Elizabeth walked out of the schoolhouse and towards town. She had borrowed a book from Faith that she wanted to return before she went home for the day. She was planning to have dinner with Allie and Jack tonight. Allie had gone home with Opal after school to tell Mrs. Weiss about going to dinner and then she coming over. Elizabeth planned to make spaghetti because she knew it was something both Allie and her son would like.

Elizabeth said hello to the people as she walked by. She looked down the street at the Mountie office still seeing the building dark with Newton nowhere in site. Ever since Bill had talked to someone at Mountie headquarters, Elizabeth hoped that today would be the day that Nathan came home. She knew that she had feelings for Nathan when she told him at the dock before Christmas. Now with him out of town, she realized her feelings were even stronger.

The infirmary door was closed. This usually meant that there was a patient inside. Elizabeth knocked on the door. Carson opened the door.

"Hello Carson, is Faith here? I had a book I wanted to return to her."

"She is actually at the cafe. She went to have tea with Fiona. I can take the book if you want to leave it here for her."

Elizabeth held out the book, handing it to Carson. She heard a voice call out from behind him, "Elizabeth?"

She knew that voice. Had she actually heard it or was she dreaming because she missed him? Carson looked back into the room and then said to Elizabeth, "Why don't you come in for a minute?"

Elizabeth walked in the room and her eyes went wide. There sat Nathan in his henley. She could see a cut on his arm and medical supplies next to him.

"Nathan! When did you get back? Are you alright?"

"You both can talk while I bandage up Nathan's arm," Carson said. He sat down in a chair in front of Nathan.

"I'm ok Elizabeth. I cut my arm while on assignment but they stitched me up before I came back. I just wanted Carson to take a look before I headed to the office."

Elizabeth nodded with a single tear going down her cheek. All Nathan wanted to do was hold her in his arms to comfort her. Elizabeth wasn't sure if the tear was a result of him being home or the fear that something worse could have happened to him.

"Here is some ointment to put on the stitches. If you have a fever or you notice anything changes in the cut, come see me. Otherwise, come back in a week and I'll remove the stitches."

"Thank you Carson."

"I am going to walk to the mercantile for some supplies. You can leave the door open when you leave," Carson said looking at Nathan and Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth, I really am ok. I promise."

"I thought Mounties didn't make promises," Elizabeth smiled at Nathan.

"This one I can do," Nathan stood and tried to put his serge on his good arm first and then was having trouble with the other one.

Elizabeth walked over and took the other sleeve of the serge, helping Nathan put is injured arm in. She pulled the shoulders of the serge over Nathan's shoulders. Elizabeth grabbed both sides of the serge and looked in Nathan's eyes. "You really are ok?" Nathan nodded. Elizabeth continued, "I'm so glad you are back."

"Me too," Nathan said looking down at her hands as she started to button his serge. She got to the last button at the top and Nathan took her hands. "I need to go to the Mountie office to make a call and then I can walk you home."

"Allie was going to have dinner with Jack and I tonight. Would you like to come for dinner constable? I am making spaghetti."

"How could I say no?" Nathan laughed. "And Mrs. Thornton, this is not our first date. I still have plans for that." Elizabeth blushed at his mention of a date. She hadn't forgotten but she had hoped he hadn't either.

––––––––––

Elizabeth and Nathan were both starting dinner at her house. Laura had left a few minutes ago and they were waiting for Allie. Nathan thought it would be good to surprise her, so they were waiting for her to arrive. Elizabeth was putting a salad together while Nathan was working on the sauce. Jack was on the floor near the settee playing with his toys. Elizabeth could hear a girl's talking outside. It sounded like she was in front of the Coulter's house.

Elizabeth wiped her hands on her apron and went to pick up Jack. Nathan took the sauce off the heat and went to stand behind Elizabeth's settee. There was a knock on the door and Elizabeth answered, "Come in Allie."

Allie walked in while looking at the bag she was carrying, trying to adjust it on her shoulder, "Mrs. Thornton, do you know what we were going to have for dinner?" As she asked the question she looked up. Elizabeth could tell the moment she saw Nathan. The shock on her face with the fact that she dropped her bag. "Dad!"

Nathan felt tears fill his eyes as Allie jumped into his arms. That was the first time she called him that. Nathan and Allie had talked about adoption but with all the trouble before Christmas, Nathan still hadn't talked to Bill about it. He knew that he would need to talk to him soon. Elizabeth watched the scene with tears as well. Elizabeth knew that Nathan was the father that Allie needed and she was so grateful that he had been given this gift. Elizabeth hugged Jack, walking into the kitchen.

Nathan and Allie pulled back from the hug and walked into the kitchen a few minutes later. Nathan had his arm over Allie's shoulder. "We are having spaghetti tonight. When Mrs. Thornton saw that I was back, she told me that you were coming for dinner. I hope you don't mind me tagging along."

"I'm so glad you are home!"

The four of them sat down to dinner with a lot of laughter and smiles. Nathan told them a few things about his mission that he could share. Elizabeth and Allie told him all about school and what had happened in town. When it got late, Jack fell asleep and Elizabeth took him upstairs to put him down for the night. She came back downstairs and Nathan said that they probably should go home. Allie walked onto the porch trying to give her teacher and uncle a moment.

"Allie seems very happy that you are home. I am too," Elizabeth said.

Nathan looked like he wanted to say something to Elizabeth but he kept opening and shutting his mouth.

"Cat got your tongue?" Elizabeth smiled at Nathan.

"Maybe, or maybe it's my better judgment," Nathan said back lowering his head.

"Let me know when you figure it out," Elizabeth said. Nathan looked back at her, surprised by her response. "Have a good night Allie," she said walking closer to the door. "Good night Nathan."

Nathan walked down the lane with Allie. He was excited to be home and he hoped that he would be staying in town for a while before having to leave again. He still had some fears to work through, but he was excited for what was to come with Elizabeth.