Author's Note: Ok, so chapter 2's "episode" - all the action takes place over a little more than a week and flows together plot-wise, but it got SOOO long, I decided to break it into 2a & 2b. But hey, I posted both chapters at the same time. Just in case you wondered what's up with the "2a".

CHAPTER 2a:

Late November 1921

On a brisk morning in late fall, Nathan strides the short distance from his house to Elizabeth's to accompany her and Little Jack on their walk to school, as he does most mornings. This has quickly become a favorite part of both their routines because it gives them a few precious minutes to enjoy each other's company and compare notes on their agendas before their busy jobs pull them apart for the day. Sometimes Allie joins them, but oftentimes she prefers meeting up with friends before school instead.

Elizabeth hears a knock on her door, and her heart jumps, knowing it's Nathan. She hurries to open it, issuing a cheerful "Good morning!"

Nathan smiles back, "Good morning, Beautiful." Glancing past her and seeing that Jack is busy putting on his shoes with his back to the doorway, Nathan leans in for a kiss, but they break off quickly as Jack looks up and spots his idol.

The little boy runs up to them, calling out, "Hi, Mountie Nathan!" Nathan bends down to meet him for a hug, a fairly new habit Jack has developed that thrills both adults, even as Elizabeth feels a little put out because Jack is less cuddly with her than he used to be.

"Hi, Jack! Are you two ready to go?" Nathan asks, directing the question mostly to Elizabeth.

"Let me just grab my jacket and my things. Would you mind helping him with his coat?"

"Of course!" Nathan grabs it from the coat rack and maneuvers Jack into it, which takes considerable skill because the boy never stops moving. They step outside as Elizabeth returns, having donned her own coat and grabbed her basket of school materials. Seeing it, Nathan reaches out, "Here, let me carry that for you."

"Thank you!"

Basket in one hand, Nathan holds out his other arm for Elizabeth to take as they begin the short trek to school.

"Allie went ahead?" Elizabeth asks.

"Yes, she and Angela got an early start. I think they're working on another song."

They walk awhile in silence as Jack runs on before them, then back again, wondering why adults are so slow.

Noticing that Nathan seems preoccupied, Elizabeth questions him. "Something's on your mind. Is everything okay?"

He huffs out a laugh, glancing down at her fondly from the corner of his eye, marveling again at her unique ability to read him with unnerving accuracy. "How do you do that?"

"Besides that furrow you get between your eyebrows, you're quieter than usual, which says a lot, considering you're never what one might call verbose," Elizabeth answers wryly.

Sighing, Nathan straightens, looking ahead again for a moment before he admits, "There is something I want to ask, but I don't want to overstep or upset you."

Elizabeth turns to him, squeezing his arm with her free hand. "Nathan, we're beyond censoring ourselves with each other. I can't guarantee I'll always like it, but whatever is on your mind, I'll always want to know."

"Alright, but feel free to refuse."

"Okay," she agrees.

Taking a deep breath, Nathan asks, "I'd like to visit Jack's grave."

Whatever Elizabeth is expecting, it isn't that. Caught off guard, Elizabeth stops and turns to face him. Nathan follows suit.

After a moment, Elizabeth recovers and responds warmly, "Of course! …We could go together, as I haven't been in a while. I should've thought of asking you before now."

Visibly relieved, Nathan whispers, "Thank you."

"Is there any particular reason you thought of visiting now?" Elizabeth wonders.

There actually is, Nathan thinks to himself, but since he isn't ready yet to reveal the reason hidden at the back of his top dresser drawer at home, he answers truthfully but in more general terms. "I've just wanted to pay my respects for a long while. Now that we're together, it feels even more important."

"Alright. I can't go today as I'm helping a few students after school with some extra practice before their math test tomorrow. Will tomorrow afternoon work for you?"

"That should be fine."

Sharing a smile, the two resume walking and soon reach the schoolhouse yard filled with chattering students squeezing in a last bit of play before the school day begins. "I'll see you later tonight. Have a nice day," Nathan tells her. Wishing him the same, Elizabeth starts up the school steps, ringing the bell as she goes, while Nathan strides away to saddle Newton for their morning rounds.

