Elizabeth sat on her screened porch the next morning enjoying a cup of tea and reading her Bible. Today promised to be a lovely spring day and, even though it was a bit chilly right now, she could not resist enjoying the dawn.

She sighed as memories from last night came back to her. Even though she had no idea if anything could or would even happen between her and Nathan again, she'd gotten a new glimpse of what it could be like and it was Heavenly.

Father and daughter had stayed clear up until Jack's bath time. They eaten, played games, they'd met Scout and they'd laughed - a lot.

She sighed and finished her tea, then went inside to get ready for her day, wake Jack and make some breakfast. Jack had already been invited for a play date with a church friend, so Elizabeth would be free to venture into town and start facing the music.

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She dropped Jack off at his friend's house and then drove towards Main Street. She'd stop in at the Canfield's Cafe and see Minnie Canfield, who'd just come to Hope Valley not long before Elizabeth had left. Her husband, Joseph, was the Pastor of Elizabeth's church.

The Canfield's daughter, Angela, had briefly been one of Elizabeth's students while she was still teaching at the primary school. Angela was legally blind, but an incredibly intelligent and high functioning student and Elizabeth knew that she would go very far in life with the right tools. Angela was one of those students who'd made a positive lasting impression on her.

Canfield's was in the location of the original Abigail's Cafe from 100 years ago. The building had been very well renovated, and expanded just a little over the years.

When she walked in, she wasn't surprised to see so many new faces. Hope Valley wasn't a big town, but neither was it minuscule anymore. There were so many seeking a simpler life these days and Hope Valley had a lot to offer for them. They could have that simplicity while still being connected just enough to the outside world.

She caught sight of Minnie behind the counter giving instructions to one of her employees. Minnie's eyes lit up, and she hurried around the counter. "Elizabeth Thornton, as I live and breathe! My, but it's so good to see you again!" Minnie held out her arms. Minnie was from the American South, and Elizabeth had always loved her accent and her soothing voice.

Elizabeth reached around her in a hug. She sighed in relief, yet she knew Minnie would be the easy one. She pulled back and said, "It's so good to see you, too, Minnie. Thank you for being so kind."

Minnie kept her hand on Elizabeth's arm. "It'll be just fine. You'll see. Those that matter the most, will come around, even if they don't immediately welcome you home with open arms."

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She managed to get by the Yost's Mercantile where she also ran into Mike Hickam and found out that he was newly married. Ned, Florence and Mike were as friendly as they'd ever been. She looked forward to meeting Mike's new wife, Mei, who was the local pharmacist. As she walked out of the Mercantile to head towards Bill Avery's office, she remembered why the name Mei rang a bell. Rosemary had mentioned that when Mei first came to town, she and Nathan had briefly dated. Now she was even more curious to meet her, because Mike and Nathan couldn't be more different.

She walked up the steps to Bill's door and noticed that he had a new sign, which oddly seemed to have quite a bit of blank space. Bill still was Hope Valley's one and only Private Investigator. He was a retired Mountie Inspector who couldn't seem to stop solving mysteries. She'd actually seen Bill a couple of times since she'd been gone. He'd had business when she and Lucas were living in Union City, so the two had met for coffee. The other time, he'd been in Hamilton, and she had the suspicion that he'd come specifically to see her - though he'd never admitted it.

After one knock, she opened the door and walked in. She noticed that there was a new, empty, extra desk and wondered if Bill was finally hiring a receptionist or assistant.

Bill looked up at her from behind his reading glasses. He grinned and stood up, walking quickly around his desk towards her. "You're finally here." He wrapped his arms around her. Bill had always been like a surrogate father to both her and Jack Sr. He was also Jack Jr's godfather.

She hugged him back and said with a laugh, "As if you didn't know that, Bill. I don't think much gets by you around here."

He waved to a pair of chairs. "Let's sit. Can I get you anything? Water, coffee?"

Elizabeth sat down. "Do you have some cold bottled water? That would be great. I've done enough talking this morning already and my throat is dry."

Bill went into the back room and returned with two bottles of water and sat down next to her. "Ah, so you've begun running your Hope Valley gauntlet, have you? How'd that go?"

