"What are we looking at over here?" Jack asked as he approached Elizabeth and Rosemary. He turned to follow their gaze, seeing an unfamiliar man glancing around the room. "Who is that?"

"Charles Kensington," Elizabeth replied. "A childhood friend of mine."

"Oh." He straightened up, suddenly wondering if he needed to be worried about this new visitor. "Why is he here?"

"I have no idea. Maybe my family sent him here for some reason. He works for my father's company." She accepted the glass of lemonade from Jack. "But he can come find me if he's here for me."

"Are you sure? It's fine if you need to go talk to him."

She nodded and took a sip of her drink, noticing that he took a step closer to her.

"Would you like to go sit down for a bit? Rest your feet?"

"Sure." She touched Rosemary's arm. "I'll talk to you later."

"Have fun," Rosemary told her with a wink.

"What was that all about?" Jack asked once they were out of earshot. "That wink?"

Elizabeth shrugged. "It's Rosemary, so who knows."

He pulled out a chair for her, and she thanked him as she took a seat. Sinking into the chair beside her, he asked, "Are you having a nice time?"

"I am." She gave him a smile, reaching over to take his hand. "Thank you for inviting me, Jack."

"Thank you for accepting my invitation."

She turned her attention back toward the roomful of people, watching them dance and mingle, hearing the sound of dozens of conversations scattered about the room. "You know, this is the first time I've really enjoyed myself at a dance," she admitted. "Here, there's not the pressure to look or act a certain way. We just get to be ourselves."

Jack was simultaneously warmed and saddened by her confession. He hated that she had so many unhappy experiences in her past, that she endured so much pain and the pressure to be anything but herself. But he loved that he was by her side now to show her that things could be different. She could be in a place where she was loved and cared for just as she was, without needing to put on a facade.

"I hope you always feel that you can be yourself here, Elizabeth."

"I do." She looked at him once more, sucking in a breath at the way he was gazing at her. Like she was the only person in the room, like nothing else on Earth mattered to him more than she did. Suddenly uncomfortable, she pulled her hand away and cleared her throat.

"I'm sorry," Jack apologized.

"No, it's just…I don't know. I feel…"

"I made you uncomfortable. It's okay for you to tell me that." He gave her a reassuring smile. "I promise it won't hurt my feelings."

"I'm sorry that everything is so complicated."

"None of that is your fault, Elizabeth." He wanted to reach for her hand again, but thought better of it.

"Um," she looked down at her hands in her lap. "Maybe we should just go dance again," she suggested, wanting to end the conversation before too many memories were dredged up.

"If that's what you want."

"Mhmm." She nodded and stood, setting her glass on a nearby table.

Before they could make it back to the dance floor, however, Charles approached.

"Elizabeth, hello," he greeted her, not even bothering to acknowledge Jack.

"Charles."

"Could we speak outside?"

She glanced over at Jack, who gave her a slight nod.

"I'm right here if you need anything," he told her.

"Follow me." Elizabeth led Charles out of the saloon and over to a bench, where they both sat down. "Why are you here, Charles?"

"I can't just visit an old friend?" He smiled.

She gave him a look. "You wouldn't come all this way just for a visit, especially when we haven't seen each other in years."

He sighed. "You're right." He took her hand. "Why don't you come back to Hamilton?"

She pulled away. "Did my parents send you? They know I'm happy here."

"Is it because of that man inside? Is that why you don't want to leave?" He tilted his head back toward the building behind them. "What can he offer you, Elizabeth? He certainly can't offer you a life like you had in Hamilton or Toronto."

She huffed. "Jack is kind. He cares for me, and the children adore him. But beyond all of that, I like my life here in Hope Valley. I don't want to go back to the life I used to live. I want my children to grow up here, where they can run and play and just be children. Surrounded by trees and mountains and fresh air, not buildings and cars and crowds of people."

"Away from family?"

