As September welcomes the first day of school, the Grants and Thorntons try to fall into the "new normal" of a family routine. In this time of new beginnings, Little Jack experiences highs and lows in the classroom. He learns the value of community, and most importantly discovers that even the smallest things, or smallest people, can make the biggest difference. Throughout a momentous day, the blending family of four navigate through a range of special experiences that draw them each closer together.
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"Allie," Nathan whispered, gently nudging his daughter awake.
The teenage girl responded only with a resistant moan.
"I know it's early, kiddo," Nathan empathized. "But, this time together will be worth it."
With a few more grumbles, Allie sat up and settled more into the day. "I think so, too, Dad," she said mid-yawn, registering the darkness of her room. "I'm just tired. It'll take some getting used to."
"Of course," Nathan answered, patting her shoulder. "It's a good thing we opted for Minnie's muffins this morning, isn't it? Nothing too involved." On his way out of Allie's bedroom, Nathan offered, "I'll finish getting things ready for breakfast. Take your time."
Although Allie was slowly stretching into this 6:30am wake up call, Nathan set the table with an unusual spring to his step. He wasn't particularly one for fashion, but he'd already dressed that morning in a new dusky blue button up, excited to lean into this long-awaited phase of their lives.
Not only did today mark the first day of school, but it also signaled a new beginning for their blending families. As unromantic as it seemed, earlier in the week Nathan and Elizabeth led a casual discussion with their children to figure out the best ways to spend time together in their busy schedules.
Allie suggested dinners at Elizabeth's house, loving the idea of settling into a home after school, warmed with company.
Nathan offered breakfasts at his house, which could still be managed even on mornings when he covered early rounds. In those instances, Elizabeth planned to help Allie with breakfast, and he'd handle dinner with his little assistant, Jack.
Both parents voiced a hope for some one-on-one time with the children – Elizabeth with Allie and Nathan with Jack – a suggestion that brought a glowing smile from the teenager and an outburst of ideas from the six-year-old.
They all got a good chuckle out of Little Jack's question, "Mama, can Mountie Nathan and Allie sleep over on the weekends?"
At the time, Nathan expertly redirected that suggestion into the possibility of another road trip, though Elizabeth felt compelled to explain they wouldn't likely share the same tent again (at least not for the time being, she thought, but chose to keep to herself to avoid more questioning from her precocious son).
While cracking a few eggs into a cast iron pan, Nathan laughed to himself at how crestfallen Jack had looked by the latter part of that announcement. You and me both, thought Nathan, recalling how priceless it was to unexpectedly wake up to Elizabeth by his side. He sighed into the memory, wondering how many nights exactly until that morning view became his reality. Soon, he hoped silently. Soon.
For now, their next step involved adjusting to a life all together – the four of them – well, and Scout, too, in all honesty. They couldn't exactly leave him at home in the evenings after being gone all day. Today, they'd roll into this "new normal" by sharing their first breakfast.
As Allie descended the stairs at 7am, a punctual knock signaled the arrival of Nathan's two other favorite people.
"Come in," bellowed Nathan, eager for them to feel at home.
Though Elizabeth politely peeked her head in first, the gap in the door was just enough for Little Jack to bound through.
"Allie!" he cried out, giving her a hug, "Aren't you so excited for school today?"
Elizabeth caught Allie's gaze, amused and intrigued by what the teenager might admit in front of her teacher and within earshot of the newest member of their school class.
"I'm so excited!" she answered diplomatically, though her enthusiasm clearly was wrapped up in her love of this family time and her delight in having Little Jack at school with her now. "What are you looking forward to most, Jack?"
"Don't say recess," Elizabeth warned, her finger out, ready to reprimand.
Dutifully, the bubbly boy followed her cue, "Mama said we're going to do an experiment today!"
Uninterrupted, Jack continued to rattle off his unfiltered thoughts to an attentive Allie. Taking advantage of the momentary distraction, Elizabeth took Nathan aside, first placing her warm hands in his and then stepping back to admire his new shirt.
"Well, don't you look handsome?" she smiled, running her hands slowly down his long sleeves, noting every muscular groove beneath the soft cotton fabric.
Nathan blushed, appreciative of her compliment, but also flustered as he processed the evident passion in Elizabeth's expression. For a number of frustrating reasons, including several interruptions, the two had only shared a few light kisses the day prior. So, once their eyes locked that morning, both were caught off guard at how quickly the electric intensity amplified between their blue eyes despite their children chattering away just a few feet beside them. Present company considered, Nathan and Elizabeth regretfully shared only one single kiss, a touch and taste that begged for so much more.
Regrouping, Nathan first gave Elizabeth a knowing look, suggesting he'd find a way for them to steal a few more kisses. Then, he redirected her praise, "You!" he said emphatically, raising his arm to twirl her through.
Eyeing her mauve skirt and matching long cardigan with apparent approval, Nathan continued his admiring gaze down her legs, clear to her pink lace up heels. "You look beautiful!" he whispered.
Once their eyes met again, it didn't take long for the two starved soulmates to succumb to the magnetic pull insistently drawing them together. Both easily forgot their surroundings and Nathan leaned in for a longer, lingering kiss.
In the meantime, Little Jack had finished his monologue. He plopped down at one of the place settings and, unphased, used their distraction as an opportunity to secretly nibble at his muffin.
Allie registered first the sizzling eggs and then the sizzling couple. Consequently, she nominated herself and hurried to the frying pan, flipping the eggs just in time.
After plating the cooked eggs, Allie observed that she and Jack were still the only ones ready for breakfast. Shaking her head outwardly at the smitten couple, she inwardly swooned at their love, absolutely endeared with this new normal.
"So … anyone up for overhard eggs today?" she called out to whoever might listen before clanking the plate down onto the table for added effect.
Suddenly startled, Nathan and Elizabeth abruptly pulled away, shocked at how easily they'd forgotten they weren't alone. After exchanging helpless glances, Nathan decided to openly embrace his deepening love, though he couldn't do a thing about the alternate story his pink cheeks were telling. If in the presence of the children, he could only ever brush kisses across Elizabeth's lips, he'd be up the creek without a paddle.
First, he directed an appreciative look at Allie, "Thanks, kiddo, for saving the eggs."
Then looking on to Little Jack and finally resting his sparkling eyes on Elizabeth, he admitted with a lopsided smile, "It turns out I got a little distracted." Much to Elizabeth's surprise, the newly emboldened Nathan added one more kiss to the lips of his lifelong love.
"So this is how it's going to be?" Elizabeth added with a flirtatious smirk, willing to be a little more open around the children if he was.
How could Nathan possibly forget that line? Despite being heavily medicated at the time, his heart still soared at the memory of how touched he'd been that she came. Nathan wasn't sure if it was just a random line or a call back to that sweet moment between them. Since the answer he gave then in the infirmary clearly didn't match this situation, he decided to change it up, honestly doubting that she paid any particular attention to their conversations at that time, considering she'd been dating Lucas. Still, he kept a similar format just in case.