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When Elizabeth mentions to Rosemary about the plan to visit Jack's grave, Rosemary offers to keep Little Jack since she'll be home anyway with Goldie as the little girl finishes recuperating from a cold. So the next day after school, Elizabeth drops Little Jack off at her friend's with a hug and a kiss.

Nathan and Elizabeth meet in the stables, which in itself is a common occurrence, as they enjoy taking short rides together as often as they can. Nathan being in uniform, however, sets today's trip apart. Climbing on Newton and Sergeant, they head out of town. Their destination gives them both plenty to think about, so they ride part of the way without speaking.

While on the tree-lined path to the secluded cemetery atop a hill, Elizabeth finally breaks the companionable silence. "Nathan, I want to assure you – you wanting to visit Jack's grave isn't overstepping or upsetting to me. …Just the opposite in fact! It means more than I can say." She pauses, then continues, "Y'know, for a long time, I didn't think it was possible, but I've found peace about Jack's death." Listening intently, Nathan looks slightly surprised at this, but keeps his silence, eager to hear more from her on a topic about which she's still pretty reticent with him.

Arriving at the fenced graveyard, they dismount. Elizabeth grabs the small bundle of blue cornflowers and forget-me-nots that she brought. As she and Nathan walk hand-in-hand toward the entrance, she picks up her train of thought. "I explained to Allie recently that somehow, without me realizing, I've gotten to where I now feel …primarily gratitude ….not grief, when I think of Jack or talk about him. Gratitude for the time we had together, for our wonderful son, and for the sense that he's with us in our hearts."

"For your sake, I'm so happy to hear that. …I've never wanted to risk hurting you by dredging up painful memories, but if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to hear you talk more about him going forward."

"Really?" Elizabeth asks, pleased and a little surprised. "I didn't know you'd want that. I'd like that too."

"Yes, really. …Elizabeth, the you that I know, the woman I met and fell in love with after moving here, was irrevocably shaped by the years that came before that you shared with Jack. The love you two had, his loss - he's forever a part of you and your son, of what made you who you are today, and I'll always honor that."

Deeply moved, Elizabeth blinks back tears and squeezes his hand. "For a man so frugal with his words, you have an incredible way with them when it matters. …I love you so much."

Wondering if he'll always feel such a frisson of joy at hearing that admission from her, Nathan squeezes her hand back. Returning her warm look and gentle smile, he answers, "I love you too. Always."

Nathan waits a few steps back while Elizabeth approaches Jack's headstone, giving her space to speak privately. She kneels down, placing the flowers she brought. "Hi, you," Elizabeth says fondly, running a hand over the familiar inscription. "I'm sorry it's been awhile. Someone really important has come with me today. …Jack, when I lost you, you wanted me to promise you that I would open my heart to love again. For years, I didn't think I could do what you wanted. I even came close to making a huge mistake because I wouldn't let myself be that vulnerable again. It's been such a long, hard road… But this man has been there for me through all of it. At this point, his heart and mine are so intertwined, there's no telling where one ends and the other begins." She pauses before voicing a growing conviction. "…It took me a long time to realize, but I think maybe…somehow…when you had to leave, you had a hand in sending this man to me. …So, I want you to know, Jack, that I'm keeping the promise you wanted me to make, and… I'm happy."

Standing up, she meets Nathan's waiting gaze, reaches out her hand, and draws him to stand beside her. "Jack, this is Constable Nathan Grant. He took over your post here after we lost you, and Hope Valley has been lucky to have such an impeccable Mountie… and such an excellent man." She turns to Nathan, takes a deep breath, and smiles shakily. With a tilt of her head, she continues softly, as though performing an introduction, "Nathan, …Constable Jack Thornton." Sharing an intense look, they then both cast their eyes on the headstone before them for a long, silent moment.

Still regarding the marker in front of him, Nathan asks quietly, "Elizabeth, would you mind giving me a moment?"

"Of course. I'll wait by the horses."

After her footfalls fade away, Nathan stands at attention and slowly salutes before speaking. "Constable Thornton … You're pretty famous among the Mounties. I wish I could've known you… though in a way, I feel like I do. I guess it feels like that because of how much I've heard about you and because of the way you live on in so many peoples' memories as well as in a very special young boy. …So much of you lives in Elizabeth and in your son. He's a really good kid, and I know you'd be as proud of him as we are."