She took a gulp of water, then set the bottle down. "Jumped right into the fire with Nathan. It was quite the surprise to find out he was my neighbor by seeing him mow his lawn shirtless..."

Bill spit out the water he'd just swallowed and laughed out loud.

She raised an eyebrow at him. "Could you at least pretend not to be so amused by this?"

He swiped his mouth with his sleeve. "I'd apologize, but really, Elizabeth. You have to know you asked for it. Your 'No Hope Valley' rule. By the way, he had no idea he was putting on a show for you. He knew you were coming back, just not when."

She sighed, picked up the water bottle to merely fidget with it. "I know, I know. We actually had a really good talk. I just hope that..."

"That it's not too late?" he finished.

"Am I really that obvious? Rosemary called me on the same thing."

"You're probably only obvious to the two of us. I can guarantee you that Nathan likely has no clue, or if he did, he might not even be able to recognize it."

She leaned forward. "Bill? How do I even know that I have a clue?"

He reached out and took her hand. "You do. But just take one step, one encounter with him at a time. Get all of it out in the open and move on from there. At the very least, you know you'll have a lifetime friend. Someone who is always in your corner, but will still call you out on your crap when necessary. That's who Nathan Grant is. He's quality."

"Yes. Yes, he is."

With a promise to come for dinner soon and to spend time with her son, Bill said he had to leave for a meeting, so they walked out together. "I'll call you tomorrow, Elizabeth."

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Since Jack's friend's mom was going to bring him home, Elizabeth headed there next so that she could do a little more unpacking before dinner. She'd just changed into a pair of yoga pants and a tee shirt when the doorbell rang.

A glance through the peep hole revealed a familiar face. She opened the door. "Faith! How are you?" She stepped back and said, "Please, come on in." As her former friend passed her, she couldn't help but notice a little coolness in her face.

She'd been expecting some of this, but she and Faith hadn't been close in a long while. Good friends, but not close friends. So, where was this coming from? Hmmm...Nathan?

"Would you like to have a seat? I can tell that you've got something you want to say."

Faith nodded and they sat in the living room.

"Speak freely, Faith. I'm in a place now where I can take it."

Some of the frost melted off of Faith's face. She was remembering that Elizabeth had been a walking ball of pain before she'd left and couldn't see it.

"Elizabeth, I'm sorry. I just...well, on the one hand, I'm glad you're home. But, on the other? I..."

"Faith? Can I get you a glass of water?" Elizabeth asked, hoping to give her a moment to collect her thoughts.

"Huh? Oh, yes, please. That would be great. Thanks."

After filling two glasses with ice and cold water, Elizabeth came back and sat down. Both women drank deeply.

"You might know that Nathan and I dated for awhile recently. Well, months ago, really. You also might know that I broke things off with him. Elizabeth, there was always something in the way. I didn't say this directly to him, but I suspected it was more of a someone and that someone was you. I'm asking you now...to not hurt him again. He's a good man, and he thinks he's just not good at love."

"And you're worried I've come back here to stomp on his heart again. Yes?"

Faith sighed. "Not necessarily. I would just hate it to see him hurting all over again."

"Let me ask you something, Faith, and please be honest with me. Were you in love with him?"

Faith waved a hand. "Oh no. It really never got to that point. We were there for one another after Carson left and..."

"And after I broke Nathan's heart. I remember that you were the one that got him through that hit and run with Newton." Elizabeth said.

"Yes. He'd had a couple of dates with Mei not long after you left, but they realized pretty quickly that they were just friends. Once Nathan's injuries healed, we decided to explore a relationship. Turns out that neither of our hearts were really available."

"Faith, I really have no idea what's going to happen going forward. I came back because, to me, Hope Valley is home. I spent a year back in Hamilton in intensive grief therapy. I didn't even consider returning until after I was certain that I was ready. Are we good?"

"We're good. Look, I'm sorry. I've probably said far too much and I shouldn't have accused you of anything." Faith said as she stood to leave.

Elizabeth stood and put a hand on Faith's arm. "You did not say too much. I deserve it. I know that I was horrible to not only Nathan and Allie, but my friends as well. Look, I think it's great that you care that much about Nathan. You're a good friend and I'd be lucky to be able to call you that again."