"Charles, the people here are my family now." She shook her head. "I just don't understand why my parents sent you here. They saw how this place makes me feel, and they seemed fine with me and the children staying."

"Well, they weren't the ones who sent me."

She narrowed her eyes, suddenly realizing why he was there. "They didn't."

"Matthew made some very good points, Elizabeth, about the children growing up near their grandparents, going to good schools. You know they'll have their pick of any private school in the East. And you know the importance of family. Surely you don't want to deprive your children of regularly seeing their family."

She stood. "I don't care what Matthew Spencer says. They're my children, and I'll raise them the way I see fit. Good day, Charles. I'm sorry that you traveled all this way for nothing."

"Elizabeth…" He started to follow her.

"Goodbye, Charles." She quickly made her way back inside, not turning to see if he was still following.

Jack was waiting for her just inside the door, having watched the conversation through the window. "Are you okay?"

She nodded. "I'm fine, just a little frustrated."

"Did you find out why he's here?"

"The Spencers sent him," she said matter-of-factly.

"Are you serious?" He shook his head angrily. "Do you need me to talk to him? Send him away?"

"No." She sighed. "I told him that I don't care what anyone says. Hope Valley is my home now, and I have no plans to leave."

"Do you want me to walk you home? We can stop by Abigail's to pick up the children."

"No." She reached over to take his hand. "I'm not letting this ruin our date."
"Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine, Jack. I've wasted too much of my life worrying about what the Spencers think. I've decided to just let it all go."

"I just—"

"Jack," she cut him off. "Please."

He sighed. "Okay. Shall we go dance?"

...

Jack and Elizabeth approached Elizabeth's house, William walking with his hand in Jack's and Emma asleep against Elizabeth's shoulder. Jack nudged the little boy up the steps.

"Would you like to come in?" Elizabeth quietly asked him, knowing he had no reason to hurry home as Allie was staying with a friend for the night. "It won't take me long to get these two to bed, and then I can make us a pot of tea."

"I'll wait out here. It's such a beautiful evening."

She gave him a smile. "Tea on the porch, it is. I'll be back in a minute."

Jack took a seat on the steps as he waited, looking over at the sun as it sank toward the horizon. A smile played on his lips as he thought about the evening. It had been absolutely perfect, even with the bit of discomfort and the interruption from Mr. Kensington.

It felt wonderful to walk into the saloon with Elizabeth at his side, letting everyone know they were together. And dancing with her…he was pretty sure he would never experience a greater joy than having Elizabeth in his arms. He was glad she had invited him to stay a while longer; he wasn't quite ready for the evening to end.

He was so lost in thought a few minutes later that he didn't hear the door open behind him. He jumped a little when Elizabeth tapped his shoulder.

"Sorry." She let out a little chuckle. "I didn't mean to startle you."

"It's okay." He accepted a cup of tea from her and patted the step beside him, inviting her to join him. "I was just thinking."

She took a seat beside him. "Thinking hard, it would seem."

He held out his hand, waiting until she slipped her fingers into his. "Just thinking about this evening. I had a really great time."

"So did I." She squeezed his hand. "I'm sorry about Charles showing up."

He shook his head. "No need to apologize. It's not like you invited him here."

"Still. I don't want you to get mixed up in all this drama."

"Hey, if the drama has to do with the Spencers, I want to be involved. I'm going to do everything I can to make sure they leave you and the children alone."

She scooted closer, leaning her head on his shoulder. "I'm very grateful for you, Jack."

He wrapped his arm around her, turning slightly to press his lips to the top of her head. She shivered at the touch, and he smiled. "Chilly?"

She shook her head, leaning further into him. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply, wishing things could always be so easy, so natural with him. She hated that she had pulled away from him earlier in the evening, even if he said it didn't bother him.

"I wish it could always be like this," she whispered, almost too quietly for him to hear.

"You'll get there," he promised. "Someday, the memories won't have a hold on you anymore. And I'll be by your side all the while."