He pauses, gathering his thoughts. "Elizabeth has an uncanny knack for danger, doesn't she?" Smiling faintly, he adds, "Probably something to do with her being so headstrong, don't you think?" Sobering, he continues, "I've always wanted to thank you. When she moved here, young and alone, you kept her safe. You loved her so well and made her so happy. For all that, I'm incredibly grateful. And for Little Jack. He's Elizabeth's light. He got her through those first dark years after you were gone. He's growing up so fast and, I'm told, growing more like you all the time. From all I've learned of your character, that's a tremendous commendation. …While I can never fill your shoes, I'll never stop striving to be a model for him to follow like you would've been."

"I plan to ask Elizabeth to marry me soon." He stops on a shaky breath, his voice wavering slightly with emotion. "This is where it's always been complicated for me. …Because I also need to thank you …for being the reason I found the love of my life. I'll forever be in your debt. If it weren't for you, there'd be no Elizabeth and me. And that's the most amazing gift anyone could ever give me. …She assures me that she doesn't think of me as being in your shadow. …But I still struggle sometimes… guilt, y'know… I think a part of me always will. …Loving Elizabeth, having her love in return – it's a dream come true. She's the perfect woman, isn't she? But my dream is only possible because I get to live the life that you didn't get to. …How do you thank someone for that?"

Wrestling emotions, Nathan inhales deeply before haltingly finishing his train of thought. "You know, not very long ago, for a few terrible years, I lived in dread that I'd have to watch Elizabeth marry someone else. …As awful as that was (and believe me, it was really awful), what got me through was seeing her happy. …Because the only thing I want more than her love is her happiness. …And since you loved her like I do, I know that's what you would want most of all too. …So the last thing I need to say, Mountie to Mountie, is this: I give you my word that I will protect and love Elizabeth and your son every moment of every day for the rest of my life… the way I know you would have done if you could." Finished speaking, Nathan remains motionless a beat, then decisively stands at attention and salutes Jack's headstone once more before turning and walking away.

As Nathan approaches Elizabeth, she regards him closely. She couldn't hear the words he spoke at Jack's grave, but she sensed his seriousness and emotional turmoil. He does, however, seem lighter now. "Everything okay?" she questions.

Reaching her, he slowly draws her into his arms and buries his face in her hair for a breath before pulling back a few inches to meet her concerned gaze. He answers simply, "Better than okay. …Thank you."

She nods in acknowledgement. "Ready to go home?"

"Yes."

As they ride back into town, they notice Bill waiting outside the jail. Seeing them, he motions, and they direct their horses over. "Hi, you two. I'm sorry, but Nathan, you have a telegram from Mountie Headquarters. …We need to talk."

Nathan glances at Elizabeth apologetically, "I'd better – "

She interrupts, "Of course. Go ahead. I'll stable Sergeant and head home. …But please, come by the house when you're done. You and Allie can join us for dinner."

"Sounds good," Nathan readily agrees.

From a window, Allie sees Elizabeth walking by and hurries out. "Hi, Mrs. Thornton. Where's Dad?"

Though a little disturbed wondering what Bill had to say, Elizabeth puts on a brave face and cheerfully replies, "Hi, Allie! Judge Avery needed to talk with your dad about something, so they're at the jail. I'm headed to pick up Jack from Mrs. Coulter's and then to start dinner. I invited you and your dad, so would you like to just come with me now?"

"Sure!" The four have been having dinner together more often than not in recent weeks, so Allie is used to helping Elizabeth in the kitchen by now.

"Great! I appreciate your company… and your help!" Elizabeth rejoins with a smile and a wink.

Later, Elizabeth begins to worry they'll have to start eating without Nathan, whom she'd expected much sooner. She wonders what's keeping him as she watches Allie and Jack finish setting the table. Just then, she hears Nathan's knock on her door. Setting a basket of light rolls on the table, she calls out, "Come in!"

"Hi, everyone! Sorry I'm late."

Brushing aside her concerns for now, Elizabeth smiles, "You're just in time. Come sit!"

