Sitting in Lee's office Monday morning, Elizabeth and Jack Jr waited for him to get back from an emergency at the sawmill so they could look at house plans. Their hope was to get the house started immediately, so they could move in before winter. When Jack Sr bought the land, he had a lot of ideas for the home he wanted to build; he even drew some sketches, but never finalized anything. Elizabeth had a vague vision of her dream home on that land, but couldn't conceptualize it exactly, and lacked the expertise to draft anything on paper. It felt like her son was more interested in getting a fence and barn built so he could have a new horse.
Her mind suddenly shifted to the day before when they had spent part of the afternoon with Nathan and the Wolfs, having an after-church picnic, and re-introducing Jack to Newton. Seeing her son's eyes light up when he beheld the magnificent animal left her feeling nostalgic and brought back all the pain from losing their beloved Sergeant, who had been Jack's Mountie horse. A slight awkwardness could be felt between herself and Nathan after their discussion about Fort Clay the night before; but she was grateful they had others surrounding them, so they didn't have to immediately talk about it until she was able to process his confession a little longer.
Getting restless, Jack stood up and admired some pictures on the wall. He had recently discovered a talent for art, although he hadn't shown any of his drawings to his mother or told her he was even making an attempt to learn. He knew that his father was a very gifted artist and guessed that ability was passed down to him. Jack hoped no one discovered his current endeavor to capture the alluring Sarah Wolf on paper. Seeing her with Jimmy Davis at church was like a knife to his heart, but at least she came to the picnic, and to see the horses, by herself. He wondered what she was doing right now.
Lee finally rushed in and apologized for the delay. "Sorry I kept you two waiting." He pulled out two files containing house plans with renderings of what they would each look like. He handed the first one over for the Thorntons to see. "I had two of my contacts prepare something for you. If you like one of them, I will have them contact you with details."
Inspecting the first proposed house, both Elizabeth and Jack Jr were slightly underwhelmed. It was a modest one-story house with three bedrooms and a small porch with an overhang that only covered the entryway. "Well, this would probably meet our basic needs. Is he willing to make changes to these plans?"
"Of course," Lee explained. "He is willing to customize it to meet your specifications, but this is similar to other homes he has built for me in the past. It is quite modest, but most people here can't afford more than this right now."
Trying to be diplomatic and not show too much disappointment in the uninteresting architecture, Jack added: "It's ok, but not exactly what I had imagined. However, we don't need a home as large as the one in Hamilton."
Taking away the first folder, Lee pulled out the second and prefaced: "I think you are really going to like this next one. This person hasn't built a home with me before, but I've seen some of his handiwork and know he has an eye for detail based on the beauty of everything I have ever seen him build."
When the design was revealed to them, both Elizabeth and Jack were dumbfounded at how perfectly the home would fit their property. It wasn't extravagant or overly large, but it had all of the details the Thorntons had wanted in their Hope Valley residence. It was two stories with five bedrooms, a large living and dining area for entertaining or big family gatherings, and on the outside was an impressively handcrafted front door with a covered porch, pillars, and railings that ran from one end of the house to the other. Beautiful windows with shutters covered the house signaling a good source of natural light, and two big chimneys went up either side so fireplaces could be placed on both ends inside.
Seeing their expressions, Lee was thrilled. "It looks to me like this is the clear winner. Let me talk to the designer so he can get in touch with you about all the final details. I will work with him to get a crew together and hopefully get started on all the prep work by next week."
Now very interested in their home being built, Jack Jr asked: "Can I help build the house? I could learn some good skills working on it with the building crew."
"I think that would be fantastic," Lee replied. "But you'll have to get the ok from your mother and the man in charge."
They both looked over at Elizabeth to gauge her response. "We'll see," she uttered. "Are you planning on staying here with Uncle Lee while I finish my errands?"
Lee slapped Jack on the back and nodded. "He's been a great help, and I wouldn't mind having him stay and give me a hand the rest of the day. Why don't you go get done what you need to, and I'll drop him off on my way home."
"Well, alright. I do have a lot to do, so I will see you both in a while." Giving Lee a quick hug, Elizabeth left his office and decided to start at the library, which she had been avoiding since being back in town. Even though it had been 10 years since she had any contact with Lucas Bouchard, the library was a reminder of his attempts to use elaborate gifts to win her affection. She was embarrassed that she had fallen for his tactics for so long and wished she had pushed harder to win over Nathan instead. As she entered the building, her eyes were immediately drawn to the plaque on the wall inscribed with Always Do What You are Afraid to Do, a quote by Emerson. How had she not seen the meaning before, and why had she not followed that counsel that had been right in front of her face?