"Most definitely," he answered, gently taking her hand in his. Caressing her soft skin with his thumb, he promised, "For a long while, in fact."
"No 'maybe,'" Elizabeth replied with a telling smile. "I like that."
Nathan merely stared in loving wonder. Perhaps, she, too, had loved him every single second, though his analytical mind insisted on inserting doubt. Yet, what else could explain her remembering so precisely a conversation from nearly three years ago? She remembered, he realized. Some things couldn't be reasoned. He simply knew it in his heart.
Allie's eyes darted back and forth between Nathan and Elizabeth. Clearly she'd missed something. This family time was proving far more interesting than she'd anticipated.
Responding to her grumbling stomach, Allie settled into the seat beside Jack, signaling their growing need for breakfast.
"Right!" Nathan called out, recognizing their slow start to breakfast. In a natural gesture, he pulled out a chair for Elizabeth, but then unexpectedly swung over to the next chair, flying low, pretending to be undetectable.
"I didn't get a hug from this guy yet!" Nathan called out, exposing his intent as he scooped up a giggling boy into his arms.
"And I missed offering Allie a good morning hug!" Elizabeth said, quickly rising from her chair. She took a few steps over to Allie, who stood as well in response.
For years, Allie Grant had cherished every kind word and affectionate touch from her teacher, desperate for any degree of a mother's love. But this particular hug, on the first morning of their family schedule, Allie felt completely enveloped. As Elizabeth's arms gathered her close, and one hand tenderly stroked her long silky hair, Allie realized she'd never known what she'd been missing in a mother's hug, until now.
What was typically expressed in her dad's firm hugs were the safe reassurances of, "I love you. I'll protect you. I'm here for you, always." In contrast, Elizabeth gently pulled her in just now to a loving hold of inexpressible softness that seemed to say, "I love you, sweet girl. I see you. Every part of you is known to me. I'm here to help you in any way I can."
For a split second, Allie panicked, suddenly self conscious as to what it might feel like to be on the receiving end of her hug. And she so wanted to build the right foundation! She'd never thought before about what her hugs expressed because she really only hugged one person on a regular basis. But, reminding herself that she and her dad were no longer on trial, that this time was different, she leaned into Elizabeth's embrace and squeezed in the way only Allie could, sending the message, "I'm all in. I love you, and I can be there for you, too." And she already had been there for Elizabeth, more than Allie knew.
Nathan's heart melted at the way Allie softened in Elizabeth's arms. Once they separated, Elizabeth rested her hand momentarily on Allie's shoulder, to make amends for what may have seemed like a neglectful misstep. "Thank you for saving breakfast. I promise we'll find a better rhythm soon."
Allie promptly answered with a genuine smile, "I think it's all perfect just as it is."
After Nathan led an especially heartfelt prayer of gratitude for their meal and this time of new beginnings, the muffins quickly disappeared. Although the eggs weren't burnt, per se, the unexpectedly prolonged time on the stove left them fairly rubbery. As a thank you to Allie, Nathan ate two, Elizabeth covered another, and Allie, in good spirits, managed to gulp down the final egg. As the last bite disappeared, the morning sunlight streamed through the windows, warming the slight chill that had settled into the home throughout the early fall night.
While the breakfast chatter continued, Elizabeth quietly watched in awe, wondering how this family time already felt so natural. She remembered an oft repeated line of Rosemary's about her potential with Nathan. "It's written in the stars." It really is, Elizabeth thought, for all of us. Here we are.
Expressing her love and gratitude for what she recognized as a truly special moment, Elizabeth noted, "I can't think of a better way to start our new school year than a breakfast with my three favorite people."
Allie smiled, touched by the sentiment. "That's what my dad always says — that we're his favorite people." She circled her hand to include Elizabeth, Little Jack, and herself.
"I guess he's rubbing off on me," Elizabeth responded, casting a loving look at Nathan before reaching for his hand. Then, acknowledging a school day did indeed still lie ahead, she turned to her son, "Will you help Allie clear the table, Honeybear, and I'll do the dishes."
As Elizabeth stood, Nathan held her hand tightly, unwilling to let her go. "I'll help," he said, following Elizabeth as she walked to the sink.
In the past, there'd often been something in their way – from fear to a fence post. But now, washing and drying dishes, they stood at the sink side by side, hip to hip. Neither had ever enjoyed dish washing more. In fact, as they glanced around, hoping for more dirtied plates, they were disappointed to discover that their together time had passed so quickly.
"You know, Jack," Nathan began, directing his comment to his mini-Mountie, "you may have to remember to call your mama 'Mrs. Thornton' …" Still with the dish towel in hand, Nathan swatted playfully at Elizabeth, "but she has to remember not to call you 'Honeybear.'"
As the teacher faked a scolding look at her sweetheart, Little Jack descended into giggles at the thought of how silly it would be to hear his mama say "Honeybear" in her classroom.
With the reminder that the next step to their morning was Jack's first day of school, Elizabeth suddenly shifted to a more reflective mode and offered her motherly support, "Everyone's doing hard things today."
Nathan followed her lead. "Learning is hard," he said, his approving eyes falling on both Jack and Allie. Then, his gaze fell to Elizabeth, and he added with admiration, "Teaching is hard."
As Elizabeth readied to honor the "hard" that Nathan faced in his daily work as a Mountie, Allie beat her to it and opted for humor.
"Except for you, Dad," she teased with a poke at his shoulder. "You're not doing hard things," she said dramatically. "You'll just be sitting at a desk all day."
Elizabeth teased, "Well, let's hope to keep it at that. A no drama Mountie day is a good day." Then, looking up at Nathan beside her, she wrapped her arm around his waist and gave him a loving squeeze. "But," she conceded, "when you aren't at your desk, I suppose fighting criminals is hard, and keeping the town safe is hard."
"We're all needed in different ways," Nathan replied modestly, though with genuine intent. As Elizabeth held his gaze, even the stoic Mountie got lost in the ocean of love flowing so clearly from the blue of her bright eyes.
Allie observed their deepening distraction and leaned into the adult role she might have to occasionally play in this family. "What time do we need to be at school today?" she asked, directing her question to her teacher, despite Elizabeth's attention being elsewhere.
"Oh, right. Thank you, Allie."
Shaking her head, Elizabeth admitted, "I'm a little flustered this morning. Glancing at Nathan, her cheeks turned a rosy pink. "But, I'd like to be there at 7:45," she said apologetically, knowing that essentially meant rushing out the door. "I know it's early, but I have a few things to write on the chalkboard before school starts, and I want to be ready to greet the children when they arrive."
Nathan checked his watch, and embraced the chaos of their new normal. He looked at Elizabeth for confirmation, "Leave in five minutes, then?" She returned a weak smile, and nodded, pained at how her needs that morning were affecting everyone.
While Allie lowered to a chair to lace up her ankle boots, Nathan reassured Elizabeth with a brief kiss. "I'll be quick," he promised. His long strides led him up the stairs to change. Returning in his Henley and blue Mountie pants, he moved around the living room in record speed, gathering the individual parts to his uniform.
