Elizabeth Thornton's Journal

June 26, 1921

Jack's riding lessons are going wonderfully. I'm so happy he has taken this new experience very well. Nathan and Bill are excellent teachers; it makes sense due to their years of practice. Pal the pony is enjoying the exercise I'm sure.

Speaking of horses, Nathan and I had the sweetest picnic and horse ride. It was long overdue. Our first attempt didn't go as planned. Allie needed rescuing after a trip to see her birth father, Dylan Parks at the Granville Prison went south. Dylan had refused to see his own daughter. That will never sound any less awful, no matter how many times you say it. That just proves that a man like Dylan Parks no longer has the truest kind of love in his heart and clearly, Nathan does and always will. Nathan may not be Allie's biological father, but he is more of a father than Dylan ever was or will be. The love this father and daughter share is undeniable. I have loved watching their bond grow even stronger over these past few weeks.

Nathan and I's second attempt to go out on the horses ended abruptly as well when Henry came in the stables to break the news that trouble had arisen. Casimir Shaw, an American criminal and rumrunner had arrived suddenly in town to stir things up with Lucas. Another try at our governor's life had him captured by a parade of Mounties and sent to Granville Prison. Like Nathan has stated before, they "always get their man". Knowing heroic men like Nathan and Bill are on the case brings me peace and comfort in the uncertainty of times. I'm glad the violence is over with and we can all go about our normal life again, which is definitely a good normal.

Summer is slipping away all too fast and I'm trying to soak up these moments, big and small, as much as I can. Although I'll miss the break, I am eager to begin another year teaching at the Jack Thornton School with my new students, who will start attending daily including: Jack and Lily! It will be very bittersweet to see my son in the classroom. He is learning more every day to be ready by the time school is in session. Lily Watson, the adorable little girl Faith has taken under her wing as she would with her own child, has been doing some summer lessons with Jack and I at our house and sometimes at the community park. I have no doubt they will be prepared when fall arrives at the door.

Lucas has been good - continuing to brainstorm new ideas for Hope Valley's future as well as the other communities throughout the territory. That man never ceases to dream bigger. Construction on the brand-new national park is set to begin pretty soon. A governor's work is never complete. Of course, Rosemary is happy to help Lucas with finding inspiration. She and Lee have become interested in our town's future more than any other citizens. I think that's more than great.

Miss Jeanette Aucoin served her time in prison and even was forced to do a bit of community service after her sentence. She has returned to New Orleans to start a new company and finally has the protection she needs to ensure she will not be getting mixed up in unfortunate business deals anymore. Turning over a new leaf is exactly what needed to happen for her.

Mei and Mike are entering marital bliss with open arms. I'm so pleased these two have found each other and are beginning their journey of marriage. They are currently on their two-week long honeymoon in Seattle. I hear it is a beautiful city. We are all over the moon with joy for the Hickams.

As for Nathan and I, we ultimately found our way to one another (as I knew we would eventually), and we started courting soon after Casimir was captured. It feels so freeing to be more connected to Nathan than before. I'm excited for our future together as I'm sure it will be full of love and some of the unexpected along the way.

Signing off here. Nathan and I have a date at The Cafe soon and I should probably freshen up a little. Minnie's cooking will never go out of style.

Elizabeth