Nathan rolled over in bed, reaching for his wife. Opening his eyes, he groaned in disappointment when he encountered a cold, empty sheet where he had hoped his wife's warm body would be. He had wanted to spend some time lazing in bed with Elizabeth before her trip.
The previous night he had arrived home to find Elizabeth, Julie and Robert talking quietly in the lounge room. He told them Henry was safe and explained what had happened without going into detail. Once Robert had been assured Henry didn't need medical attention, he and Julie went home. Elizabeth hadn't pursued their conversation from earlier in the evening, happy to have him home safe. They had fallen into bed and, despite it being their last night together for a week, had fallen into a deep sleep almost instantly.
Throwing back the covers, Nathan jumped out of bed, determined to find his wife. He didn't want to waste a moment of their morning together, and he had something he needed to show her. He had decided he could not let Elizabeth go to Brookfield without knowing the truth of what he had been doing. He couldn't allow her to leave with tension between them.
Nathan ran down the stairs, the smell of coffee and bacon luring him to the kitchen and his wife. As he reached the bottom steps, Elizabeth turned her head toward him, smiling. Nathan's heart leapt as always when he saw his wife, especially when she was smiling at him with eyes shining with love.
"Good morning, sweetheart." Nathan wrapped his arms around Elizabeth and hugged her from behind, lifting her off her feet. He chuckled at her surprised squeak as he slid his lips across her smooth skin placing a row of soft kisses on her shoulder.
"Mmmh, good morning," Elizabeth murmured, leaning against him. "I thought you were going to sleep all day."
"I was hoping I would find you still in bed when I woke up. And Elizabeth, it's barely daylight; you got up incredibly early."
"I couldn't sleep. I still have so much to do before we leave."
"I thought you were all packed and ready to go?" Nathan said, lowering her to her feet and eyeing the pile of luggage near the door.
"I am, but...I might check what I have packed to make sure I haven't forgotten anything."
"Maybe you should check what you have left behind; it's a much smaller pile," Nathan teased, earning him a light whack on the arm.
"Come and eat your breakfast before I change my mind about cooking for you."
Nathan helped Elizabeth finish preparing breakfast and then sat across from her as they ate. He would miss having breakfast with her when she was away. While they didn't spend every minute with each other, especially lately, he knew she was close by. As they ate, he filled her in on the details of the previous evening. He watched Elizabeth move from fear to anger on Henry's behalf.
"How could anyone do such a thing," Elizabeth asked.
Nathan didn't bother to reply, knowing it was a rhetorical question.
"And you are sure he wasn't harmed?"
"He had some minor injuries to his wrists from the rope, but overall, he was fine."
"Thankfully, you got there in time." Elizabeth paused, her brow wrinkled, "they are in a lot of trouble, right? I wonder how Florence is going to react."
"Yes, except Henry doesn't want them charged," Nathan explained. At Elizabeth's shocked expression, he explained the connection Henry had to James Hanson and James' connection to Coal Valley.
"Does that really change anything, though? He was still there. Still part of it."
"It doesn't change anything for me." Nathan agreed. "They have to face the consequences of what they tried to do." Sighing, he said, "I hope this doesn't set things back with Henry and the town or me."
"He'll understand, Nathan. I hope he is still bringing Colleen and Allie to say goodbye; maybe you can talk to him then."
"He is, and I will." Nathan looked at Elizabeth's empty plate and smiled. "How about we go upstairs, and I help you look for anything you might have forgotten to pack."
"I don't believe you want to help me pack; you just want me upstairs in the bedroom," Elizabeth challenged.
Nathan laughed; he had known she would see through his ruse. Holding his hand out to her, he said, "I could help you pack as well."
Laughing, Elizabeth gripped his hand and followed him upstairs to the bedroom. "I probably can't fit anything else in my trunk, so let's forget about the packing."
"What are you doing, Mama?"
"Mr Gowan hurt himself last night, and I am taking these things over to him," Colleen explained, packing the gauze into her basket. She saw Allie's face drop at the thought of Henry being hurt and rushed to reassure her. "He only has some tiny sores on his wrists; he isn't badly hurt."
"Can I help too?"
"I am sure he would appreciate that, Allie," Colleen said, despite being sure the last thing Henry wanted was them making a fuss. "Let's go over to the house now. We can help him while cooking breakfast."
Allie followed Colleen into her bedroom so she could change. "We need to hurry; we are going to see Aunt Elizabeth and the others off on their trip to Brookfield."