His three favorite people sat ready to go, passing time in conversation, as they clearly waited only on him. Nathan placed the least preferred part of his uniform in front of him and with a notable sigh slid his feet into his Mountie boots. Making quick work of the first boot, he rapidly maneuvered the laces at such a speed it drew the attention of Jack and Elizabeth. Allie was unphased having regularly witnessed this exhausting task.
Elizabeth watched Nathan's long fingers expertly weave the laces of his second boot in an unusual pattern, settling into an intoxicating rhythm, with one lace starting from the top and the other from the toe of the shoe. In, underneath, over the top, down, up, through, and then over and down. Elizabeth knew these boots were an object of annoyance for every Mountie. Yet, as she processed Nathan's nimble touch with the soft leather and lengthy laces, her heart warmed at how symbolic these boots were for the strength and commitment he not only brought to the Mounties, but to what she was seeing him bring to their blended family.
Just when Elizabeth thought he was done and stood from her chair, Nathan's fingers flew up and down each boot, along every ladder-like rung of shoe lace – Tighten, tighten, tighten, tighten … Finally, with the boots molded against Nathan's feet and calves, he easily completed the last step by tying the laces now uniquely aligned in the middle of each boot.
Once Nathan finished, he looked up to discover two engaged faces. He hadn't realized he'd been the entertainment and offered an embarrassed smile. "Sorry," he offered apologetically. "I'll be better about timing tomorrow."
"Do you need another cup of coffee?" Elizabeth teased, though with a full dose of love that spoke louder than words. "That's quite the chore!"
"You have no idea!" Nathan chuckled.
Somehow observing such a notable morning routine even at a distance endeared Elizabeth all the more to Nathan. Momentarily, she thought of their home life. After a long day, she'd ask him to sit beside her and rest one leg at a time on her lap while she shared even a small snippet of his burden by untying those intricately laced boots.
Nathan's eyes scanned the room. Spotting his serge, he looked at the time – the five minutes were up. So, first he slung his belt and holster across his chest, then draped the jacket over one arm. That red serge was painstakingly slow to button because of the stiffness of its fabric. Since he'd already used up their final minutes lacing his boots, he deferred the arduous task to a later time, and opened the front door. Out piled Allie, Little Jack, Elizabeth, and finally Nathan. He wasn't quite put together, but of all days, he wanted Elizabeth to have the prep time she needed.
After he shut the door, looking uncharacteristically flustered, though happy, Elizabeth rose up on her tiptoes and pressed a loving kiss across his lips. "Thank you, Nathan," she said, grateful for his sacrifice and his acceptance of their chaos.
"We'll get better at this, I promise," he replied.
"I second what Allie said earlier," Elizabeth assured him. "'It's perfect just as it is,'" implying that being together was what mattered most.
With a relieved sigh, Nathan said with a sparkle of love in his eyes, "I couldn't agree more."
Noticing Elizabeth already holding Jack's hand and a bundle of books, he offered to carry her load. Eyeing the serge that more than filled his other arm, she asked playfully, "Did you stretch?"
Nathan responded with a new lighthearted laugh, "I did," he said in a convincing tone, "just for you."
After quickly wrapping the books in his serge and tucking it under his outside arm, he took Elizabeth's outstretched hand, joining an interlocked chain that stretched from Allie to Little Jack to Elizabeth and finally to him.
The four set off along the dirt path for what would continue to be a momentous day, especially for the youngest in their blending family.
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When the soft brown earth beneath their feet transitioned to the yellowing grass of the school yard, Nathan released Elizabeth's hand after a quick squeeze and crouched down next to Hope Valley's newest student.
"Have a great first day, Jack," Nathan said, patting the young boy on the shoulder. "I'll look forward to hearing all about it tonight!"
"Thanks, Mountie Nathan," Jack answered with a mix of nervous excitement.
"How about we play catch until the other kids arrive?" Allie suggested to Jack, expertly clueing in that the adults might appreciate a private goodbye.
"That sounds great!" Jack shouted, pulling his baseball from his backpack.
While the two children entertained themselves outside, Nathan held Elizabeth's hand as they walked up the stairs into the schoolhouse, carrying her bundle of books in the other arm.
"First day of school!" Elizabeth said in a rushed tone, heading straight for the chalkboard in full teacher mode. As much as she loved Nathan, and especially cherished alone time with him, her head was somehow not on him at the moment.
Nathan followed her lead, though, instinctively guessing the cause of her nervous energy. "Well, at least you know Jack's first day will be better than Allie's," Nathan replied, trying to lighten the mood.
At Elizabeth's inquisitive look, Nathan reminded her, "Jack's physically at the schoolhouse for starters," referring to Allie's ten-year-old trickery.
The memory of Allie's decision to fish her first day rather than attend school visibly relaxed Elizabeth. She set the chalk down and opened herself to Nathan's arms, as she remembered. "I have to admit I felt a bit high and mighty to be helping the new Mountie corral his niece."
Nathan shook his head while wearing a knowing smile, humbly acknowledging his struggle to manage Allie during those feisty years.
"But," Elizabeth added, kissing him softly, "That was before I soon realized our constable was the best father a child could hope for."
Nathan blushed at the compliment, still unavoidably affected by Elizabeth's praise. "I happened to be discovering the same realization about Allie's teacher."
Despite the first day jitters, the air shifted suddenly to a mood of anticipation, knowing they were finally on the brink of a stolen kiss in the classroom during school hours. This instantly ignited the fire they'd missed addressing at the jammed window previously. Elizabeth wasted no time pulling Nathan's lips to hers with her hand along his freshly shaven jaw. Nathan's arms circled easily around her back, drawing her in snugly against him. After several kisses expressing the longing of both the past and present moments, they both reluctantly separated, all too aware of their necessary parting for the day.
"Your serge, Nathan!" Elizabeth suddenly exclaimed, her one hand still resting beside the buttons of his Henley. "I'll help," she offered matter-of-factly. "It'll be quick." Elizabeth turned, instantly enthused with the idea, and lifted his serge from the desk, after first carefully unwrapping her books.
Although Nathan held out one arm to take the serge, Elizabeth instead slid one sleeve over his extended arm.
So this is how it's going to be, Nathan thought, immediately hooked on whatever appropriate acts of intimacy they could share.
Much as she did another chilly morning, Elizabeth pulled at the lapels of Nathan's serge. Only this time, her hands dropped to the bottom of his jacket, where she began working the buttons.
Now that's interesting, Nathan thought, though he quickly saw the practical reasoning as it left the top buttons for him, where the opposite arrangement would've entangled their arms. Still, he considered, perhaps this was one of their layered moments. Her buttoning from the bottom up may be practical, but clearly it suggested a level of comfort with their increasingly close touch.
As their fingers brushed on the final button, positioned in the middle of his serge, Elizabeth persisted by finishing the buttoning, followed by brushing down his shoulders to even out the bunched up material.