Browsing the shelves for a good book to read, Elizabeth ran her fingers across the leather bindings and breathed in the scent of old books that was so familiar and comforting to her. A shelf of some of her favorite female authors called out to her, and Elizabeth pulled the Jane Austen classic Sense and Sensibility from the shelf. Although she owned all of Jane Austen's novels, most of her books were still in storage at her parent's former home in Hamilton, waiting to be shipped to her. Still perusing, she turned around when the door opened.
Nathan entered the library after a long, exhausting walk into town. His plans were to bring his books back, then do more research on home building and architecture in case the Thorntons chose his house plans. When he entered the library, his eyes immediately found Elizabeth searching the shelves. As she turned around, Nathan caught his breath. After spending over a decade suppressing all romantic feelings to focus on his career and Allie, it surprised him how attracted he still was to Elizabeth after all these years.
Following a few seconds of staring, she attempted to speak. "Nathan, hello. You walked all this way by yourself this morning?"
A little annoyed at her assertion of his weakness, Nathan became defensive. "I'm not completely disabled." But then, the weight of the cane and fatigue that engulfed his body made him wonder if that was exactly what he would be considered now. "Sorry, I just get impatient with how slow this recovery seems to be. I felt pretty good walking here today, but I was planning to rest here and read for a bit before walking back home." He moved right next to her and looked until he found the correct empty slot, sliding his book back into its place.
When Elizabeth saw what he had been reading, a twinge of remorse hit her. "You read Virginia Woolf?" she surprisingly asked, remembering how Lucas had taken her to a Virginia Woolf book reading, having never read that author's work himself. "I thought To the Lighthouse was very thought provoking. I wouldn't have expected that to be on your reading list."
"I'm full of surprises," Nathan responded, lightly touching the book she held. "Jane Austen also holds a very special place in my heart, due to reading nearly all of her novels to Allie through the years multiple times. In fact, I have always made it a priority to read female authors to glean their perspectives. Virginia Woolf has been a favorite, and I have always thoroughly enjoyed her work. I think her best so far was Mrs. Dalloway."
Stunned at these new revelations, Elizabeth further questioned choices she had made with Lucas by thinking they had so much in common. Yes, they both had similar upbringings and enjoyed literature; but he held very different tastes in books, unlike Nathan, who seemed to have a much more compatible literary palate. She shuddered at the thought of Dangerous Liaisons being the favorite book of a man she once considered spending her life with. She studied Nathan more closely as she read the title of the last book he held: Payment Deferred by C.S. Forester. Of course, a mystery novel, Elizabeth thought to herself, not surprised a man who solved crimes for a living might enjoy a good story surrounding that line of work.
Elizabeth placed the book she had chosen in her basket and smiled at Nathan. "Listen, I need to run a few more errands in town, but why don't I stop by when I'm done, and we can walk home together? That will give you time to rest and study. Maybe we can discuss more about our favorite books?"
It was then Nathan's eyes caught a familiar object he hadn't thought about in years. Always Do What You Are Afraid to Do seemed to mock him. Not only was he afraid of pursuing Elizabeth and possibly having his heart torn apart again, but he was also scared to admit he might never physically be the same man he was before. When he first read the saying by Emerson, he realized the important thing was to not let fear hold him back from trying. "I would really appreciate the company walking home," he finally vocalized. "Discussing our book selections would be a pleasure. See you soon, Elizabeth." He limped over to a shelf that held instructional materials, while she left the library feeling a sense of anticipation for their stroll back to the row houses later.
In the Mercantile, Elizabeth picked up some necessities, then for fun browsed items she thought would go well with the new home she hoped to have built for her soon. A familiar voice brought her out of her daydreaming. She noticed Allie speaking with Florence and Ned animatedly, rubbing her growing baby bump. They all saw Elizabeth at the same time and called her over to talk with them. In some ways, it felt as if no time had passed since she was a young, widowed mother and Allie was new in town just trying to fit in as she moved from place to place with her Mountie uncle. Oh, how she wished she had been able to give this precious girl a mother and confidant during her most challenging teenage years. Now, she wished more than ever for a father figure to help guide her own teenager.
"Now that I'm in the final stage of this pregnancy, I'm trying to figure out how to stop the horrible burning in my chest every night," Allie was explaining to the Yosts.
Joining the conversation, Elizabeth offered up her one tried and true remedy she had used many times while pregnant with Jack. "Pickle juice!" She almost giggled as she burst out the words. "That is the only thing that seemed to work for me during pregnancy."