Hi,Dad!"

"Hi, kiddo!" Nathan enthusiastically returns Allie's greeting and her hug.

Turning to Jack, Nathan ruffles the boy's hair affectionately and asks, "Jack, did you have a good day?"

"I sure did. Goldie and me – "

"Goldie and I," his mother, ever the teacher, can't resist correcting.

"Goldie and I tried to see who could collect the most leaves. She thinks she got more, but I had more if you count the ones that broke."

"I bet Aunt Rosemary appreciated you both helping pick up fallen leaves in her yard."

They sit around the kitchen table and begin eating.

"So what was the telegram about?" Elizabeth asks Nathan, attempting nonchalance.

With a glance at Jack, he murmurs, "I'll tell you later."

His response does nothing to alleviate Elizabeth's anxiety, and she struggles to eat more than a few bites while not letting the children see she's out of sorts.

After dinner, Nathan and Allie offer to clear the table and wash dishes while Elizabeth takes a tired Jack to bed and reads him a story.

When Elizabeth returns downstairs after Jack has fallen asleep, Nathan initially suggests he and Elizabeth take a walk to have this conversation. But Allie objects, "No, Dad, please. I want to know too. I'm old enough, you can't just leave me in the dark forever."

Glancing from Allie to Elizabeth, who nods in agreement, Nathan sighs, "Let's have a seat."

Allie and Nathan sit on the sofa while Elizabeth takes the chair right beside. Nathan begins, "The Peterson gang was spotted, or at least the two brothers who are the ringleaders were, near Jameson earlier today."

"I think I've read about them in the papers," muses Elizabeth. "Aren't they the ones that rob travelers on isolated roads?"

"Yes, that's them. They've hit stagecoaches, cars, even horseback riders, robbing them at gunpoint along isolated stretches of road. So far, they haven't injured or killed any of their victims, but they're terrorizing people. They've attacked all over the countryside for miles around. And the attacks have been escalating. So far, they've managed to elude numerous attempts at capture, so with this spotting today, Mountie Headquarters decided to assemble teams of 4 to crisscross the area and catch them in a net. I've been assigned to lead one of the teams."

"When do you have to leave?" Elizabeth asks.

"First thing in the morning,"

"How long will you be gone?"

"I don't know. Until they're caught. Hopefully, that happens quickly."

Nathan turns to Allie, who's been listening intently but quietly. "Allie, since I could be gone awhile, I can ask the Canfields if you want to stay with Angela again until I get back?"

Troubled, Allie looks at Elizabeth, who offers, "You're welcome to stay here if you want, Allie. I'd love your company, but if you'd enjoy staying with Angela, go right ahead. Wherever you'll be most comfortable – it's completely your decision."

The girl is quiet a minute before deciding, "I'd rather stay with you, Mrs. Thornton, if you're sure it's okay."

"It's more than okay!" Elizabeth assures happily, opening her arms to Allie, who jumps up to hug the older woman.

"Well, it's getting late, and you have school tomorrow, Allie. I'll walk you home to pack a bag, and we'll come back."

The two leave, promising to return shortly. Elizabeth waits, empty-handed, unable to concentrate on anything. Sure enough, in less than thirty minutes, Nathan and Allie are back, dropping her bag by the coat rack. Stepping inside, Allie and her dad hug tightly and keep holding on. "Be careful, Dad," Allie urges him. "And hurry back. I love you."

Squeezing her again, Nathan kisses the top of her head before releasing her. "I will. I love you, kiddo."

Allie picks up her bag, smiles weakly at Mrs. Thornton standing close by, who suggests, "Allie, you can sleep with me upstairs. Why don't you go put your stuff up there and then come back?"

"Alright," Allie agrees. With one last look at her dad, Allie heads upstairs, leaving Nathan and Elizabeth standing alone watching each other in the dark, quiet living room. Simultaneously, they close the distance between them and wrap their arms around each other, holding on tightly.

"Elizabeth, it's going to be okay."

Nodding her head unsteadily, she swallows before responding unconvincingly, "I know."

Rubbing her back, Nathan tells her, "I promise I'll be back before you know it. …I love you."