She then watched as Nathan latched his belt. When Elizabeth lowered her delicate hands to tug at the bottom of his serge to smooth out the jacket, Nathan smiled at her tucked in lips, fueled by the knowledge that practicality wasn't the only thing on her mind. Nathan released a steadying breath as she made the final adjustments. Elizabeth's proximity undid him every, single, time.
Once she rested her small hands on the muscular ridge of Nathan's upper arms, newly satisfied with his uniform, he readily confessed, "I'll love this uniform all the more with you in my life."
As their eyes locked and stared, both expressing a blazing emotion not typically shared in a schoolhouse or a church, the growing chatter outside forced the two to acknowledge the time for separation had come.
Leaving one last lingering kiss on Nathan's lips, Elizabeth pulled away. "Here we go," she said with extra gravity, now that her son would be in her classroom, "The start of a new school year."
In a moment of significance, Elizabeth lifted the golden bell from her desk. Nathan hurriedly asked, "May I?" with hopeful, eager eyes, as excited to ring the bell as a certain six-year-old might be.
Elizabeth grinned, handing over the bell. "Ring it responsibly, Nathan Grant," she warned.
He raised the bell and said with layered meaning, "To new beginnings." Then he walked out the door with a bounce to his step.
Nathan gave the signaling bell a few more rings than Elizabeth might have, but he felt proud at how he'd controlled his impulse to ring it until every last student was in the classroom.
As the students filed in and found their usual seats, Elizabeth said, "Jack, Lily, can you come up front please for introductions?"
Nathan quickly set the cowbell on the desk. Once he'd reached the back of the classroom, he caught Elizabeth's gaze, kissed his fingers in a sweet salute, and mouthed, "Good luck!"
She smiled in response as one swimming in an ocean of love and then quickly adjusted to her well known role as the skilled teacher of Hope Valley's students.
"All right, children." she spoke loudly. With Lily on one side and Jack on the other, she announced, "These are our two newest students, Lily and Jack, and we'd like to welcome them. Can everyone say a friendly, 'Hello?'"
"Hello!" chimed the students in a dozen different pitches.
With one reassuring hand on each child's shoulder, Elizabeth looked at them sweetly and whispered, "Let's help everyone get to know you."
Now, looking back at the class, she explained, "We're going to find out about Jack and Lily's favorite food, favorite toy, and favorite thing to do. Please raise your hand if they share something you also enjoy."
The students eagerly waited, appreciating the slower start to their academics.
"Let's start with you, Lily," Elizabeth began.
Jack sighed with relief. He didn't like standing in front of everyone, regardless. But, at least now he had more time to think about his answers.
"What's your favorite food?"
"Ice cream!" Lily shouted with excitement. Immediately every hand in the classroom shot up, including Jack's. He liked this game, when all the attention wasn't on him, anyway.
"That's wonderful, Lily!" Gesturing to all the raised hands, Elizabeth noted, "You can see many friends here like what you like!"
The little girl with curly pigtails beamed at their obvious approval.
"And what's your favorite toy?" Elizabeth asked.
"My doctor's kit!" replied Lily, with the same enthusiasm as her comment about ice cream.
But this time, no hands shot up. In fact, the students' heads turned toward each other, passing questioning looks between themselves.
"Well, look at that!" Elizabeth wisely responded. "This is a new interest that the other children haven't experienced. Will you bring your doctor's kit tomorrow to show the class?"
Lily's lips, previously locked in a disappointed frown, suddenly turned upright. "I'd love to, Mrs. Thornton." Her Auntie Faith had already instructed her very specifically about how to be polite and attentive in the classroom.
"Okay, now. What's your favorite thing to do, Lily?"
"I like to sing," the little girl answered, and with a rush of agreement, a number of students raised their hands.
"It's wonderful to add another singer to our classroom, Lily! Each Christmas, we work on a special musical number for our town's festivities. Would you like to join us this year?"
In her sweet, sing-song voice, Lily answered back, "Oh, yes, Mrs. Thornton! I just think that would be the best!"
Jack tugged at his mama's skirt, "Can I, too?"
"Yes, of course, Jack." His little heart burst with excitement, though he tried to contain his delight so as not to draw attention to himself. He'd never guessed that singing would be a part of school!
Elizabeth lovingly squeezed his shoulder. "Now, it's your turn, Jack. What's your favorite food?"
Little Jack thought for a moment. He definitely liked ice cream, but intuitively considered another answer since Lily had already mentioned the frozen dessert. At the thought of dessert, Jack immediately settled on a new answer. "Blackberries!"
In response, half the class raised their hands. "Yes! Jack, great answer! Clearly, there are many friends who love blackberries."
Naturally, Elizabeth's mind went to strawberries as well. "Anyone love strawberries, too?" More hands shot up, including Allie's.
Although Elizabeth most certainly had been thinking about her recent date with Nathan when she asked about strawberries, she unfortunately hadn't made the connection that one of her students had inside information. Glancing over at Allie, it was clear by her raised eyebrow and smile that Allie knew Elizabeth hadn't only been thinking about the fruit.
Elizabeth returned her smile, a little embarrassed, but also delighted with their shared secret. After momentarily tucking in her lips, she refocused her attention from Nathan's kisses to the task at hand.
"Jack, what's your favorite toy?"
The new student gazed upward and tapped his finger against his chin, assuming his best thinking pose. He knew his answer may not be quite right, but it's what felt right to him. "He's not really a toy, I guess, but Pal, my pony."
The students remained quiet, and Jack felt warmth rise to his cheeks in the silence. He instantly felt ashamed at giving the wrong answer. So, he tried to explain more, hoping some of the kids might understand and change their minds.
"My Uncle Bill got Pal for me. I like to ride him. Mountie Nathan's giving me lessons … Uncle Bill, too." Little Jack felt his heart suddenly thumping out of his chest like when he ran outside. Only, he didn't understand why, seeing as he was standing in place. But, his eyes saw everyone looking at him, and he really didn't like it; so, he quickly dropped his gaze to the ground.
"Thank you, Jack." Elizabeth answered, realizing he was finished. Though a little surprised by the silence, she quickly recognized how few children had the opportunity to learn so young. In fact, none of them had ever made use of a pony. Children typically waited several more years before learning to ride on their family horses.
For context, Elizabeth piped in. "I've seen Jack ride, and I'll bet in another year, he'll be ready for Sergeant."
Jack's eyes shot up to his mama's with a look of delighted hope. The children's faces now shone with appropriate admiration that such a young boy would be skilled enough for a Mountie horse like Sergeant.
"Who here likes to ride horses?" Elizabeth asked. Every student enthusiastically raised a hand, other than Lily, of course. "You're in good company, here, Jack. Look at all these friends who love to ride, just like you!"
Jack felt a warmth wash over him, grateful his answer eventually won an approving response.
"Alright, this is the last question for our new students," Elizabeth said, making sure all the children were listening. "Jack, what is your favorite thing to do?"
He didn't have to think even a moment about that one. "I love camping!" he exclaimed, having just experienced his first outdoor adventure when their road trip went awry.
Jack's answer tugged at Elizabeth's heart. She clearly noted that each of her Honeybear's favorites involved Allie or Nathan.
