing the potatoes was one of his favorite tasks in the kitchen.

When Bill had his bread pudding ready for the oven, he started helping Elizabeth with meal preparations. She had decided to make chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, peas, and deviled eggs. Elizabeth was about ready to start dipping the steak in the batter to fry it when there was a knock on the door.

Bill reached for the plate she held. "Go, welcome your guest. You two need a few moments to yourself," he told her. Jack had abandoned the kitchen to help Nathan play checkers.

Elizabeth nodded, surrendering the tenderized steak to Bill. She wiped her hands on her apron as she stepped out of the kitchen. Reaching the front door, she opened it to find Tom standing on her front porch. He had changed into civilian clothes and had his hands shoved into his coat pockets. The young man looked as nervous as she felt.

"Hello," Elizabeth said, stepping aside and motioning him inside.

Tom stepped into the house, wiping his boots on the mat. As Elizabeth closed the door behind him, her brother-in-law turned to her nervously, his hands still shoved in his pockets. "I asked Ma and Judge Avery not to say anything because I wanted to be the one to tell you. I also wanted to tell you in person and not by letter or over the phone but things happened so fast, there wasn't time before I entered the Academy. I had not intended for you to see me in uniform until I had broken the news to you. Please forgive me."

The contrite tone was something Elizabeth had never heard from Tom before. It made her wonder just what had changed in the young man's life. "You are forgiven, and I apologize for overreacting the other day. It was just seeing you in the uniform, you briefly reminded me of your brother. Then seeing Corporal Mayne and remembering hearing about Jack . . . " Elizabeth let her voice trail off. "Well, it definitely wasn't one of my finer moments."

"It was a shock. I get it. I know a bit about what you have been through. I saw first-hand in March how unhappy you were with Lucas."

"You were here? I don't remember seeing you?"

"I heard an argument when I approached the house, and you came out crying. I felt guilty about helping you into that situation."

Elizabeth shook her head. "I put myself in that situation. No one else is responsible."

Tom sighed. "It is good to hear you say that. At the time though, I felt guilty and did what I always did - ran away to wallow in my own self-pity and loathing. I think I finally found that rock bottom Jack was always warning me about. Staying there or up were finally my only two choices."

"I got there myself," Elizabeth admitted.

Tom took his still gloved hands out of his pocket and reached for his sister-in-law's. Elizabeth looked at him and he met her gaze. "You look happy again, Elizabeth. Are you?"

"Yes," she replied easily, a smile naturally coming to her face. "I am truly happy again and I have the love that Jack wanted me to be open to when he wrote his last letter to me."

"Good," Tom replied. "If Nathan can make you feel that way, then I am happy for the both of you."

Elizabeth pulled her hands free from Tom's and gave her brother-in-law a hug. Releasing him, she motioned to his coat. "Take off your winter garments so I can hang them up. I do want to hear how you ended up in the Mounties, but perhaps that can wait until after we eat and I can send the kids upstairs?" she suggested. She had a feeling that the details of Tom's story might not be the best for little ears.

Tom pulled off his gloves and stuffed them in his pockets. "That sounds like a good plan," he said as he removed his coat. "You all can tell me about your happy life here over dinner," he said even as Nate quacked his protest at being ignored from his crate in the sunroom. "Was that a duck?"

"Yes," Elizabeth admitted, taking Tom's coat from him. "Jack has a pet duck and I may have felt bad about him being alone in the barn in the cold," she said as she watched her son hurry toward the sunroom.

"Did the duck get named after you?" Tom asked, an impish grin that reminded Elizabeth of Jack Sr., coming to his face. She knew exactly what he was referring to - the cow who got named Lizzie after her while she was watching a couple of her students while their father was out of town.

"No," Elizabeth replied, even as her own smirk appeared. "Why don't you go ask Jack what he named his duck while I help finish dinner?"

"All right," Tom said, heading in the direction his nephew had scurried off in.

Elizabeth hung up the coat and went to join Bill in the kitchen. She still had questions but at least the air was now cleared between her and Tom. It was a start.

The chatter flowed easily around the Grants' dinner table. Even Ally and Jack were encouraged to participate as Tom was brought up to speed on things in Hope Valley. Ally asked Tom if he was willing to be her Uncle as well since she and Jack Jr. were siblings. Tom had to swallow hard a couple of times before he could answer. He had taken those moments to glance to Nathan for approval. The man simply nodded his consent. As Tom told Ally he would be honored if she called him uncle, he knew without a doubt that he was still a part of Elizabeth's life. Other than his mother, he thought his loved ones had died. It was a good feeling to have more family again.

After dessert had been enjoyed and the table cleared, Ally took Jack upstairs so the adults could talk. The four of them retreated to the living room. Nathan and Elizabeth sat together on the settee, their hands intertwined as they rested on the cushion between them. Tom and Jack moved two wing back chairs so that they were across the coffee table from the couple.

Tom repeated what he had already confessed to Elizabeth about planning to visit her and Jack in March and what he had witnessed for Nathan's benefit. "I felt guilty and ashamed and so I did what I always did when those emotions became overwhelming - I looked for trouble. I think it was always my way of justifying those feelings."