Voice catching, Elizabeth echoes weakly, "I love you too. Be safe."

They share a passionate kiss. Reluctantly, he releases her and steps back. "I'd better go. I need to finish getting ready, and we both need some sleep." He turns to leave and makes it to the door. Opening it, he begins to walk through when Elizabeth cries out,

"Nathan!" She rushes to him as he turns to face her again. When she reaches him, she puts a hand on his cheek and softly commands, "Just come home to me."

Reaching up, Nathan presses his hand over hers on his face before pulling her hand away and kissing her knuckles. Meeting her eyes, he promises, "Always." With one last small smile, he walks out.

Elizabeth is still standing where he left her when Allie returns downstairs. Noticing her, Elizabeth holds an arm out, and Allie rushes in so that the two are standing with their arms around each other. "Are you okay, Mrs. Thornton?"

Elizabeth takes a deep breath and smiles at Allie. "Yes," she replies, working to convince herself. "How about you?"

Allie sighs, "I guess I am too."

Bolstering them both, Elizabeth rallies, "Well, your dad was right. He'll be back very soon, and we have school tomorrow, so what do you say we get some sleep?"

"Okay." With that, the two turn and head upstairs to bed.

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The next morning, Nathan leaves at first light. Elizabeth is up at daybreak herself, having slept poorly. Moving quietly to not wake Allie, Elizabeth dresses for the day. Downstairs, she pauses at the window, looking in the direction she knows Nathan would have left. Feeling the familiar dread creeping through her mind, she determines to keep busy in an effort to avoid her unhelpful thoughts. By the time Allie and Jack come downstairs dressed for school, Elizabeth has done laundry, dusted, mopped the floor, and fixed breakfast. The three eat quickly and quietly. Even Little Jack feels Nathan's absence enough that he's somewhat subdued.

Allie helps Elizabeth clear the table. Mustering a smile for the children, Elizabeth asks, "Ready, you two?"

Stepping outside, she spots something on the corner of the step - a bunch of late-blooming wildflowers tied with a string and a note attached. Grabbing them up, she recognizes Nathan's familiar handwriting spelling her name on the outside of the folded sheet, and she feels her heart seize a moment in her chest. She realizes he took the time to leave her this because he knew how she would be struggling this morning.

Seeing what she's holding, Jack asks, "What's that, Momma?"

"It's a note with some lovely flowers that Mountie Nathan left."

"What's the note say?" Allie questions impatiently.

Opening it, Elizabeth skims, looking for the message she knows he'd leave for the kids. "He says he's sorry to miss our morning walk and that he'll be home as soon as he can. Allie, he says to tell you he loves you and is very proud of you. And Jack? He says he's got a special treat in mind for when he gets back."

"Oh, boy! I wonder what it is!" With that, Jack dances off, blissfully unaware of any undercurrents.

Allie watches Elizabeth devouring the note. With a knowing smirk, she ponders, "Why do I suspect that's not all Dad's note says?"

Predictably, Allie's teasing makes Elizabeth blush self-consciously, which in turn makes the teen's smile grow. Huffing, Elizabeth refolds the note, tucks it in her basket with the flowers, and pretends to glare. "Okay, time to get going."

The morning is so busy with her students that Elizabeth doesn't have a chance to study her precious note until she dismisses the children for lunch and has the classroom to herself for a bit. Sitting at her desk, she glances tenderly at the wildflowers he left her that she placed in a vase with water. Picking up the note, running her fingers over his name at the bottom, she reads it again, slower now to savor every word,

Dearest Elizabeth,

I haven't left yet, but I already miss you. I'm especially sorry to miss our morning walks. Tell Little Jack that I'm planning something fun for us when I return, and tell Allie that I love her and am so proud of her.

Knowing that you, Allie, and Jack are together and safe makes being away easier to bear. After parenting Allie alone so long, having you to rely on to guide her and be there for her when I can't means more than I can say.

I want to tell you "Don't worry," but I know it's impossible and unfair to ask that of you. So instead, I'll tell you that loving you makes me not only a better man, but a better Mountie. Knowing you're waiting for me to come home focuses my mind on completing the mission like nothing else could. Trust that I'll be home again with you and the children as soon as I can. Until then, be safe. I love you.

