Author's note: Thanks to Avis Minter for all the brainstorming about a certain argument in this chapter (I don't want to give away any spoilers!) and how it led Grace to talk to certain someone. :)

Personally, I adore this chapter, there is so much going on in it! I hope you will like it too and hit that review button! :)

—--

Bill looked up as Grace came out from his office with a smile on her lips and quite the colour in her cheeks.

"Good phone call?", asked Bill as he said bye to the people he was talking to.

Grace came downstairs and waited until they were alone before she glanced at Bill, her smile widening.

"You knew it was him on line, didn't you?", she asked.

Bill winked at her.

"You're not the only one who's working undercover", he quipped, making Grace laugh "I have to go back to my office for some phone calls, but perhaps we could catch up later in the saloon?"

Grace held a chuckle back.

"You want a rematch at a poker game, judge?", she quipped.

Bill shrugged.

"It wouldn't hurt. And you have a reputation of quite the gambler to uphold", he quipped.

Grace snorted.

"Well, alright, judge. I accept the challenge", she put her hand out and Bill shook it.

His eyes got thoughtful sparkle in them and in the next moment, he silently said:

"You are a true Queen of Hearts, Grace".

Grace's facial expression turned surprised and a minute later, when she realized what Bill meant, her entire face brightened with a wide smile and sparkling eyes.

"I may have let you win the first round due to that comment", she said, her cheeks blushing quite nicely.

Bill nodded.

"Good. At least I can have some of my money back", he quipped "Remind me to never play with you and your teacher at the same table. I'll go broke in a matter of seconds!"

Grace laughed.

"You are missing out on quite some fun then, judge", she quipped.

Bill snorted.

"I'll take my chances", he said with a smile "See you later, Grace."

She smiled back.

"See you".

She turned around and walked toward the saloon, passing the jail on her way when she heard loud voices from inside.

Grace slowed down her steps and made sure to stay out of the slightly opened window view.

She acted like she was watching the street from the jail porch when actually she was eavesdropping.

A woman's voice sounded upset.

A male's voice sounded annoyed.

"You couldn't get up after you lost the first two rounds?! Nathan, what's got into you?!"

Grace bit her lower lip.

That was Elizabeth's voice.

"We only just started to warm up and I thought that I could win it back. Bill and Henry also stayed", Nathan tried to explain, but Elizabeth interrupted him:

"I don't care what Bill and Henry did! They have only themselves to think about! You, on the other hand, have more people to think about instead only of yourself!", she snapped.

Grace grimaced, almost feeling sorry for Nathan.

Nathan let out a frustrated breath.

"Okay, I might have gotten a bit carried away, but…", Nathan tried to calm situation down, but Elizabeth was having none of it.

"Carried away by Miss Bennett's charms?"

Grace's eyes widened.

She can't be serious!

Nathan laughed in disbelief.

"What?!", he shook his head "That's ridiculous!"

"Oh, is it?! Weren't you the one who said how impressive she was with shuffling cards?", snapped Elizabeth.

"Well, she was! Elizabeth, honestly, I think you're making way more out of this than it is!", Nathan tried to reason with her, but she let out a sarcastic laugh.

"Really? You talked about her for hours! How would you feel if I start to fawn over Lucas when he comes in a few days?!", she snapped.

Grace covered her mouth with palm in order not to gasp in shock.

There was a moment of silence before Nathan's voice was heard.

"You can't be serious".

Elizabeth cackled, making blood in Grace's veins freeze.

"And why is Miss Bennett in Hope Valley? Shouldn't you look into that before you go and play games with her?!", she said "And why is she snubbing Rosemary who was nothing but nice to her?! Doesn't that sound suspicious to you? Or are you so impressed with her that you don't see what she's really like?!"

Grace had heard enough.

I'm gonna be sick.

She hurried to get to the saloon, her eyes misting with tears when she bumped into somebody on the street.

"Oh, I am so sorry, I didn't see you", Grace mumbled, willing herself not to let her tears fall.

"Are you alright, dear?"

At hearing soft and gentle female voice filled with concern, Grace looked up to see a beautiful woman who was leading a blind girl beside her.