"I ended up in a few different towns, drinking and picking fights. Flirting with the young ladies and then skipping town. Things caught up with me in Benson Hills," Tom admitted. "I couldn't even say for sure what happened. I do remember drinking a few beers even before going to the hotel there. I was planning on eating supper and getting a room. I remember placing my order and then things get hazy after that," he said, looking to Bill. "Perhaps you could tell them what you told me when I was finally sober enough?"

Bill nodded. "The information I was given was that Tom started hitting on a young lady, who happened to be accompanying her father who was on a business trip. The man was wealthy and his daughter only seventeen. Hotel staff confirmed that the man asked Tom several times to walk away. When Tom didn't listen, the man punched Tom. Hotel staff intervened and got him out of the building. From what the Constables could put together after that, Tom apparently stole one of the cars outside the hotel. It is generally agreed upon that Tom didn't know at the time that he was stealing the car belonging to the man whom he had just had the altercation with."

"If that wasn't proof that fate was catching up with me, I don't know what else it was," Tom interjected.

"Tom wrecked the car a block from the hotel when he ran it into a tree. He was the only one hurt in the incident. The Mounties called to the scene recognized Tom from his father's connections. Along with calling Charlotte, they called me. Pierre Leveaux, Rosemary's father, came to the hospital with her. He served with Tom Sr. and they've stayed in touch."

Tom took over the story. "I woke up to Mom sitting by my bedside looking sad. I will never forget the words she told me. Ma informed that though she loved me she was also ashamed of me. She was sure that instead of a call saying I was in the hospital that one day she would get one saying I was dead and while my dad and my brother had died leading a life with purpose, that my death wouldn't mean anything. I would simply be gone."

Elizabeth gasped at the admission. Looking at her, Tom could see tears glistening in her eyes.

"Don't judge her too harshly. She was right and tough love was what I needed. Her words convicted me. I knew I was guilty of all she said and everything Jack had accused me of in the past. When Judge Avery approached me with the deal he had worked out, I was ready to grab the lifeline he was offering."

"I knew throwing Tom in jail wasn't going to change much, as it hadn't in the past. However, I also knew something needed to be done," Bill said, picking up the story again. "The businessman was willing to not press charges if his car was replaced, seeing as technically Tom could have countered with assault charges of his own, as the only one who threw a punch at the hotel. Pierre and I knew we could come up with the money between us to replace the car but that wouldn't do anything to change Tom's behavior."

"They basically gave me the choice of joining the Mountie Academy, which Pierre had managed to arrange through his connections, or sit in jail for a long time. With my mom's words fresh in my mind, and knowing that Jack would share her disappointment if he was still alive, I opted for the Mountie Academy. I think a part of me at first was thinking I could go, put in minimal effort and get kicked out. However, then I overheard Judge Avery tell my mom that he doubted I would graduate but that Pierre had arranged it that I would complete the full training no matter how badly I did. As soon as I was healed enough from my injuries from the accident, it was off to Depot. So, yes, Elizabeth, my mother does know about me joining. She wasn't thrilled about it, but I think she was afraid she would lose me anyway."

"I don't think I'll make this my career, but during training I did a lot of soul searching and learned some invaluable lessons," Tom admitted. "Becoming a Mountie may have saved my life."

"Just be careful," Elizabeth told him, silent tears rolling down her cheeks. Beside her, Nathan handed his wife a handkerchief.

"I will do my best," Tom promised her.

"Tom is here in Hope Valley at my request," Bill admitted. "I asked for him to be posted somewhere that I could check in on him. When O'Reilly got approval for a second Mountie to be posted to Hope Valley, they decided to send him here. I figured I owed it to Charlotte, Tom Sr. and Jack to give Tom whatever help I can. So, if you want to be mad at someone for that, Elizabeth, it should be me."

Elizabeth shook her head. "I am not mad. I was just shocked that day. I felt so many emotions swirling inside and I needed to release them. Tom and Corporal Mayne were the easy targets. I'm sorry."

"Not necessary on my behalf," Tom insisted. "Corporal Mayne however, well he's just an innocent party in all of this. It would be nice if you could speak to him sometime, Elizabeth. He feels bad he upset you like he did."

"I will," Elizabeth assured him. "I just needed to deal with one emotional crisis at a time."

Tom reached a hand across the coffee table to her. Elizabeth placed her hand in his and he squeezed it. "You sort through this however you need to. Besides, I've kind of got him stuck here in Hope Valley for six months at least."

Elizabeth managed a smile. "That should be plenty of time," she said lightly, hoping to dissolve the tension in the room.

Tom nodded. "By the way, Ma wanted me to tell you that she wants to come visit once things are settled and you are ready for her."

"I would love to see Charlotte again, but it may be best to wait until after our trip to Hamilton over Christmas," Elizabeth told him.

"I will pass that information along to her," Tom acknowledged. Perhaps by then he would feel settled enough that he could convince her that he actually did know what he was doing, and that he would be okay for the duration of his initial contract. He wanted her to worry as little as possible these next few years.