When only a third of the students' hands signaled their love of camping, Little Jack immediately felt disappointed he hadn't come up with a better answer. But he loved camping. Why didn't they, he wondered.
"I see some of the children enjoy camping, too, Jack," the teacher in Elizabeth reassured him, noticing as his mother the little traits that suggested he wasn't his usual happy self.
"Why don't you think about some of the reasons you love camping and share them with the class tomorrow? I'm sure everyone will appreciate hearing about something new. Right, class? If nothing else, Jack, you can offer a different perspective that may open their minds to new and exciting possibilities."
She lovingly gave both new students an encouraging smile.
As Jack peeked up to look across at the class, he noticed a number of eyes still on him. Then, he found Allie. When their eyes met, she gave him two thumbs up and the biggest smile, and his little heart soared. Allie knew exactly what he knew about camping. They'd shared in that unexpected treat together when they tried to visit Vancouver on their road trip. And it was fun! He already had all sorts of ideas for what to tell the class tomorrow – the songs in the car, setting up camp, getting all dirty, stories in the tent, sharing a tent.
Elizabeth didn't yet know the shade of red she'd turn tomorrow once Little Jack revealed that last suggestive detail to the class. Instead, she beamed to see Jack's easy going smile return to what had been an unusually subdued face for her Honeybear. That was fortunate, considering the next bit of news, she knew, would likely need a future conversation.
"Lily and Jack, we're so excited you're joining us this year for school. Each first grader is given a mentor. Since you two probably don't know what that means, I'll explain it."
Jack was relieved. He hadn't wanted to be up here in front of everyone and not know what a mentor was.
"A mentor is someone who will look after you and make sure you feel comfortable as a new student in our school. As an older student, the mentor is also someone you can ask questions."
Elizabeth dropped down a little lower to look directly at each of her first graders. "Does that make sense?"
With their affirming nods, she asked in a louder voice, "Will our mentors please come forward now? They each have a small gift for you."
As Allie rose, Little Jack nearly exploded with joy. But, then Allie unexpectedly settled next to Lily and gave her an illustrated rhyming story book she'd made about all the fun Lily will have at school. Awkwardly, Toby lowered down to one knee beside Jack, clearly hesitant in this new role.
"Hey, Jack," he began. "I got you these crayons." As the little boy's blue eyes blinked back at Toby, caught off guard, Toby nervously explained. "Minnie let me work a few hours at the cafe to earn the money. I know how you like to draw." He added with a shrug, "I like to draw, too."
Having received ample instruction on manners from his mama, Jack knew how to respond. "Thank you, Toby," he said with a grateful smile. And he was very happy about the crayons. He'd loved making Mountie Nathan a birthday card, and was already thinking about a thank you note for teaching him to ride Pal.
But, Elizabeth could certainly see her son's disappointment and hoped it wasn't visible to Toby. "Thank you to our mentors," she said, praising her older students. "These are truly special gifts, and I know they took extra thought and effort." Her eyes sparkled with appreciation as she directed her gaze toward them.
"Allie, Toby, do you want to show our new students their seats?"
Both Jack and Lily when they were directed to sit next to each other, and on the front row, even, which made them feel not only engaged, but very important, too.
"Now that we've officially welcomed the two newest members to our school, we'll begin our academic day with science."
Immediately, Jack turned to find Allie, and even went so far as to whisper, "Allie," to get her attention. Once their eyes locked, Allie gave him an approving smile and a nod before motioning with her finger toward their teacher so he'd spin back around to listen. Jack loved having Allie there with him. She knew exactly the reasoning behind his sudden excitement – science was Mountie Nathan's favorite subject.
Elizabeth clearly noted the sweet connection between the two, and understood Jack's enthusiasm as well. Naturally, she smiled, but, as the teacher, made no comment in this setting and instead continued on.
"Today, we're going to jump right into the interesting topic of acids and bases, a concept in a branch of science called chemistry. I'm going to tell you some characteristics of each — an acid and a base — and as I do so, I'd like you to think of any examples you might know."
For a moment, only the click of chalk filled the classroom, since Elizabeth buttoned a certain serge instead of writing these notes before school as she'd planned. Although the memory conjured up thoughts also related to chemistry, Elizabeth quickly dismissed them. Yet, she fully planned on revisiting that memory later when she could allow her heart and mind full reign to wander to their delight.
Pointing to the board, Elizabeth's experienced voice defied the reality that her mind had indeed wandered. "Acids are sour and not slippery."
Then, tapping her finger on the other side of the line drawn to divide the two categories, she added, "Bases in contrast are bitter and slippery."
As she glanced out at the class, especially at the older students, she asked, "Now, by the raise of hand, can anyone offer an example of either an acid or a base?"
Lily and Jack immediately looked at each other with blank stares. Jack was grateful he wasn't the only one who didn't know the answer, and he sure was happy he wasn't standing up in front of the whole class now! He wondered anxiously how often he'd have to do that.
Since the class remained quiet, still needing more guidance, Elizabeth continued, this time including the two newest students in her scan of the room.
"How about I mention something you might know? Then, you raise your hand once you have a guess for whether it's an acid or a base."
A dozen heads nodded in response, which suggested students who were intrigued, but not yet certain in their knowledge.
Though Elizabeth's mind immediately went to "apple juice" as an example of an acidic compound, that example was a clear "no." Right before their first road trip, it had been established with Allie as a code for helping create some alone time between Nathan and Elizabeth.
But, having already mentioned strawberries, which Allie's analytical mind saw through in only seconds, Elizabeth appropriately decided not to bring up yet another something that might be suggestive of Nathan's kisses. Poor Allie, Elizabeth momentarily thought. Your dad courting your teacher certainly wasn't high on the average teenager's wish list. She made a mental note to talk to Allie later about how to ease any discomfort she might have.
Instead of apple juice, Elizabeth dropped down the pH scale to offer a readily known liquid with no alternate meanings.
"Lemon juice," Elizabeth stated. Returning to her position at the chalkboard, she pointed to each category again, "Do you think it's an acid — sour — or a base — bitter and slippery?"
As she'd hoped, every hand in the class shot up, including Jack and Lily's.
"How about we hear from our two first graders? Okay, Jack and Lily, I'm going to count to three, and after I say 'three' I want you both to say your answer. Does that make sense?"
They both nodded in unison, anticipating the excitement of offering an answer they knew to be correct, even while being the youngest in the school.
Elizabeth counted off. "One … Two … Three …"
"Acid!" Jack and Lily called out, grinning from ear to ear.
"Wonderful!" Elizabeth exclaimed, and gave a little clap for the students.
"Now, by raise of hand, who knows what soap might be … an acid or a base?"
After a few cycles of guessing, Elizabeth moved on, ready to introduce their first experiment of the year.
"Chemical reactions happen all around us. Some of the signs a reaction has taken place include a change in color or temperature."
Using the example of the eggs from their morning, she asked, "Have you ever noticed how a fried egg turns from a clear gooey mess to a white solid around the yolk?"
