CHAPTER 52

It was a great surprise for Charles and Julia when they finally arrived in Hope Valle; after years of being Elizabeth's widow, to discover that she was married to another mountie, a policeman called Nathan. The news that Elizabeth had found love again left them both amazed and thrilled.

Willian Thatcher was feeling better, but he still had a limp, as his injuries still caused him pain, and he wanted this night to be special for his daughters. Elizabeth deserved a moment of affection with her sister, whom they hadn't seen for years. He arranged with Nathan for the whole family to gather at his house.

Elizabeth was wearing a beautiful light green dress with white sandals, Alien and little Jack were playing next to the sofa with the little mountie soldiers Nathan had made out of wood, when there was a knock on the door, and she immediately opened it smiling, because she knew it was her father arriving with Nathan for dinner. She looked at the people at the door, and her eyes filled with surprise, she screamed:

- Oh God! Julia Thatcher... what are you doing here? They threw themselves into each other's arms, tears of joy streaming down their faces. They hadn't seen each other since Elizabeth's wedding to Jack Thorton, as Julia was the only one from the family who had come to the ceremony along with Aunt Elizabeth Delayne's family.

- Elizabeth! Oh my God, it's been so long! Julia returned the hug with the same intensity. Tears streamed down their faces as they stood far enough apart to look each other in the eye. Julia's voice broke.

- I can't believe you're here. What are you doing in town?

- Dad called me and of course my husband had to come along and as soon as we arrived your husband Nathan was waiting for us. Julia said.

Elizabeth looked at her husband, her eyes shone and no more words were needed, she loved him more every day.

- Oh! Charles... excuse my rudeness. How are you? Let's go in...

And after greeting Charles, they entered and she introduced her children and, of course, gave a beautiful introduction to her husband, which brought a smile to her face.

When she was introduced to Nathan, it became clear to Charles and Julia how much Elizabeth was in love with them. She and Nathan radiated a joy and the mutual affection they shared was palpable. It was clear that Elizabeth had found a second chance at love and was living a full life with Nathan.

For Charles and Julia, this revelation brought a sense of relief, as they knew that Elizabeth had found the happiness she so deserved after the loss of Jack. They were looking forward to getting to know Nathan better and understanding how important he was in Elizabeth's life. The news brought a sense of peace and satisfaction knowing that their dear friend was living a life full of love and joy, something they both longed for her to find again.

The evening continued to unfold with the warmth of a lit fireplace and the company of old friends.

Charles, observing Elizabeth, noticed that she radiated sincere happiness. Her eyes, previously tired by so many tribulations, shone with the light of satisfaction and joy. In her delicate gestures when serving the table, Charles saw a woman who had found a true home, full of love and peace.

At the end of the meal, Elizabeth took Julia to show her the small, cozy house she now called home. Every detail, from the curtains to the pictures on the wall, was a reflection of Elizabeth's effort and dedication to creating an environment full of warmth and love for her family. There was much that was reminiscent of her first husband Jack Thorton, and Charles thought it was beautiful of Nathan how he preserved this love, and how they were teaching the little boy everything about his father and his courage. Nathan was a man in love and Elizabeth was a woman who loved her family and her husband. It was a beautiful thing to see.

The arrival of Hope Valle brought a series of surprises and twists to Charles and Julia's lives. As well as the news of Elizabeth and Nathan's wedding, there was an adorable element that would soon become an essential part of their lives. Jack, the little son of Elizabeth and Jack Thorton, was a boy of just four who immediately enchanted them.

Charles and Julia had no children of their own, but they had always shared a genuine love of children. When they met little Jack, their hearts opened to him in a way they had never imagined. That little boy, with his curious eyes and beautiful smile, filled their hearts with love.

Night fell over the quiet town, leaving behind a trail of stars stretched across the sky.

Charles and Julia walked side by side towards the hotel where Willian Thatcher was staying. The cool night air whispered promises of change and new beginnings.

As they entered the hotel, they were greeted by the comforting warmth of the soft lighting, they went straight to the lounge, where Willian, sat in the armchair with a warm smile, he was very happy to be with his daughters and grandchildren, Julia's eyes met her father's, and in an affectionate gesture, she hugged him, feeling the comfort of being in familiar arms again, she felt as he did? Being with Elizabeth and her family today was like renewing their family ties, it was as if they were a family again, and knowing that she had forgiven them for abandoning her was something that filled their hearts.

William Thatcher was aware of the plots and games that might unfold behind the scenes. He had called Julia to Elizabeth's side, a decision made not only out of a need for companionship, but also as a form of protection. He knew that Grace and Viola, his wife and daughter, had their own plans, and he would not allow Elizabeth to be harmed again.

Charles and Julia's union with Elizabeth represented more than simple family ties; it was a promise of unconditional support and protection. Willian looked at Julia with tenderness, silently thanking her for her presence at his sister's side.

In the meaningful silence of that moment, their hearts intertwined in a symphony of commitment. A new family was being formed, with the determination to face the challenges ahead together. Charles' firm gaze and the serenity in Julia's eyes reflected the certainty that, from that point on, they would be a protective wall for Elizabeth, facing any storm that might arise.

The night advanced, but the foundations of this new alliance remained solid. Willian, Charles and Julia, each with their own stories and scars, now shared a common purpose: to protect and love Elizabeth.

It was a new and promising chapter, where love, loyalty and determination wove a safety net around a woman, who with courage, had faced adversity and found it, and today they were united to protect her.