As she helped Allie dress, Colleen thought about the letter in her pocket, the one she had written the previous night. She was going to ask Elizabeth to deliver it to Gabriel Kinslow. She knew she could trust her sister-in-law not to open it and Gabriel not to share the contents. No one would be suspicious of her writing to Gabriel; she and Allie often communicated with him. She would eventually share the letter's contents with Nathan and Elizabeth, but she wasn't ready yet.
"Can we go now?" Allie begged the minute her second shoelace was tied.
"Yes, we can, let's go."
Colleen unlocked the back door and let Allie walk inside before her. The house was quiet, but that wasn't a surprise; they were early. She placed the basket on the bench and put the water on for coffee.
"We need to be quiet, Allie. Mr Gowan is still sleeping," Colleen advised as she saw Allie approaching the door to the hall. "We need to wait for him to come down."
Allie sighed a deep sigh of resignation and walked back to the table, leaving the door between the kitchen and hallway ajar.
"Can I get the medicine things ready for him?"
"That would be wonderful. I'll start breakfast. What shall we have?"
"Pancakes!" Allie proposed, hopefully.
Colleen laughed softly at her daughter, not surprised at her selection. Pancakes were Allie's favourites, and she would eat them every day if she were allowed. As Colleen opened her mouth to suggest an alternative, she heard footsteps coming down the stairs and paused.
Allie also heard Henry's footsteps and leapt from her chair, running over to greet him.
"Mr Gowan! Mama said you were hurt, and we will fix you up." Allie said excitedly. "Come and sit down; Mama brought her basket."
Henry glanced between Allie and Colleen, smiling at them both before allowing the little girl to seat him at the table. "I sure appreciate this, Allie, but I am fine."
Colleen watched as Allie ignored his protests and took his arm gently. Allie slid his sleeve up far enough to see the wounds on his wrist, her little fingers touching them softly.
"Does it hurt?" Colleen heard Allie ask, her voice hushed and gentle.
"Only a little," Henry assured her. "I don't think they need any treatment."
"We need to fix Mr Gowan, Mama. Before you cook pancakes."
"I don't remember agreeing to pancakes," Colleen said, mock frowning.
"Pancakes do sound good, Colleen," Henry said, winking at Allie. "I have a better idea, though. How about breakfast at the Cafe?"
Allie spun around to look at her mother, her face excited. She loved eating at the Cafe.
Colleen paused for a moment, pretending to think about the suggestion. She was going to say yes. She would never disappoint Allie like that, and Henry knew it. She was also curious about Henry's suggestion, surprised he had suggested going to Abigails. He usually avoided the townspeople and she was sure he would be more than happy to do that today.
"We can eat at the Cafe if Henry lets me look at his wrists."
"Now that isn't playing fair, Colleen," Henry said, chuckling.
"Neither was suggesting the Cafe." Colleen retorted, arching an eyebrow at him.
Nathan and Elizabeth were quiet on the drive into Coal Valley. Nathan was trying to work out how and when to talk to her about the schoolhouse. He knew he needed to mention it to Henry, Lee, and William Thatcher first. They all had to be there for the unveiling of the surprise. Abigail should be there, too. He knew she had suffered a lot of criticism over the decision to allow Henry to build on the land.
"Elizabeth," Nathan began, "I need to go to the jail now and relieve Bill. Will you be fine meeting your parents at the Cafe and waiting with them until I meet you there later?"
"Of course." Elizabeth glanced at him, concerned. "Do you think you will be able to get away? You didn't expect to have a full jail this morning."
"I will get away, Elizabeth. I promise you." Nathan knew someone would relieve him at the jail. He needed to organise to gather Lee, Bill, Henry, William, and Abigail together, which was a much more challenging task. "Why don't you drop me at the jail? That way, I can send Bill to join you and the others at the Cafe."
"I will make sure to send you a coffee."
"And…"
"And a muffin," she agreed with a laugh at his pleading look.
After Elizabeth dropped him off, Nathan hurried inside. He was relieved to find everything had gone smoothly the previous evening. Bill agreed with Nathan that Elizabeth should be told about the school before she left. He knew Nathan was disappointed it wouldn't be the grand reveal they had discussed. The events of the night before had forced their hand.
Nathan sat behind his desk, staring into the cells at the men. All three of them were quiet this morning. Nathan suspected they were quiet because of the gravity of their situation, combined with the hangover from drinking to excess the night before. Malcolm had blanched when Bill told them he would fetch some breakfast. Nathan doubted any of them would eat whatever Bill brought back.
When Bill returned, he was pleased to see Lee was with him, having offered to help carry the food. Henry had also come along, carrying the coffee as his excuse.