Ned and Florence looked at her with wrinkled up noses. Allie just chuckled and responded, "I mean, at this point I am willing to try just about anything. Robert is getting really annoyed by my tossing, turning, and complaining all night long. He's even resorted to sleeping at the jail a few times."
After an enjoyable chat, Elizabeth checked out and began leaving to complete all of her other business in town. Allie caught up to her after paying her own bill. "Mrs. Thornton, I just wanted to say how happy I am that you are back in Hope Valley. Thank you for being there for my dad lately. I've been worried about him since he came to stay with us after the accident, but you seem to be doing more for him than I ever could. And I just bought pickles to try your suggested remedy." She embraced Elizabeth and they both felt the baby kick.
"That baby is strong, just like its mommy," Elizabeth confirmed. "Do you think it will be a girl or a boy?"
Patting her stomach, Allie beamed. "Robert is determined he'll get a son to play baseball with, but I've always felt like it's going to be a daughter so I can be the mom to her that I was never able to have."
Biting her lip to keep emotion from showing, Elizabeth gave her bravest smile to Allie. "Whatever it is, I know this baby will be beautiful and very loved. As for your father, it has been nice spending time with him and giving him any help he needs. In fact, I met him in the library earlier. After my final stop, I will make sure he gets home in one piece."
"Oh, thank you, Mrs. Thornton. I was a little worried about him; but he is not happy with me constantly getting after him for trying to do too much. It's not easy for him to go from taking care of me, to switching roles and letting me help him."
"He's making progress and getting stronger," Elizabeth encouraged. "Nathan did so much for me back when you both came to Hope Valley. I owe him a lot. And you may call me Elizabeth, now that we are both adults and fellow schoolteachers."
Allie grinned, then looked thoughtful for a moment. "I think he came here for you back then, Mrs...Elizabeth. I never knew for sure; but when he found out about Jack Thornton's death at Fort Clay, he wasn't ever completely the same after that. Especially when he found out Constable Thornton left a widow and a son. What I'm saying is, I don't think it was a coincidence he was stationed here in Hope Valley. It didn't make sense, especially because it was a lower position than someone who was up for a promotion to Inspector would have. Of course, he turned down his advancement the first time, because we were settling in here. I've never asked him if my suspicions were correct, but maybe someday I will."
All color drained from Elizabeth's face. What if it were true? "I really must be going, but I will see you later." She rushed off and forgot her other errands as she walked straight back to the library. Pushing the door open wildly, Elizabeth almost ran over Lee who was just exiting the building.
"Oh goodness, Elizabeth. Please excuse me." Lee looked at Nathan with an inquisitive expression but decided to leave the two alone.
Nathan stood, wracking his brain for what might have upset Elizabeth since their last encounter. "What's the matter?" he asked cautiously. "You look bothered by something."
She walked up to him, her face inches from his and looked him straight in the eye. "Why did you come here?"
Confused, he tried to clarify. "Why did I come to the library?"
Elizabeth shook her head. "After Jack died, why did you come to Hope Valley? Did you come here to repay some sort of debt you felt you owed for Jack replacing you at the training mission? Allie said she thinks that is why you came." Tears she had been trying to hold back now freely streamed down her face as her mind returned back to those devastating years following her husband's untimely death. One of the only bright spots back then had been Nathan and Allie. She always felt like God brought them into her life, but now she wondered if it was all just contrived by a guilty conscience.
His heart broke as he saw Elizabeth's response to what he had wanted to share the other night but lost the nerve to tell her at the last moment. Not knowing the best way to handle the situation, Nathan's only instinct was to grab Elizabeth and hold her in his arms as she wept, the way she did for him at the pond when he told her about his accident. At first, she tensed up, but she quickly softened and leaned into him for support. He had left his cane next to the chair he was sitting in, but gratefully noticed his leg felt strong enough to keep them both securely upright at least for the time being.
Once Elizabeth's sobbing had calmed into light sniffles, Nathan rested his chin on her head for a moment before beginning his explanation. "My simple answer is: Yes, I came to Hope Valley for you and little Jack; at least initially. When Allie was well enough to travel back to Fort Clay with me during the time my emergency leave was ending, we had just gotten settled back into our quarters when my superior told me about what happened to Jack. Even though I knew my family came first and I did the right thing, I still had major survivor's guilt. I found out everything I could about Jack in the months that followed and was devastated to learn his own father had also been killed in the line of duty as a Mountie. Soon after the new year, I heard about you and your new infant son. I felt responsible for taking a husband and father away from his family. Immediately, I requested a transfer to Hope Valley, as I felt it was my duty to protect you both and make sure you were ok. But I never expected to...well, let's just say this posting didn't go exactly as planned. I was determined to leave as soon as that promotion came through, but…"
"But you stayed for Allie because she was starting to thrive here," Elizabeth chimed in, starting to understand the situation better. "You were selfless and did what any good Mountie would do for their fallen brother's family; but you were also a good father doing what was best for his child." She reluctantly pulled her head away from his chest and looked into his steel blue eyes. Reaching a hand up to touch his face, Elizabeth said firmly: "Nathan, you were an impeccable Mountie and one of the most noble men I've ever known. I'm sorry I flew at you with accusations just now and judged you unfairly."