She loved seeing the nods of the children, knowing how important connection was for learning. "Well, that is a chemical reaction!" she announced enthusiastically. "Both the color and the temperature change, don't they?"
The children commented some among themselves, the wheels in their heads turning.
"There is another sign we'll see today in our experiment," Elizabeth began to explain. "There are stations set up in the back." Of course, all heads immediately swiveled, naturally curious. As their seasoned teacher continued to speak, the students quickly turned their attention back to the front. "I will count you off into groups of four, other than Lily and Jack, who will be at their own table with their mentor."
Once the lab groups were organized, Elizabeth instructed the students, "Please, take your notebooks and choose a station."
After a few moments of expected chatter, Elizabeth methodically explained the simple procedural steps of the experiment, to which the students dutifully listened and then carried out themselves.
Outbursts of surprise filled the classroom as group after group witnessed the violent bubbling and subsequent gaseous expansion of the combined ingredients, which had interacted to showcase an acid-base reaction.
"WOW!" Little Jack exclaimed, the most enthusiastic of them all. Thrilled by the reaction, his curious mind naturally suggested he dive deeper into the experiment.
He impulsively grabbed the baking soda and poured copious amounts of the powder straight from the container into the jar. As Jack reached for the juice, Toby considered intervening, but didn't know how that would go over, telling the teacher's son what to do. Besides, he was curious, too. The initial fizzing didn't disappoint, but soon these lab partners realized their error. The foamy liquid spewed over the edge of the jar, gushing over the sides, and spilling all down the desk and continuing to spread across the floor.
"Oh my!" Jack heard his mother exclaim as she rushed over to their station. Though Elizabeth typically would've reprimanded an older student, her little Honeybear looked mortified, especially as the eyes of every other student fell to the mess he'd created, followed by bursts of laughter, and fingers pointing at the eruption.
Once Elizabeth's hurried steps landed her beside Jack, the new student exclaimed with tears welling up in his eyes, "I'm so sorry Mama! I mean, Mrs. Thornton. I didn't know…" As he registered the mess that was still foaming, his mother's presence, and the children's stares, he immediately felt his heart pounding and a surprising heat fill his face, as if he was standing out under the sun on the hottest day of the summer. He didn't know what was happening, but he hated this feeling.
"Children!" Elizabeth said, clapping her hands to divert their attention away from the slimy products of the amplified reaction. "Please turn back to your experiments and discuss with your lap partners what you observed in this acid-base reaction that leads you to believe a chemical reaction took place.
Toby sat quietly, not really sure what to do. But, like the experiment, Jack's emotions spilled over. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Thornton!" He wanted to hug his mama and seek her comfort, but somehow he knew that wasn't the right choice here in the school. But his confusion at this relationship between his mama and teacher was catapulting him toward a weepy state.
"Hon–" Elizabeth started, nearly calling her sorrowful little boy "Honeybear." "Jack," she quickly corrected herself, putting a comforting hand on his back, "I'm an admirer of your curiosity. I really am. Shall we clean up together? I do need your help."
Toby, trying to comfort the shaken little boy, added honestly, "I have to admit, Jack, I wondered what would happen, too, if more ingredients were added."
A tiny smile slipped onto Jack's face as he cast a sideways glance at Toby. "Really?" he asked, clearly relieved.
Not wanting to squelch this sweet moment with talk of safety, Elizabeth decided to delay that essential lesson for the time being. Instead, she simply instructed the boys to finish cleaning up as she walked around the classroom to help the students with their lab notes.
Once all the children discussed their results and cleared their stations, Elizabeth directed her class to be seated. Although she'd planned to wrap up their science lesson by outlining additional signs of chemical reactions, her instincts pushed her to use the time differently.
"Curiosity and exploration are what drive scientific discovery," Elizabeth began, positioned at the head of the classroom, "and I love that we saw that passion today in one of our newest students. Jack, I'm excited to see what you learn in future experiments this year."
A few of the students caught Jack's gaze to offer a supportive smile, and already true to his mentor role, Toby even patted him on the back.
Where a disheartened boy once settled moments ago, mortified by the mess he'd made of his first day, now sat a child brimming with confidence, newly ready for both the wonders and challenges the coming school year would bring.
Still, as a teacher, Elizabeth needed to cover the critical follow up point on safety in science. But, she took extra care to address the topic so it wouldn't seem punitive or particularly tied to her endearing son, who'd already felt singled out on his first day.
"Sometimes the chemicals used in science experiments can be dangerous. Are baking soda and lemon juice risky?"
The children laughed as they shook their heads in response.
"Perhaps that may seem true, but why, then, do you think I asked you all to wash your hands after the experiment?"
Intrigued, the students looked around, checking in as to whether any of their classmates could come up with a logical explanation.
In the absence of any guesses, Elizabeth explained, "You see, even rubbing at your eye with a single touch could cause a lot of pain if you still had any residual lemon juice on your fingers from the experiment. In fact, stronger acids or bases can cause lasting damage if the eye is not flushed properly after exposure. So," she added with a smile, trying to educate but not frighten the children, "there's a reason we follow certain procedures in our experiments. For those with additional curiosity about a lab in the future, please raise your hand and we'll discuss what further steps we might follow safely."
Elizabeth intentionally looked around the room to assure each child heard her instructions. Satisfied, she encouraged the class by saying, "I applaud curiosity. I want you all to wonder and think and explore. So I'm grateful Jack reminded us about that today."
Once she'd outlined the expectations of their first lab report, she tasked the children with some writing practice, which fortunately gave Elizabeth a few needed moments of mental rest.
Allie's well-practiced hand finished the first stanza of her assigned copy work, "A Psalm of Life." Drawn in by the lyrical phrasing as a poet herself, she eagerly read on, enchanted by the emerging themes from Longfellow's work — embracing life with enthusiasm, living with purpose, and seeking new opportunities, all of which felt relatable in this time of new beginnings.
Lost in thought, Allie's attention eventually drifted to the front of the classroom, settling on the source of her new trajectory. As her mind processed the series of movements she'd just witnessed at the desk, she wondered with surprise, Had Mrs. Thornton just smelled her bundle of books?
It wasn't so absurd, Allie reasoned, supposing there was a certain smell to books that was familiar and calming. Something seemed different, though. The analytical Mountie's daughter kept her head tilted down, while her eyes raised just enough to secretly watch her teacher.
Elizabeth inhaled deeply, then set the stack of books down on her desk. She felt mentally exhausted. Not only was it both heartwarming and heart wrenching witnessing the roller coaster of emotions Jack had already worn across his face, but keeping her mind focused throughout the school day was proving more difficult than she'd imagined.
Her thoughts kept wandering to a certain constable. She indulgently lifted her bundle of books again, positioning her nose even closer to the top cover, hopeful to catch some of Nathan's scent from his serge, which he'd wrapped around the books that morning for an easier carry. As a hint of his woodsy fragrance filled her nose, she closed her eyes and sighed, a satisfied smile spreading across her face.