Grace felt even worse now. She looked at a young girl who stood with a cane in her left hand.

"Please, forgive me, I am so sorry. Are you alright?", mumbled Grace, realizing in horror that her tears started to fall.

A woman gently rubbed her arm.

"We are fine, don't worry. But, you seem to need a friend. Why don't you come over to my cafe for a cup of tea?", she offered warmly.

Cafe?

Grace looked up, surprised.

"Mrs. Canfield?", she whispered.

Minnie looked slightly confused.

"I am sorry, have we met?", she asked silently.

Grace shook her head, looked at the saloon, then back at Minnie.

"I… I need to get something from my room. It's for you. Could I… Could I come to talk to you in a few minutes?", she asked silently, wiping her tears.

Minnie watched her carefully before nodding.

"I'll be waiting. You know where the cafe is?"

Grace nodded.

"Yes. Thank you", and with those words she rushed inside the saloon.

Bursting into her room Grace quickly opened her suitcase and took out a thick envelope.

She left the room and rushed downstairs and out from the saloon, heading toward the cafe.

She knocked at the back door, not wanting to enter the restaurant area.

Mrs. Canfield herself opened the doors and she let Grace in.

"I have to say that I am a bit confused, Miss…", said Minnie.

Grace offered her hand and Minnie took it.

"I know, I'm sorry. This isn't how I wanted us to meet", at Minnie's puzzled look, Grace took a deep breath in and said "My name is Grace Bennett and…I was told to reach out to you if I needed help".

And with those words Grace gave Minnie an envelope.

Minnie took it and opened it, her eyebrows slightly creased in confusion. She scanned a few pages, searching for a sign of a sender.

And finding it on the last page.

She gasped silently.

"Lucas sent you to me?"

Grace nodded tearfully, trying in vain to wipe her tears away.

Minnie's face softened as she urged Grace to sit, poured her some tea and brought a plate of scones.

"Why don't you have some tea while I read this?", she smiled warmly as she handed a cup of tea to Grace.

—--

Some time later Minnie put the letter down and took Grace's palms in her fingers.

"My dear, whatever you need you can come to me. Lucas is our dear friend and it pained all four of us to see that good man so wronged and hurt badly. Our kids adore him", she gently squeezed Grace's fingers and softly added "When he was about to leave Hope Valley I said that

I will pray for him", she smiled warmly at Grace "And I see that my prayers have been answered".

Grace smiled through her tears and Minnie pulled her in for a hug.

When they pulled away a few minutes later Minnie softly asked.

"Now, tell me, dear. What's got you so upset?"

—--

Lucas was signing some documents when his phone rang.

He put his pen down and picked up the receiver.

"Hello?"

"Governor Bouchard, I have Mrs. Minnie Canfield on line for you".

In a second Lucas' senses got alerted.

"Thank you. Put her through", he waited as the call connected "Hello, Minnie?"

His friend's calm voice was heard.

"Hello, Lucas. I am sorry if I am interrupting you at your work", she said.

Lucas shook his head.

"No, no, you're not. Is everything alright?", he asked, a slight dread obvious in his voice.

Minnie sighed.

"Well, I met your Grace and she is lovely, Lucas. I am grateful that my prayers were answered, my friend", she took a deep breath in "I just wanted to tell you that things weren't easy for her here, but we will take care of her until you get here".

Lucas shot up from his chair.

"What happened? Is she in danger?", he asked in panic and fear.

"No, no, nothing like that. Just some people being nasty…but don't you worry about that. I will see that she has some peace until you show up".

Lucas let out a breath of relief.

"Thank you, Minnie. I really appreciate it", he said, a smile curling up his lips.

Minnie smiled back too.

"Don't mention it", she said softly and then added "Oh, and Lucas? She is an angel. She really is".

Lucas sat back in his chair and closed his eyes with a soft sigh.

"Oh, I know, Minnie. My Grace is an angel straight from Heaven", he whispered, feeling his heart aching to get reunited with his love.

Two and half days more.

And she'll be back in his arms.

And he'll never let her go.