Absorbed in her loving gaze, Nathan felt a strong urge to pull her closer and taste her sweet lips on his. For a moment, he swore her eyes drifted to his mouth, giving him the signal he needed to proceed with his desired course of action. He let his eyes fall briefly to do the same, then tested her intent by looking deep into her eyes. His heart sped up, and affection he thought had died long ago resurfaced. Running his fingers through her long, dark hair he whispered: "I didn't just stay for Allie back then." He bent down moving slowly, both nearly breathless as they anticipated their lips making contact.
Elizabeth moved her hand into Nathan's hair as she felt his breath mingle with her own. Right before their lips touched, the library door swung open and the two of them quickly separated, their cheeks turning a bright shade of crimson. To make matters worse, it was Jack Jr who rushed into the room. He looked excited at first, but after surveying the two adults, he tilted his head to assess the situation.
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything important," Jack scoffed, with a small twinkle in his eye. "Uncle Lee said I might find you here, Mr. Grant." His excitement returned as he nearly shouted, "Did you really do that drawing of the house we want to build on our property? Can I help you build it, and will you help me learn to design like that?"
Feeling like her head would burst if she learned anything else about Nathan that made him even more desirable, Elizabeth perceived he was embarrassed about more than just their interrupted almost-kiss. "Nathan, you drew those amazing house plans? So, will you help us build this year? I know it will be beautiful, just like everything I've ever seen you create." She nodded toward the plaque.
Nathan's eyes took in his handiwork from years ago, and his memory went back to the day he gave it to her. Jack was just a baby in his mother's arms, cooing at Nathan as he presented the Emerson quote carved in wood to Elizabeth; a gift to be placed in the library as a reminder that they could both overcome their fears. He wanted to tell her just how much he regretted not taking his own advice...someday maybe he would let her know.
"Well?" Jack impatiently wondered. "Are you going to help us?"
Nodding while he finished composing himself, Nathan finally addressed the matter at hand. "I'm so happy you loved my house design. I drew it back when I almost bought Bill's land. I planned to build that exact dream home for us; Allie and I, I mean."
"It's perfect," Elizabeth murmured, not quite convinced he had meant to only build it back then for him and Allie. "Are you ready to go home, Nathan? You should probably rest with your leg elevated, and it's nearly time for lunch."
Jack excused himself. "I have to get back to work with Uncle Lee, but please tell my mom it would be a good experience for me to work with you. Also, I'm riding Newton this afternoon to go on rounds with Constable Wolf. He's such an amazing horse."
"I will be sure to discuss it with your mother," Nathan promised. "Thank you again for riding Newton. I said hi to him on my way into town this morning, and he seems happier now that he's getting more attention."
Giving her son a hug, Elizabeth admonished him: "Be good and work hard, handsome boy."
"Mom," Jack whined. "Don't call me that in front of people." He left the library shaking his head.
Once he was out of earshot, both Elizabeth and Nathan burst into laughter. "I remember the teenage years well," Nathan conceded. "Allie had the famous eye roll down pat. But Jack is a great kid. If you don't mind, I would love to take him under my wing and teach him some things. I promise I will watch out for him with the other guys we hire to be on the crew."
Her heart swelled in appreciation. "I agree, it would be good for him. Thank you, Nathan." Elizabeth grabbed her basket, then picked up Nathan's cane. As she offered it to him, their fingers brushed, and both recognized the same response they had the first time they accidentally touched fingers reaching for a book in this very spot right after they had first met. Back then, they both had reasons for pushing away their attraction to one another. But now it felt like they couldn't deny it any longer.
They walked outside together in silence, knowing something had changed between them. As they made their way through town, memories from the past flooded their minds: conversations in the Mountie office, discussions about helping Allie in school, and exchanges as they walked down the street with little Jack on his mother's hip. Nathan looked at Elizabeth, hoping a new phase of learning about one another was just beginning; the prospect filled him with both apprehension and excitement, and he hoped she felt the exact same way.