"I'd like that, too. I've missed the Elizabeth I used to know. I'm glad that you've been able to grieve without distractions. I can see a difference in just your appearance, you seem...lighter somehow. Friends?" She reached out a hand, and Elizabeth shook it. A little formal, but it was a start. So long as she didn't mess up, they might get there.

After Faith left, Elizabeth felt suddenly drained. She looked at the clock and realized she had plenty of time before Jack would be home. She decided right then that she would grab a book and go out to her screened porch, her happy place, and just get lost in the story.

She spread out, lengthwise on the sofa, and read maybe two paragraphs before she drifted off to sleep.

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Even though Nathan was off work today, he'd gone in for awhile to do some paperwork, then he'd run some errands. He'd run into Faith while he was at Yost's and she told him that she'd unloaded on Elizabeth a little and was sorry for it. They'd made peace, but Nathan decided to check on her anyways, which he realized was probably more of an excuse just to see her again.

After not getting an answer at the front door, he figured her screened porch might be the place to look. As he approached he saw her. She looked so incredibly peaceful...and beautiful, always beautiful. He didn't want to scare her, so he gently called out, "Lizbeth?" Then a little bit louder..."Lizbeth?"

She stirred from the most wonderful dream that involved Nathan and...she shot up as she noticed the very man standing right outside calling her name. Her cheeks grew hot as if he could see right into her dream. "Nathan! I, uh, come on in..."

She brushed at her hair, wondering if it were sticking out at all angles from her nap. "What, um, what time is it?" She grabbed her phone before he could answer and was relieved to see that she hadn't been asleep for more than twenty minutes.

"Come on in. Have you had any lunch? I could make some sandwiches, if you're interested. I haven't eaten yet." She offered.

"I haven't eaten, either. I could go for a sandwich." He answered with a smile.

"Well, then, come on inside and we'll take care of that."

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They sat at the kitchen island over turkey clubs and potato salad and iced tea, making small talk. Finally, Elizabeth said "I never asked you what brings you by today."

After a drink of tea, Nathan simply said, "I ran into Faith at Yost's. She said she'd unloaded on you and was really sorry about it."

Elizabeth couldn't hide her surprise that Faith had been so open about it to Nathan, it took her a few minutes to figure out exactly what to say to him. "So, do we skate around the real issue or just put it out there?"

Their eyes met and held. Forthright about her feelings Elizabeth was a new thing for him. Oh, she'd always taken him to task for things, but not long before she'd left town, she was shutting down anyone who dared to challenge her. It was as if all of her real feelings had closed up shop and then she ran away.

"Nathan? Where'd you go?" Elizabeth quipped, eyebrow raised.

"Oh, huh? I, um, okay, in the spirit of honesty...I was thinking about how refreshing it is to see you so open again."

She nodded slowly. In her mind she was replaying the mantra about 'no more regrets'. "It's good to feel so open again. So, no skating around things?"

Again, their eyes locked onto the other's. Nathan nodded. "I think that's probably a good idea. Life offers plenty of opportunities for one to be awkward, let's not create any more."

Elizabeth laughed. "Now, isn't that the truth?! Well, then, in the spirit of full disclosure, Faith basically came to tell me that she broke things off with you because there was something in the way and that I was that something, or rather, someone. Then she told me I'd better not hurt you again. I assured her that was not my intention."

Nathan's eyes grew wide, his mouth opened, then promptly shut. Faith said what?! How much should he say? Was he the one that was going to shut down now? He looked at her in alarm.

There was such a naked vulnerability in Nathan's eyes that it took Elizabeth's breath away. She wasn't sure what to do, so just went by instinct. Maybe it was time to just stop dancing around the truth. She reached out and put her hand on his arm. "Nathan, it's okay. If you don't want to share anything, you don't have to, but there was no way I wasn't going to be honest with you about what Faith said to me."

She watched him closely and could tell he was uncomfortable, maybe a little embarrassed. Her mind scrambled around for a solution. She then realized that her plan to take her time revealing the full truth of her feelings for him might not be the best idea. She'd done a number on him and she needed to gamble that he'd be willing to take a chance on her again.