While the other children were still engrossed in their writing, Allie hid a smile at what she knew indeed was playing out in her teacher's mind. She remembered her dad's serge covering the books. How could she not? He walked out of the house in his Henley with this and that from his uniform dangling here, there, and everywhere. Allie couldn't help how her head lightly shook back and forth, expressing her inward amusement. She almost felt embarrassed for the two of them – a Mountie and a teacher, typically the epitome of control and discipline. Yet, both were clearly undone by one another. Now, Allie was the one to helplessly sigh. She loved their love. It was as simple as that.
Thankfully, the rest of the school day fell into a rhythm, with time slipping by nearly unnoticed – lunch and recess, followed by math. Despite Little Jack's young age, his focus throughout that first school day surprised even Elizabeth. He happily played at recess with the other children, and seemed more like himself than ever once they settled into reading for the final subject of the day. While each grade of students busied their minds with the first chapters of their assigned book, Elizabeth worked with Lily on her letters. Jack was afforded the luxury of choosing his own early reader.
With his naturally sharp mind and an innate love for reading, Jack was already devouring books a grade level ahead. Sitting on the wooden schoolhouse bench, the young boy's legs dangled, his shoes hovering several inches above the floor. While his eyes moved methodically across the page, reading new and interesting information about snakes, Jack's little chest puffed out with just the right amount of pride for a student nearing the end of his first day of school.
He'd really struggled some moments … his mess of slippery chemicals proved that to be true. And while he hated standing up in front of the class, he felt increasingly confident that he could weather this new adventure of school, especially with Allie there with him. Her calm presence was a steady anchor, and knowing she was nearby made the unfamiliar feel a little more like home.
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Though a dark stillness settled over the crisp fall evening in Hope Valley, Elizabeth's row house from within radiated light, warmth, and laughter as the two Grants and two Thorntons continued their new family schedule tradition of eating dinner together.
In between bites of his steaming beef stew, Jack finished telling about his messy scientific discovery — it turns out that exceeding the recommended quantity of reactants results in a higher yield of products than might fit into the provided glassware for the experiment. Who knew? Certainly not an inquisitive first grader. But, with just one science lab under his belt, now he did! Small things make a big difference!
Little Jack still felt a tinge of embarrassment telling the story, but his Mountie Nathan's chuckles soothed any traces of humiliation that still lingered.
"That sounds like something I would've done, Jack."
The little boy's eyes met Nathan's in surprise and he immediately beamed at the link forged between the two of them.
Though Elizabeth's eyes conveyed a different message to Nathan, he simply raised an eyebrow and shrugged in response. It was the truth, he thought. Still, as a seasoned parent, much to Elizabeth's appreciation, he wisely added, "But, I'm guessing your teacher suggested a safer way to manage your curiosity?"
Elizabeth's first glance landed on Nathan, as she confirmed with a cheeky grin, "She did, in fact." Then, looking at her son, Elizabeth asked, "What did your teacher advise for next time, Honeybear?"
A shy smile spread across Little Jack's face, as he set down his buttered biscuit to answer. "To raise my hand so we can talk about it first, to make sure what I want to do is safe."
"That's exactly right," Elizabeth said approvingly, reaching beside her to pat her son's knee. "You were a great listener today."
Upon hearing Elizabeth mention "teacher" and "Honeybear" in the same sentence, Nathan revisited what he'd playfully mentioned to Jack earlier that morning. "Jack," Nathan asked, casting a teasing smile Elizabeth's way, "did your mama slip and call you Honeybear today?"
"Almost!" he cried out with a giggle.
"What else did you like about school, Jack?" Allie asked, understanding this dinner conversation was naturally more directed toward him and his big first day of school.
In an animated voice, the new first grader eagerly started with the good. "I loved sitting next to Lily! The writing was fun. I even drew tiny pictures around my letters," he said proudly.
Then, unexpectedly, Jack's face fell, his excitement draining away as he looked at his mama with a furrowed brow, unknowingly mirroring Nathan's tell-tale sign of when something's on his mind. Finally, the young boy released what had been burdening his little heart all day long. "Why did I get Toby as my mentor?" he asked, his voice tinged with frustration. "I wanted Allie," he added in a huff.
Nathan's questioning gaze flicked from Allie to Elizabeth—this was the first he'd heard of any problem at school, well, other than the chemistry mishap. Elizabeth paused mid-sip, realizing the conversation she'd been anticipating had finally arrived. She gently brushed a comforting hand across her son's back.
"I'm sorry, Jack. I knew this might be hard for you." She glanced over at Allie, her eyes soft with affection. "Allie's a very special part of our lives, isn't she?" The disappointed boy nodded quietly, his emotions surfacing now that his feelings had finally been voiced.
"You and Allie will always be close," Elizabeth promised, surprised at how effortlessly the words came to her. "You'll always have each other in this family." As Nathan offered his support by gently taking Elizabeth's hand in his, her heart swelled with warmth. She was overcome by how quickly their family of four filled her with a sense of home, the reality of it settling in like the soft glow of morning sunlight that had filtered through the windows at Nathan's over breakfast.
Considering the bond that Allie and Jack already shared in their blending family, Elizabeth continued, explaining how she'd decided on the mentoring assignments. "I thought about the other students' needs, of course. But I actually did keep in mind what would help you and Allie, too."
Allie's spoon rested in her soup, as she listened with interest. Frankly, she'd been surprised and even a little hurt, too, in not being paired with Jack.
"Lily's had very few special people in her life," Elizabeth noted, "just her grandmother and now Faith." Directing her next comment to her son, she explained, "Lily's never been connected to someone like you've been with Laura and Allie. So does it make sense that Lily needs Allie?"
"I guess so," Jack answered a bit begrudgingly, seeing the logic of his mama's reasoning.
"That won't change anything between us, though, Jack," Allie reassured him. "We can still get ice cream or share stories like we did camping …"
"Can we still play with Scout, too?" At hearing his name, Scout barked once, and padded over from the rug by the stove where he'd been happily and warmly resting.
"Of course!" Allie answered.
"And play 'Hide 'N Seek?" the little boy asked with a hint of mischief in his smile.
"We might have to review our ground rules first," Allie wisely suggested, recalling her first babysitting job – when she'd lost track of her charge, or rather, when he'd hidden himself so well that it took calling in the Mountie, her tender hearted dad, to find him.
The two parents chuckled at Allie's quick wit. "See," Elizabeth said, looking first at Allie and then Jack, resting her hand on his shoulder for reassurance. "You'll always have each other. Lily having Allie as a mentor isn't going to change that." She smiled at these two children, who had both captured her heart in a way that felt timeless, boundless, and unconditional.
"Besides," Elizabeth added, "Allie needs Lily, too. Has Allie ever had a little sister?" Her gaze shifted to the teenage girl as she asked the question. Elizabeth knew just how important her own sisters – both older and younger – had been to her, and that played a role in how she made the assignments.
Jack quickly piped up, "Just a little brother."
Three hearts just nearly burst at the simplicity and sweetness of Jack's words. It was as if he'd already claimed his place in the family. There was a quiet moment of shared joy as the owners of those warmed hearts exchanged knowing smiles around the table, immersed in the deepening bond between their families.