Yours Always, Nathan

The opening door startles Elizabeth. Refolding her note, she looks up to see Joseph entering. 'Joseph, hi! What brings you by?"

"Hi, Elizabeth. Well, I wanted to see how you're doing. Bill told me Nathan had to ride out this morning on assignment tracking some criminals."

"That's right. …Thank you for thinking of me. …To be honest, how I'm doing changes from moment to moment. I thought I'd reconciled myself to these times in his job, but..." she trails off.

"The past, our memories, they're a funny thing. We can think that we've dealt with it, that we've healed, but let something trigger that same feeling from before, and, well, it can be suddenly overwhelming."

"Yes, it can. …You know, when I used to wait and worry while Jack was gone, I was alone. Now, I have Allie and Little Jack depending on me, and, well, I can't fall apart even if I want to, which is somehow simultaneously better and worse."

"Those children are a blessing, that's for sure, as you are for them," Joseph assures her.

"Joseph, I just – " she breaks off, then tries again. "How do I keep worry from consuming me?"

"Worrying is tough to fight, I know. But God tells us, 'Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you…Let not your heart be troubled; neither let it be afraid.' John 14:27. God is bigger than your fears, Elizabeth, if you just trust Him. Talk to Him. You're not alone. God's always with you. And He's given you a town full of people who love you and want to walk these rough stretches with you."

Though not a cure, his words do help. Smiling, Elizabeth thanks him.

"Speaking of, Minnie wanted me to tell you she's baking a fresh batch of cherry muffins this afternoon and would love if you would stop by with the kids."

"Oh, those are Little Jack's favorite! That's so thoughtful of her! Tell her, 'Thank you,' for me, and that we'll see her later."

"Will do." Standing up, Joseph bids her goodbye and leaves. Checking the time, Elizabeth grabs her bell and calls her students back from lunch.

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Predictably, Allie and Jack are delighted to visit Minnie's Café. As they're finishing their delicious treat, Bill drops in. He asks Elizabeth if it would be ok to take Jack out on Pal again for more practice. She thinks it's a great idea, as it will lift his spirits, and of course, Jack is thrilled. "Okay, make sure you listen to Uncle Bill. And I'll see you later," she tells her son, hugging and kissing him goodbye.

"I'll have him home in time for dinner," Bill assures her.

"Thank you, Bill." He nods in acknowledgement and takes Jack's hand. Just as they're leaving, Angela, Opal, and Emily enter the café and approach Elizabeth and Allie's table.

"Allie, Laura's goat had a kid. We're headed to see it now. Do you want to come too?"

"Would that be alright?" Allie asks hesitantly, turning to Elizabeth. "I don't want to leave you alone."

"Of course it is! Go, and have a good time." Just then, Elizabeth spots Rosemary bustling inside heading straight for her like a woman on a mission. Smiling ruefully at Allie and tilting her head at the approaching force of nature, Elizabeth adds, "Besides, it looks like I won't be alone."

Sure enough, Rosemary insists on Elizabeth spending the rest of the day with her. "I feel like we've barely spent any time together since I've been back from Capital City. Between our children and your blooming romance, I fear our friendship is withering on the vine. …Do you want that to happen, Elizabeth?"

"No, of course not," she concedes, knowing from experience it's generally easier to pacify her overly dramatic friend than try reasoning with her.

The women walk home together and catch up on each other's lives. Eventually, Rosemary gets Elizabeth to open up about her emotions, dealing with Nathan being gone and possibly in danger. By the time Rosemary has convinced Elizabeth that she and the children should join her, Lee, and Goldie for dinner, Elizabeth has to admit all her friends' obvious efforts have helped – she feels better and admits as much to Rosemary. "…Though you all weren't very subtle, luring us into the café and then parading distractions in front of us one after the other like some kind of intervention."

"I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about," Rosemary insists with feigned innocence.

"Riiight." Their smiles grow until they burst out laughing.

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After dinner and spending the evening with the Coulters where the adults were entertained watching Jack and Goldie play together, Elizabeth, Allie and Jack walk home. Jack is a little fractious about bedtime, despite clearly being tired, so Allie and Elizabeth take turns reading to him until he finally gives in and falls asleep. The women quietly retreat downstairs and sit together on the sofa.

