It was early morning in Hope Valley. The sun hadn't even come up yet. Jack had woken up early that morning crying. Elizabeth felt his head and it was a little warm. Her little boy had a cold. Elizabeth held him, walking around the row house. She put her cheek to his temple trying to soothe him. She walked around while rocking him back and forth until Jack went to sleep. Elizabeth set him down in front of the settee on a blanket with pillows around him. She saw Rosemary outside with the laundry once the sun came up. Elizabeth called across the yard, asking if she would call Carson or Faith to come and check on Jack later this afternoon. Elizabeth didn't want to take him out into town with him feeling poorly.

Elizabeth sat down at her desk while Jack slept. Elizabeth had started to write a novel during her time at home while Jack was napping. She had a few chapters done and she had so many ideas that it was difficult to find the time to get it all on paper. She had notes in her journal for the story as well. Elizabeth had always wanted to be a teacher, that was her calling. Her students were very important to her and she would never give that up. The writing was part of her dreams that she hoped she would be able to do in addition to that.

Elizabeth heard a soft knock on the front door. She was grateful that Jack seemed to stay asleep, but he did squirm a bit at the noise. Elizabeth closed her journal and walked over to the door. She opened the door and saw Carson standing there with Nathan. Nathan was dressed in his serge but the top button was open.

"Hello, I was finally able to get Jack to sleep. Thank you for coming Carson. Hi Nathan," Elizabeth held the door open to let both of the men in.

"Is Jack upstairs? I can check on him if you like."

"He is over in front of the settee. I had been carrying him around all morning so I set him down there to keep an eye on him." After Elizabeth explained, Carson nodded and walked over to where Jack was sleeping.

"I was in the infirmary when Rosemary called. I wanted to check on both of you," Nathan said.

"Thank you Nathan. I appreciate you being here." Elizabeth looked at Nathan and put her arms around him. Her cheek was against Nathan's chest and he could feel her breath on his chest where the serge was open. Elizabeth felt Nathan tense as she hugged him. She pulled back and asked, "Is everything ok?"

"Yes. I'm fine."

Carson walked back over to them. "Jack still has a bit of a fever but it isn't too high. I think you are right that it is a cold. You can put some cold cloths on his forehead and try to get him to drink something when he wakes up."

"Thank you, I will do that."

"I will come by and check on you tomorrow," Carson said.

"I need to be getting back to the office to go on rounds," Nathan said.

Elizabeth looked at both of them, "Thank you both."

Nathan nodded and headed for the door. Carson and Elizabeth both looked at each other at the change in Nathan since he had arrived. "Call the infirmary if you need anything Elizabeth."

Elizabeth watched as both men walked towards town. Elizabeth wanted to talk to Nathan about what had happened but it would need to wait. Her son needed her. She had already asked Rosemary to take care of her classes today so she would be spending the whole day with Jack. She went to get a cloth to put on Jack's head before sitting down with her book again.

–––––––––

A couple of days later and Jack was back to normal. He was a smiling, happy once again. Elizabeth went back to school but she told Laura to go the Coulters or send someone to get her if there was any change with Jack. Elizabeth usually stayed after school to prepare for the next day or grade papers. On this day however she went straight home, thankful to see her son. She decided to take a walk before dinner. Both her and Jack could use the fresh air after being stuck inside.

Elizabeth found her way to the dock by the pond. This was one of her favorite places in Hope Valley. She sat on the dock next to Jack, showing him how to toss rocks into the pond. Elizabeth looked out at the water, thinking about Nathan and what had happened the other day. Almost like she dreamed him, Elizabeth turned her head and saw Nathan approaching on Newton.

"Hi there, Jack you have recovered from your cold I see," Nathan said, dismounting from his horse. He took the hat off his head and held it in front of him. He looked down as he held it, trying to figure out what to say.

"He is, I thought we could use some fresh air this afternoon. Are you coming back from rounds." Elizabeth stood up, holding Jack's hand as he stood on the dock.

Nathan nodded. He looked down at the tree stump on the edge of the dock and saw a book sitting there. "What are you reading?"

"Oh it's nothing," Elizabeth said reaching for the book before Nathan could look at it.

Nathan picked it up, "A Collection of Frontier Stories by Elizabeth Thatcher. Wait, that's you isn't it? I didn't know you were a writer."

"I thought I could be but I'm not," Elizabeth reached for the book from Nathan and put it back in the basket that she had brought with her.

"I think that book says otherwise."

"I wrote those stories years ago. I tried to send it to a few publishers in New York City but I only received one response. The publisher said my stories should be deeper."

"What does that mean," Nathan asked with a smile.

Elizabeth laughed, "I'm not sure. People do say that the best stories come from the heart."

Nathan looked at her. He knew that she was concerned when he left the other day. Nathan was feeling so many things and he needed to think before moving forward. "What's in your heart, Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth reached out and picked up her son. Jack smiled and giggled seeing Nathan. "Nathan, is everything ok?"

"Yes, Elizabeth. There are some things I need to deal with."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not right now, thank you." Nathan smiled, taking Jack's little hand and shaking it. "You know, you should try again to publish these stories."

Elizabeth sighed at the change in topic. She would let Nathan deal with things on his own for now. Elizabeth liked to work through things herself by journaling. Eventually though she would get him to talk to her. If there was any future for them, he would need to trust her with the tough things in addition to the good.

"I've thought about it. I actually started writing a novel but I am only a couple chapters in so far."

"Elizabeth, that's wonderful! Do you think I could read it sometime."

"Not right now," Elizabeth smiled, giving Nathan the same response that he gave her. "It's not ready for anyone to read yet. Maybe after I have more of it done." Elizabeth thought for a minute, wondering if she was brave enough to let him know more about her. Maybe that would help him to understand her past and open up. "Would you like to read this book?" Elizabeth asked holding out the book Nathan saw earlier.

"I'd be honored," Nathan said taking the book. "I should get going back to town." Nathan put the book in his saddle bag to keep it safe. He put his hat back on his head and mounted the horse. "I will get the book back to you soon and I will take care of it. Thank you for trusting me with it Elizabeth."

"You're welcome. Maybe we can talk about it when you are done?"

"Sounds great." Nathan rode away from Elizabeth and Jack standing on the dock. Elizabeth looked out over the water once Nathan was out of sight, holding her son close.