It was the day of the festival. Elizabeth woke up early with a new outlook on life. She knew that she would always love Jack. Their son would be a constant reminder of him and of their love together. After getting dressed in her favorite outfit, a white blouse and pink skirt, she walked over to the nursery.

Jack was looking up at her from his crib. Moving his little legs to show how happy he was to see his mama. Elizabeth glanced at the picture next to the crib- Jack in his serge. A reminder of her son's guardian angel. She got an outfit ready for her son and they prepared for the day.

Elizabeth put Jack in his buggy outside the door and walked over to the Coulter house just as Rosemary walked out of the door. She had offered to come help Elizabeth this morning before the children arrived.

"And how are you both this morning?" Rosemary said in her sing-song voice.

"We are wonderful, aren't we Jack." Elizabeth said looking down in the buggy. Rosemary could tell when Elizabeth got back last night that she had a good time on her ride. Something had changed within her friend. She seemed like she was before Jack had died. Rosemary was happy to see her happy.

––––––––

The children arrived right on time and some even a little early. All of them were so excited to get started with the set up. Each one had their assigned tasks for the day with an adult helping with the booths too. Nathan and Gabe helped to hang the signs. Lee helped to set up tables on the side. Rosemary and Clara were setting up the lemonade booth with some of the children. Carson and Faith were setting up a table in front of the infirmary for a first aid station.

Once everything was set up, it was time for the festival to begin. People came from outside of town to enjoy and some people had even told friends that lived close by. Bill was walking around introducing himself as the mayor to everyone. This was partly because he thought it was his job and to make sure he knew everyone who was walking through he festival. Nathan and Gabe planned to stay on opposite ends of the set up booths. Nathan planned to stay close to where Allie was set up near the bake sale.

Neither Nathan nor Gabe were dressed in their serge. They had decided after Allie went to bed that it would be best to be seen as members of the town for those who were visiting. Nathan had worn his blue checkered shirt, brown pants, and suspenders. Gabe was wearing a green shirt and black pants. Allie was excited when she walked down in the morning and saw that both of them were planning to come with her.

Nathan was standing to the side with his hands behind his back. He was watching everyone having fun and playing all the games. Maybe there was nothing to worry about after all. He was looking out over the crowd so he didn't see Elizabeth walk up.

"Hi Nathan."

"Hi, the festival seems to be going well."

"Yes, it does. The children worked so hard on it, I'm proud of them. Even if we don't raise enough money for a library it was worth it to see the smiles on all of their faces this morning."

"You are an amazing teacher Elizabeth. You do so much for them, Allie included."

"Thanks," Elizabeth said. Nathan noticed something different about her but he couldn't figure out what it was.

"So, where is Jack today?"

"Florence and Molly are watching him, over by the cafe in the shade. He was taking a nap after all the excitement from this morning."

"Ah." Nathan said nodding, he turned and looked back at the crowd.

Allie ran over to him, "Uncle Nathan, there is a strong man game and the winner can pick a prize. One of the prizes is a new fishing pole. Can you try? Please?"

"I don't know Allie."

"You should," Elizabeth said, touching Nathan's arm. He smiled at her and then back at Allie.

"Ok, I will try," Nathan told Allie. Allie ran back over to the bake sale booth so excited to tell her friends.

Nathan and Elizabeth walked over to where Ned was running the contest. "Step right up and test your strength!" Ned yelled out over the crowd. Nathan handed Ned the money to take three tries at the game. The bake sale booth was right across from where they were standing so Allie was watching as took the mallet from Ned.

Nathan rolled up his sleeves which accentuated his strong arms. Elizabeth was watching as he rolled them, wondering to herself 'Did it get hotter all of a sudden?'

The tower for the game went from 0 at the bottom to 100 at the top with the bell. The goal was to hit the base hard enough to move the arrow to the top to sound the bell. Nathan took his first swing and it went to 80.

"That was close!" Elizabeth said smiling at Nathan.

He took his next swing and it went slightly lower than the first one. Nathan wasn't about to disappoint Allie and he also didn't want to embarrass himself in front of Elizabeth. Nathan held the mallet in both hands in front of him and took a deep breath. He swung the mallet hitting the bottom as hard as he could, looking down as he hit it.

DING!

Nathan looked up and saw Elizabeth's huge smile. She clasped her hands in front of her saying, "You did it!" then she walked over and gave Nathan a hug. He smiled hugging her back and they stood there for a minute laughing.

Ned broke the moment, "Congratulations Constable. What prize would you like?"

Elizabeth pulled back still smiling at Nathan. Allie ran over at that moment, very excited.

Nathan looked at Allie and motioned for her to pick, "The fishing pole, thank you Mr. Yost." Allie took the fishing pole and hugged Nathan. "Can we go fishing tomorrow?"

"We will see. Maybe we can ask Gabe to go too."

"Gabe?" Elizabeth asked.

"Constable Gabriel Kinslow. We have known each other since the academy. He is here visiting this weekend."

"Oh, he was the Mountie who rode into town yesterday."

"Yes, that's him. He is around here somewhere. Maybe I can introduce you to him later?"

"That would be great." Elizabeth saw Bill over by the tables motioning for her to join him. "I think Bill needs me. I'll talk to you both later."

Nathan nodded, knowing what Bill was about to say. "Allie, why don't we walk over here for a minute. I think Judge Avery is going to say something."

Nathan and Allie walked a few steps behind Elizabeth. Bill went to stand on the steps of the mercantile with Elizabeth standing at the bottom.

"Can I have everyone's attention for a moment?" Bill said loudly to get everyone's attention and to give them time to walk over to where he was standing.

"Thank you all for coming to our festival this afternoon. The children of the Jack Thornton school have spent the last few weeks planning and help to put this on together. The students and their teacher Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton wanted to raise money to build a library in town that could be shared by everyone. So that we all could have a place to read and to have a new collection of books. We did raise a good amount of money today that would be enough to buy books for the planned library, however it may have not been enough for the space to have a separate library."

Bill paused as he looked at Elizabeth. He could tell she was trying to hide her disappointment and put a smile on her face. He smiled and continued, "It is my pleasure to announce that an anonymous donor has given the space in town for the library. It will be located in the empty store across from the Mountie office. I hope that Mrs. Thornton will be able to start getting the space ready soon and we will have an opening date to you before long."

Elizabeth looked up at Bill in shock. The town all cheered and everyone was talking about how excited they were for the library. Elizabeth went to Bill as soon as he walked down the stairs. "But Bill, who would be able to donate the space for the library, who would have the money to do something like that?"

"I'm sorry Elizabeth, they asked to be anonymous. I only wish I would have done it. But it is yours now to do with as you planned. Congratulations," Bill said handing her the keys to the space.

Elizabeth looked down at the keys. One of her dreams came true today. She thought about other dreams she had, but this would be enough. For now.