"Abigail will be free in one hour, Nathan," Bill confirmed. She will meet us here with everyone else."
"Did she say how she would get everyone to come with her?"
"Nope, and I am pleased she has to think of the excuse." Bill raised his voice when he continued speaking and said, "I told her to invite Florence Blakely, too. She was arriving at the Cafe as we were leaving, looking none too happy. It seems she heard where you were, Malcolm."
Malcolm didn't respond to Bill's needling, turning away from him and the food he had slid through the bars. Nathan noted that James didn't touch the food either but reached for the coffee. The third man remained silent but ate the food, ravenous.
"So, we have one hour before the reveal. How can we show the schoolhouse in its best light?" Lee asked. "I did think about bringing Rosie into the secret a little early, getting her opinion."
"I could ask Colleen," Henry said. "She found out a little while ago," he admitted sheepishly.
Nathan shook his head, not surprised Colleen knew, pleased she had kept their secret. He loved the idea of his sister coming and helping; Allie would be one of the first students to attend after all.
"No offence, Lee, but what can Rosie or Colleen do in such a short time? I agree if the roof were complete, but we don't want furniture over until it's done."
"You're right, Bill." Lee agreed. "We will have to rely on Elizabeth and the others to use their imagination."
"I am watching the prisoners until Ned Yost comes and relieves me." Nathan hurriedly explained, "I can't go over and make sure it's clean." He had asked Bill to make the arrangements with Ned when he went to collect the breakfast.
"Do you have time to spare, Henry?" Lee asked.
"I am happy to go; I have nothing planned until I take Colleen and Allie home."
"You're a good man, Henry. Thank you." Lee replied, clapping him on the back as the two men hurried away.
"Bill, should you go home to sleep?" Nathan queried; conscious he had been on shift all night.
"I got some shuteye through the night. Once they passed out, I knew they weren't going anywhere." Bill swiped his hand over his face, "I can sleep in the car if I have to."
"Okay. I didn't have a chance to talk to Henry about the charges, but I don't think I have a choice," Nathan explained as he and Bill waited for Ned Yost. He was pleased when Bill nodded, agreeing with him.
"The only one I would see getting a little leniency is James Hanson," Bill suggested. "He refused to pour the gasoline on Henry."
"But he didn't stop the others," Nathan challenged. "He could have tried to stop them."
"He might have, but we intervened before he could."
Nathan sighed. Bill had a point, and James was the only one of the three who hesitated. He was also the youngest among them, so he was more likely to be influenced by Malcolm Blakely. He would think about it before charging them, talk to James and see what he had to say for himself.
Elizabeth and the other patrons of the Café were confused when Abigail told them she had a surprise for them and needed them to go with her. They glanced at each other, matching looks of bewilderment on their faces.
"Why would I go somewhere with you and leave my food and drink to get cold?" Florence Blakely demanded snippily. She had been sitting quietly with Molly Sullivan since she arrived, keeping her voice low as they spoke.
Elizabeth glanced over to their table several times during the morning, and on one occasion, Florence made eye contact before quickly looking away. Elizabeth wondered how much she knew of the incident the previous night. It was clear she knew where Malcolm had spent the night, but possibly not why. Colleen and Elizabeth had discussed it and agreed to say nothing to anyone, knowing how adamant Henry was that he didn't want people to know.
"You're welcome to stay here, Florence. If you do, remember that you were invited to come along," Abigail said, her tone matching Florence's. She doubted Florence would say behind; she would hate to think she was missing something. "I will ask Clara to refresh everyone's food and drink when you return."
"Abigail, can you tell me what this is about?" Elizabeth asked anxiously. "Is it something that can delay our trip to Brookfield?"
"I promise we will leave in plenty of time." Abigail wrapped an arm around Elizabeth's shoulder, leading her out of the Café. "Trust me, okay."
Elizabeth nodded at her friend, knowing she would always trust her. Rosemary and Colleen fell into step beside Elizabeth and Abigail. Colleen had picked Allie up, knowing her daughter wouldn't be able to keep up with their excited strides. Julie walked behind them with her parents. Elizabeth could hear her sister and mother whispering back and forth. Her father was quiet, not contributing to their conversation.
The group following Abigail chatted excitedly, trying to guess where they were going. As they headed toward the destination, Elizabeth saw her father looking around for someone. She watched as her father made eye contact with Nathan as he and Bill stepped out of the Mountie office. Nathan nodded at her father; it was only a slight nod, and had she not been looking for it, she would have missed it. Was she finally going to find out what had been going on? She hoped so. She hated leaving for Brookfield, knowing there was tension between herself and Nathan. After what happened to Henry, they had put aside their disagreement, but it was still lurking below all their conversations.