"Have you ever had an older brother?" Elizabeth asked, now directing her question to Jack.
"No," he easily answered.
"So, do you see how it helps you to get to know Toby better?"
"I suppose so," he answered with some noticeable lift in his voice, though he still kept one foot firmly planted in his disappointment.
"But," this mother and teacher wisely added, now getting to the main reason she'd selected Toby for her son, "we all need help sometimes. School hasn't come easily to Toby. Allie knows this since she tutors him in math."
Jack's eyes widened in surprise. "But he's so big!" he exclaimed. "Why is school hard for him?"
"Not everyone learns the same way, Honeybear," Elizabeth explained gently. "And unfortunately, schools often teach in a way that doesn't always play to the strengths of students like Toby. But, I'm really proud of the progress he's made. He's developed new tools for learning, and I see so much courage and promise in him!"
Elizabeth sighed, her eyes becoming distant as she thought of her brave student, who, despite his courage, still wrestled with self-doubt at times.
"He's lucky to have you, Elizabeth." Nathan said softly, squeezing her hand affectionately.
"Thank you, Nathan," she replied, the loving tone in his voice drawing her back to their dinner. "Toby's teaching me, too!" she humbly acknowledged. "But, as school continues to be challenging for Toby, he needs you, Jack."
"Me?" the six-year-old asked, entirely puzzled as to what his role might be.
"Yes," Elizabeth answered with a smile, "you," She poked him lightly in the chest, right where his heart was. "Someone new who he can look after and help." She continued, her voice softening as she elaborated. "The responsibility of being a mentor will ground Toby, providing him with a sense of purpose and reinforcing his value within our school. In Hope Valley, we're a community. So, it's important to think more about others than just about ourselves."
As Toby's tutor and long time friend, Allie intuitively reasoned aloud, "Thinking about you, Jack, will help Toby see the good that he can do, that there's more to him than just being a student."
"Exactly," Elizabeth responded, appreciating Allie's support. "And Jack, you may not know this yet, but you have a way of making other children feel comfortable—even older ones like Toby—because you're so inviting and kind."
After hearing his mama's explanation, Jack's heart felt warm, knowing he had something special to offer. Suddenly, he had another idea for his fresh set of crayons – a thank you card for Toby. He also wondered, if his new mentor didn't like all the parts of school, maybe he could ask Toby if his heart ever raced like he'd been running or if his face ever got hot when standing in front of the class. Jack didn't understand what had happened to him today, but he knew he didn't like it.
Though Elizabeth didn't know the exact thoughts running through her son's mind, she instinctively summed it up, "In this case, I believe you need Toby, and Toby needs you. Everyone needs someone," she added, her voice rich with meaning.
Nathan had grown up with a very different mindset, instilled in him by his father's hard advice – to toughen up and fend for yourself. Even now, he could hear his father's rough, guttural Irish brogue ringing in his ears. "Son, you can't rely on anyone else to be there for you."
If not through words alone, Nathan learned that lesson as a boy by circumstance – his father repeatedly wrecking their finances through gambling and stealing, eventually landing himself in prison, twice. Still, though Nathan adhered to the mantra of self-reliance, a feisty four-year-old was the first to claim his heart. Until recently, the Mountie had refused to depend on others, but his innate protective nature always drove him to care for those who needed him.
In that reflective moment, Nathan felt compelled to reshape how Little Jack would view vulnerability, particularly when it came to what it meant to be a man.
"That's true," Nathan chimed in, his fatherly gaze falling on both Allie and Jack. "Elizabeth is right. Everyone needs someone." To prove his specific point, Nathan chose to highlight men he knew Little Jack saw as impenetrable. "Your mama and I helped your Uncle Bill through some hard times when he was lonely, and Bill's often looked out for me, too, over the years."
"You need someone, Mountie Nathan?" the young boy asked in astonishment, his eyes wide and mouth hanging open.
"I do. I need your mama," he answered, his heart and eyes brimming with love for the woman he'd fallen for years ago. "I've always needed my Allie-girl," he smiled, his voice thick with emotion. "And I need you, Jack."
Now, it was Allie's mouth hanging open, at hearing her father express such tender emotion. She couldn't help but marvel at how different he seemed in that moment, as if the walls he'd carefully built had come down just for a heartbeat, or, in truth, perhaps for good, just for this family.
"Me?" Little Jack's voice squeaked in surprise. "Why do you need me?" he asked, his brow furrowing in confusion. It made sense to him that a man like Mountie Nathan could need his mama and Allie, but him? He was only six, after all
"There are many reasons, Jack," Nathan replied with a warm, fatherly smile. He paused for a moment, reflecting. "But one of my favorites is that you've always made me feel like I matter. And I know you'll do the same for Toby."
"Of course you matter!" Little Jack blurted out, giggling at the absurdity of his Mountie Nathan not mattering.
Nathan hesitated for just a moment, his instinct to remain closed-off still lingering. But, recognizing the importance of being open in this close-knit family, he took a deep breath and admitted, "Well, that's not something I've felt a lot in my life."
Little Jack, always so tender-hearted, immediately felt the heavy shift in the room. In the split second of silence, he was already up off his chair. Three pairs of eyes watched as he quickly circled the table. Once he stopped in front of his Mountie Nathan, he immediately wrapped his thin arms around Nathan's neck. Sweeping Jack up on his lap, Nathan hugged his boy tightly, humbly acknowledging it might just be this first grader who teaches him a thing or two. "I love you Jack," he whispered, placing a kiss into his soft hair and giving him an extra squeeze.
"Love you, too!" Jack replied easily, bounding down and back to his seat. Without missing a beat, he unintentionally shifted the mood entirely when he asked, "What's for dessert, Mama?" And just like that, the conversation turned to what sweet treat awaited. Elizabeth smiled, glancing at Nathan, struck by the remarkable number of ways the two boys in her life were proving to be alike. Horses. Humor. Snakes. Science. Tunes. Treats. But the most endearing of all - they clearly shared an unusual sweetness of heart.
While for Nathan, Elizabeth, and Allie, this 'new normal' felt natural, they cherished their time together even more, given the years in Hope Valley when the Thorntons and Grants hadn't lived this kind of family life. For the youngest member of their blended family, though, it almost felt like it had always been this way—his long-term memory only just beginning to solidify.
Little Jack remembered "Buddy" and knew they had a special connection. He didn't really remember how they'd become friends, though. He knew from what Mama said that they'd thought about being a family. But as far back as he could remember, it had always been him, Mountie Nathan, and Allie – his family of four. They felt like home. And now, even just at the age of six, Jack felt extra special, knowing that he was needed, by Toby at school and even by his Mountie Nathan.
And now for the cupcakes, Jack thought, excited not just for the taste but for the fun, already imagining what sort of little boy antics might accompany the frosting.
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Author's Notes:
It's always a delight to write about this wonderful family. I'd love to hear your thoughts if you'd like to take a moment to share!