...

Jack leaned back against the wall of the jail, watching people mill about. He saw Charles step out of the saloon and glance around. He only hesitated for a moment before he strode down the street, easily catching up to the man.

"Hello, sir."

Seeing him in his red serge, Charles straightened up. "Constable."

"I saw you arrive in town yesterday, and I just wanted to introduce myself and welcome you to Hope Valley. I'm Constable Jack Thornton." He stuck out his hand.

Charles shook it. "Charles Kensington. Did I see you with Elizabeth Spencer at that dance last night?" he asked as they started moving slowly down the street.

"I'm sure you did. She and I went together."

"Oh." He seemed surprised. "I didn't realize she was seeing somebody."

Jack nodded. "So have you two known each other long?"

"Since we were children. We grew up together."

"And you just came for a visit?"

"Well," he gave a nervous chuckle. "Her father-in-law asked if I could come see how she and the children are doing, and to ask her if she'd like to move back. They're really missing their grandchildren."

"She's happy here," Jack assured him.

"That's what she told me when we spoke, but I have a hard time believing that. She grew up with everything, and I always thought she'd want her children to have the same."

Jack shrugged. "Sometimes priorities change. They may not have everything here, but they have everything they need."

He stopped walking and turned toward Jack, a serious expression on his face. "I know you didn't know her when she lived in Hamilton or Toronto, but do you truly believe she's happier here than she was there?"

"I know she is. James made her life in Toronto a living hell, and now the Spencers are trying to punish her for getting out of that situation. She just wants to raise her children here, in peace."

"Was it really as bad as people said?"

"Even worse than whatever I'm sure you heard," Jack confirmed. "If she hadn't gotten out of there when she did, she may not have made it out alive."

Charles paled at his words. "Really?" His voice cracked as he spoke.

Jack nodded. "It was bad, Mr. Kensington."

"Well," he cleared his throat and straightened up. "Maybe I'll just report to Matthew that I never did find Elizabeth."

Jack smiled. "Thank you. I think she would really appreciate that."

"You'll take care of her?"

His smile widened. "I will."

...

William turned as they stood in front of the schoolhouse, grabbing onto Elizabeth's legs and refusing to budge. "I want to stay with you, mama. Why does Emma get to stay with you?"

She shifted her daughter on her hip. "Emma isn't old enough for school yet. But you're going to have so much fun, Willie." She combed through his hair with her fingers. "Allie will be there. And remember, you already met Miss O'Connell, and you liked her."

"But I'm going to miss you," he pouted.

She crouched down to meet his eyes. "Well, Emma and I will be waiting right here to pick you up as soon as class is over, and then you can tell me all about how much fun you had. Maybe we'll even go to the café for a treat."

"Promise?"

She leaned in to kiss his cheek. "I promise."

"Come on, William!" Allie called out, waving him over to the steps.

"Go on," Elizabeth nudged him, standing back up. "I'll see you soon."

"Bye, Willie," Emma said quietly.

He shuffled over to his friend, turning back toward Elizabeth to wave before Allie led him into the classroom.

Jack caught up with her as she started back toward Main Street, putting a gentle hand on her back as they walked. "How are you feeling about William starting school?"

She sighed. "I don't know. He'd been so excited, but he seemed so nervous now that the school year is actually starting. I'm just glad he'll have Allie with him."

"She's excited to have him in class with her."

She slowed her steps as they neared the dress shop. "I was thinking of taking the children to the café for dinner this evening to celebrate William's first day. You and Allie are welcome to join us."

"Why don't you all come to our house? I promised Allie I'd make macaroni and cheese with chili tonight. It's her favorite."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I always make way too much for just the two of us, anyway, and it's our turn to have you over."

"Okay. Should I bring anything?"

"Just you and the children." He flashed her a grin. "Six o'clock?"

"We'll be there. Be safe today, Jack."