"Did you have a good time with your friends this afternoon?" Elizabeth asks.

"Oh, yes! Y'know, playing with Laura's farm animals – it makes me think maybe I want to be a veterinarian."

"Oh?"

Making a face, Allie sighs. "But that requires a lot of science, which is not my thing."

Smiling indulgently, Elizabeth reassures her, "Well, you've still got awhile to decide. You'll figure out just what you want to pursue based on your talents and interests, and your dad and I will be here supporting you whatever you decide."

"That means a lot to me, Mrs. Thornton." They exchange smiles.

Changing subjects slightly, Elizabeth begins, "Allie, I want you to know how much your company means to me, you staying with me while your dad's gone. I didn't realize how much it would help, being with someone else who loves Nathan as much as I do, not being alone here at night when the waiting and wondering can get the best of me. …You must have had a lot of times over the years waiting on your dad when he had to be away from home. I can't imagine how hard that must have been as a young girl. You're very brave, you know?"

"Well, you know how protective Dad is. He did a really good job of hiding everything like that from me when I was younger. For a long time, I didn't know enough to know I should worry. …Y'know, when Dad and Newton were hit by that car a couple years ago while I was at my grandparents', he hid that from me for months. Boy, was I mad at him for not telling me after I finally found out."

"Allie," Elizabeth sympathizes, "I know your dad's decisions can be frustrating for you, especially as you're getting older. He just loves you so much – that's why he's so protective. He wants you to get to enjoy being a kid for as long as possible and to be able to relax and have fun and live life without worrying about the bad stuff in the world."

"I appreciate what a great childhood he's given me, I really do. …But I'm going to be sixteen in a few months. I love him as much as he loves me, and loving someone means worrying about them. He should tell me things, and I should get to decide if I worry."

"Hmm, how about this? I'll help your dad remember that you're not a little kid anymore and that you can be trusted with tough conversations… iiif… you agree to be patient and cut him some slack. …Just keep in mind that, when he looks at you, some small part of him will always see that little girl who skipped school her first day in Hope Valley to go fishing." Elizabeth gently teases, making Allie smile. "Do we have a deal?"

Nodding, Allie accepts, "Deal."

Smiling with a touch of sadness, Elizabeth notes, "You're growing up so fast, but I sympathize with your dad struggling to accept that. It's tough for me to acknowledge how Jack is growing up and to give up babying him. …One of the hardest things about being a parent is knowing what amount of protectiveness is the right amount, when to let go a little or…" playfully squeezing Allie to her, "when to hold on tight."

Laughing, Allie hugs her back. "So basically, you're saying being a parent is hard?"

Elizabeth shakes her head and chuckles. "You have no idea! …But it helps a lot – having a kid like you. It's no wonder your dad is so proud of you…so am I! You're becoming a remarkable young woman – smart, talented, and kind. You're mature beyond your years, and you've been such a gift to Jack."

"He's super special to me. He's like the little brother I've always wanted."

"Well, I know he thinks of you like a big sister, the best possible one."

"Sooo," Allie sing-songs with a smirk, "When are you and my dad going to make us officially brother and sister?"

"Allie," Elizabeth whisper-yells, playfully reproachful.

"What?! Everyone can see you're crazy for each other. What are you waiting for?"

Flustered, Elizabeth stammers, "W-well, it's not that simple, Allie. It's a big step that doesn't just affect us – we have the two of you to consider – "

Allie interrupts, "But I just said that Little Jack and I would be thrilled to finally be a real family."

Wondering how to regain control of this conversation, Elizabeth manages, "And your dad and I have been through a lot. …I really hurt him in the past …and he may need more time." As though convincing herself, she finishes, "So we're good with taking things slow, making sure we get it right."

Perceptive as always, Allie remarks, "Wait, you mentioned you think Dad may need more time, but you didn't say you do."

Completely flustered all over again, Elizabeth stammers, "Um, well…"

Eyebrows raised expectantly, Allie waits.

Huffing a frustrated breath, Elizabeth gives up. "It's getting late. We'd better get to bed."