"How about this..." Keeping her hand gently on his arm...whew, the electricity of touching his skin was heady..."would you be willing to come back over here after Jack goes to bed to talk? I have some things I really want you to know."

He nodded, smiling. "What time would work for you?"

"I think that if you came about 8:30, that would be safe. It might be even earlier as he's been at a playdate with a new church friend today and he's likely to crash by about 8:00. I won't try to get him to nap, which shouldn't be too difficult as he rarely takes them anymore. I can text you and let you know if that happens."

"That sounds great. I'll wait to hear from you, then." He stood up and reached for his plate and glass, taking them to the sink. "I should really get going, as I have some things to get done before Allie gets home. She's got finals, so I've decided to take on some of her chores for her."

Elizabeth stood up as well, and followed Nathan to the back door. He turned and said, "Thanks for the sandwich, Lizbeth. I'll see you this evening."

"You're welcome!" She called after him. She stood and watched as he went through the gate between the houses that she and Rosemary had put in ages ago. Bless that gate.

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It was just a few minutes past 8:00 pm when her son fell asleep. He was talking one minute and breathing heavily the next. She set the storybook on the nightstand, turned on his night light and slipped out of his room, closing the door behind her.

She stepped into her own room to check her face and hair and brush her teeth. She and Jack had eaten quite a bit of popcorn with their movie and she didn't want kernels in her teeth. She then fished her phone out of the pocket of her yoga pants and sent a quick text to Nathan.

She put on a lightweight sweatshirt and headed downstairs, debating on whether she wanted a glass of wine. Nathan had never been much of a drinker and neither had she. But a little liquid courage sounded a little appealing right now. She'd decided to lay it all out there. It was the only fair thing to do. She loved Nathan Grant, and had for years. Instead of the wine, she prayed.

There was a light knock on the front door, she quickly opened it. She'd dispensed with trying to play it cool. "Hi", Nathan said.

"Hi", she responded, softly. "Come on in." She stepped back and turned into the front, or rather, living room. There was a comfy sectional, fireplace and flat screen tv. Since it was chilly tonight, she had the gas fireplace on low. While her den was cozy, this room was comforting.

As he sat down on the sofa, she asked if he'd like some decaf or something stronger. He opted for the decaf and, then, followed her back to the kitchen...which, upon reflection, didn't really surprise her. He located a couple of mugs while she popped the pods into the coffee maker. He declined the offer of cookies, saying he'd just had dessert not too long before.

Once they'd settled back into the living room, Elizabeth took a deep breath and turned to him. "Nathan, when you asked me about when I'd made my decision to return home and I told you that there were many layers to that answer...well, I've decided to just tell you all of it. You may decide to just walk out of here and not look back. If so, I'll respect that. I hope that won't be the case."

Nathan was a bundle of nerves, at this point. He'd felt so exposed after learning what Faith had said to Elizabeth earlier, but it seemed like now they were diving in headfirst to the deeper issues. "Just let me say this, Lizbeth, it would take a lot for me to ever walk out and not look back. Actually, I can't even imagine ever doing so." He gave her a very small half grin.

Of course. Because she was the one that did stuff like walking out and not looking back, or at least trying to. He was the steadfast one. "I want to preface this by saying this wasn't an overnight revelation. I'd buried my heart so deeply that it took time, effort and a lot of help to realize it and recognize what it was saying to me." She paused for a reinforcing sip of coffee and to organize her thoughts.

"Um, so, a little over a year ago, I was in a Capitol City coffee shop picking up a latte after dropping Jack off at preschool. The news was playing on their big flat screen and I heard the words 'Hope Valley Mountie', 'hostage' and 'shots fired'. And there, on the screen, was your picture. It was as if I'd suddenly fallen down a deep hole or into a pitch dark tunnel. I couldn't breathe and started to hyperventilate. Fortunately, Henry Gowen had walked in right then, saw me and got me out of there. He took me to his car, and I told him what I'd seen and that I couldn't do this again. Not again."

She saw the shock on Nathan's face. She knew he'd never have expected that from her, especially after not having seen her for the better part of two years. "Henry got out his phone and looked up the incident and confirmed that you were alright and had diffused the situation. By then, there were tears running down my face. He said that I needed to ask myself some hard questions about my reaction, and strongly urged me to do so. And, you know that he doesn't usually offer advice unless asked."