He reached over and squeezed her hand. "I will. See you later."

...

Jack opened the door, smiling when he saw Elizabeth and the children waiting on the porch. "Come on in." He stepped aside, letting them enter the house.

"Hi, Mr. Mountie." William hugged his legs. "We brought a pie. It's blackberry. Mama asked Miss Abigail, and she said that's your favorite."

"Oh, really?" He looked up at her with a mischievous grin, letting out a quiet chuckle when he saw a blush rise in her cheeks. "Why don't you and Emma go up and play with Allie until dinner is ready? It shouldn't be too long."

"Mama?" Emma turned, looking a bit uncertain.

"Go ahead, sweetheart. I'll be right down here."

William took his sister's hand and helped her up the stairs. A few moments later, they heard Allie squeal at the arrival of her friends.

"I know you said I didn't need to bring anything," Elizabeth followed him into the kitchen and set the pie on the counter, "but I had already promised William a treat from the café."

"And you asked Abigail what my favorite was?"

She dropped her gaze to the floor, her cheeks reddening once more. "I just thought…"

He put a hand on her arm. "That was very sweet, Elizabeth."

"Um." She took a step toward the stove, motioning toward the pots sitting on the heat. "What can I do?"

"Nothing. It's all done. We're just waiting for everything to heat up all the way." He pulled out a chair at the table, inviting her to sit. "I saw that Charles Kensington left town today."

"Mhmm." She took a seat. "He stopped by the dress shop before he left. He said he won't tell the Spencers that he talked to me."

He sat across the table from her. "Good for him."

"He was always a good friend," she explained. "I was young when my parents arranged my marriage to James, and in my childhood, I used to wish they'd made the arrangements with Charles instead."

"Oh." Jack's eyes widened briefly, not expecting that confession. "Do you…"

She shook her head, reaching over to take his hand. "No. I don't wish I was with him. Even with a different man, I don't think I could've been truly happy living that sort of life. All the social events, all the parties, that wasn't me. I feel more myself in Hope Valley than I've felt in my entire life."

"Good." He gave her a crooked smile. "Now," he put his hands on his knees, moving to stand up, "I think dinner is probably warmed through. I'll set the table if you can go get the children."

They chatted throughout dinner, Allie and William relaying stories of their first day of school, Jack and Elizabeth discussing work, and Emma quietly chiming in with anecdotes from her day as well.

As he listened to Allie and Jack talk about the game they played during recess, Jack was suddenly struck by how domestic it all felt, how much it seemed like they were a family. He met Elizabeth's eyes across the table and smiled.

He could picture a future like this, where they gathered around the table each evening, sharing a meal and stories about their days. He could see them tucking the children in before returning to the living room and snuggling up on the sofa, talking quietly until they couldn't keep their eyes open any longer.

He prayed that that would become their reality soon.

...

"Go change into your pajamas. I'll be up to tuck you in soon," Elizabeth told the children as they stood on the porch.

"Okay, mama," William replied, waving his sister in behind him.

"Well," she clasped her hands in front of her, turning toward Jack, "thank you for dinner."

"You're welcome. And thank you for bringing dessert." He slowly moved his hands to rest on her waist, waiting to gauge her reaction. When she didn't pull away, he took a step closer, sliding his arms around her back. "Maybe next time, we can have dinner, just the two of us."

She took a deep breath, feeling warm in his embrace despite the chill in the night air. "I'd like that."

"Elizabeth." Caught up in the moment, he caressed her cheek, leaning in slightly as his eyes dropped to her lips.

"Jack." She took a step back. "I can't. Not yet."

He sighed. "I'm sorry."

"I desperately wish I was ready for that step. I hope you know that."

"I know." He gave her a sad smile. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

"See you tomorrow," she confirmed. Before he could walk away, she grabbed his hand. "Jack? I really did have a wonderful time tonight."

"I'm glad." He squeezed her fingers gently. "Good night, Elizabeth."