Nathan and Bill stepped off the boardwalk, joining the crowd following Abigail. Nathan reached for Elizabeth's hand and smiled at her.
"So, I can assume you know where we are going and why?" Elizabeth asked Nathan. "You too, Bill?"
"Guilty as charged," Nathan replied. "I hope you'll understand when you find out what it is."
"At least I will know, and there won't be any secrets, right?"
"Right!" I promise there is nothing else I haven't told you." Nathan squeezed her fingers gently, "I couldn't let you go with it between us."
"Thank you, Nathan. I want that, too."
"Why on earth are you taking us to Henry's new building?" Florence asked when she realised where they were heading, her tone angry this time. "I can't believe you think we are interested in how he is going to profit once again from the people in this town."
"Florence. Please!" Abigail exclaimed. "A few more minutes, and you will know exactly how wrong you are."
Florence glared at Abigail but hushed. Dotti Ramsey touched Florence on the arm in a silent show of support as Florence's face flushed in embarrassment. The crowd were subdued after Florence's outburst, so her sharp intake of breath when she saw Henry and Lee step out from inside the new building onto the verandah carried to the crowd.
"What is Lee doing here?" Rosemary whispered to Elizabeth. "He hasn't said anything about collaborating with Henry on his new venture?"
"I have no idea, Rosemary, but at least we are about to find out."
Lee stepped forward, smiling broadly at the crowd, mostly women from Coal Valley.
"Thank you all for coming with Abigail. I am sure you are wondering why you are here."
"Of course we are, Lee," Rosemary exclaimed in exasperation. "You need to hurry up and tell us."
"Alright, sweetheart," he responded, chuckling.
"We asked Abigail to bring you here today so we could reveal the purpose of this building." Holding up his hands to silence the crowd, who had started murmuring amongst themselves. "Abigail, Elizabeth, could you come up here please." Looking at the crowd, he said, "You too, Bill, Nathan and William."
The five of them hurried to the steps of the building, quickly coming to stand before Lee and Henry.
"This is not the opening ceremony we imagined, but as Mayor of Coal Valley, we think it is only fair Abigail, that you officially open the building." Lee smiled at Abigail as he reached for her, pulling her gently up the final stairs so she could stand beside him and face the crowd.
"Thank you, Lee," Abigail responded. "I am honoured to do the official opening, but I can't do it alone," Abigail asked Nathan to stand beside her and Lee before turning to Henry and waving for him to do the same. Nathan joined Abigail, but it took some urging from Lee before Henry did the same.
"The idea for this building came from Nathan Grant, but it was made possible by generous donations from Henry and Lee. Without their contributions, this building would not have been built, and the Town would not have this wonderful space."
Elizabeth focused on Florence Blakely and watched the colour drain from her face. While they still didn't know the purpose of the building, they knew it was not a new business for Henry.
"We also need to thank all of the men who worked tirelessly to use their skills and knowledge to bring this project to 'almost' completion." Abigail smiled at William and Bill, and the two men joined the group. "Elizabeth, can you join us, please."
Elizabeth rushed toward Abigail and her husband, eyes wide with curiosity. Her stomach had flipped when Abigail stated this was Nathan's idea, and now she knew this was what had kept her husband and father away from their families.
"Elizabeth, can you please open the doors to the building, please? I want you to see your new schoolhouse and Coal Valley's Church." The men stepped away from the doors to the building, allowing Elizabeth to have a clear passage toward the doors.
Elizabeth's eyes filled with tears when she heard the word schoolhouse, followed quickly by Church. She had dreamed about having an actual school to teach the children. An environment where they would not constantly be disturbed by visitors to the Saloon and the noises from the main street. As she placed her hands on the doorknobs, she turned to Nathan and the others standing beside him.
"Thank you so much for this, all of you."
Elizabeth stepped into the room and gasped. She looked around the almost empty room, her hands flying to cover her mouth, overwhelmed by emotion. She knew there was still work to do, desks and pews to be placed, a chalkboard for lessons and, of course, the children to fill the room, but she didn't care. To her, it was perfect.
Elizabeth found Nathan and rushed to him, throwing her arms around him. She stretched up and kissed him firmly on the mouth, not caring they were on full show to the people filling the room around them. Her husband had done this for her and she would be eternally grateful for his beautiful heart and soul that understood her so well.