Nathan chuckled at the very accurate description of Henry. The man had even fewer words than he did himself. He looked back into Elizabeth's eyes, which were now welled up with tears, and felt his heart picking up pace. What did this mean? Surely, it was significant. He didn't dare hope that it indicated anything about her feelings for him.

Elizabeth grabbed a tissue and dabbed at her eyes then took a sip of coffee. She tucked her feet up underneath her legs and covered herself with a throw blanket. Her heart was fluttering around. "I'd already gotten to the point where I knew the end of my engagement with Lucas was inevitable. This added to it. I didn't want to examine what happened at the coffee shop, because I'd grown so accustomed to burying my feelings that I shied away from any deep or meaningful conversations or introspection. This brought me up short.

Rosemary came to Capitol City and, let me tell you, she was very pregnant and shouldn't have done it. She was worried about me and, you know Rosemary, she won't be stopped. I'd been so awful to her before I left here that she'd stopped challenging me on anything. Well, the gloves came off at this visit. It was almost like an intervention. I'm pretty sure that Henry called her. They've never admitted it, though."

Nathan sensed Elizabeth's distress. He could almost feel what she was going through, even back then. He reached out a hand and touched her forearm. "Take your time, Lizbeth."

She looked down at his hand on her arm. The warmth spread through her at his touch. She took a breath and looked back at him. "Now I'm baring my soul to you, Nathan. This is the most revealing thing that happened. I admitted to Rosemary, and most importantly, to myself that I'd thought that I'd made the right choice to be with Lucas, that it was secure and comfortable...and safe. I hadn't been following my heart and it was starting to become louder and louder. But, I knew that before I could ever come back home, I needed to be whole again...so, that's what I did." She watched his face, as what she'd said began to sink in. Geez, she was nervous. But, he'd been brave enough three years ago...she could be the brave one now.

Nathan's brain was processing what he'd just heard. Lucas had been secure, comfortable and safe. Not exactly a ringing endorsement for a lasting relationship. He'd never want that pinned on him by a woman he loved. Then, it caught up to him...she hadn't been following her heart...

His eyes shot up to her face and found she was watching him very carefully. She was waiting for him to catch on, to catch up.

"Do you want to know what I realized? Are you ready to hear it?"

She waited and he gave a nod. "I've told you how sorry I am for hurting you, what I left out was that I'm also so sorry for letting fear get in the way. Nathan, I was so afraid of what I was feeling for you. When Jack died, I shattered into a million pieces. I only held together because I was pregnant. Three years ago, I thought I'd healed enough to move on, but when faced with my deep feelings for you...I ran. Lucas was persistent and my heart was safe from shattering if I lost him. I know that now."

The sheer vulnerability in her eyes tore at Nathan's heart. He understood it, deeply. His hand was still on her arm and he gave it an encouraging squeeze. He was ready and open to whatever else she had to say.

She blew out a breath. "I couldn't say it before, I wouldn't let myself. So, let me tell you now. Nathan...I'm in love with you. I was in love with you then, I know it now, and I'm in love with you still." Her heart was beating a rapid tattoo against her ribcage. This was it. She watched him swallow hard, and he began blinking, as if his eyes were watering up, but he said nothing. "Say something...please?" she whispered, her eyes pleading with him.

Not able to form a single word, but feeling his heart fairly bursting, Nathan slowly scooted closer to her. She watched him, her eyes growing darker. When he was right in front of her, he leaned in and she closed the distance, showing that she was aware of his intention and was thinking the same thing.

He gently pressed his lips to hers, feeling her arms go around to his neck, fingers in his hair. He slipped his hands around her, clasping them at her waist and pulling her tightly against him. He pulled back slightly and looked at her, and in a deep husky voice, he said, "I have never stopped loving you, not for a single second." Then he reached up, placing his hand on the side of her face and pulled her in for a smoldering kiss that was born out of years of loving her from afar.

Her eyes lit with hope - he'd never stopped loving her! She gasped as he took her mouth with a passionate kiss. She was finally home...and it had everything to do with him.