Elizabeth stayed after school to put up some Christmas decorations. There wasn't a tree in the school but she was able to hang some garland on the chalkboard and on her desk. She also made some paper snowflakes that she hung on the walls around the room. Elizabeth was putting up a snowflake near the back of the classroom when she heard a sound. She thought it sounded like crying but she was alone in the room. Elizabeth put down her decorations and walked to the door.
Allie was sitting on the steps of the school about halfway down. All of the other children had left but she was still there. Elizabeth realized that the sound she had heard was coming from Allie. Concerned for the girl, Elizabeth walked down the steps and stood in front of Allie.
"Allie, what is wrong? Are you hurt? Did something happen to your uncle?" Elizabeth didn't want to think about something happening to Nathan however she couldn't imagine what would have Allie so upset.
"Uncle Nathan got a promotion to Inspector in Union City."
"You're leaving?"
Allie nodded and threw herself into her teachers arms, crying harder now that she had said it out loud. Elizabeth put her arms around Allie, trying to comfort her. She also felt a tear roll down her cheek. She didn't bother to wipe the tears and leaned her cheek on Allie's head.
––––––––––
Bill walked from his office and saw Lucas standing outside the saloon. He was standing there with a teacup looking in the window. 'What is with this guy and his teacups', Bill thought. Bill was grateful he didn't interact with Lucas much, even though Lucas was trying to earn the trust of the town. He had opened the saloon for a family night once a week where there would be no alcohol or cards, but rather a gathering place for the town. Lucas was also hosting a dinner at the end of the week so everyone would be together before spending Christmas in their homes.
"Hello judge, what brings you by today," Lucas said.
"Lucas, I was wondering if I could talk to you about the dinner planned for this week."
"Is there a problem?"
"No, not a problem. The new pastor just arrived today. I was hoping we could combine the holiday meal with a welcome for the Canfield family."
"Yes, we can do that. I will speak to Gustav about the menu and maybe make a few changes. If you would like to speak on that day to introduce them to the town, feel free."
"Thank you Lucas. I will let you know if anything changes after I speak to the Canfields."
Lucas nodded, heading back in the saloon. Bill looked down the street and saw Nathan riding back into down from his rounds. He thought about the news of Nathan's promotion. He hadn't told anyone about it but Nathan had said he was going to tell Allie over the past weekend. He hoped that Nathan would choose to stay but how could he turn down an inspector position when offered by the Mounties. Bill remembered when he got his promotion to inspector years ago. That was a great time in his life and he would be happy for the Grants if that is what they wanted.
––––––––
Nathan walked into his office, tired after the rounds. He had gone out earlier that morning before Allie went to school. He had been a hard night telling her about the promotion and possibly leaving Hope Valley. Allie didn't have much of a reaction, telling him congratulations and reminding him that they had done it before. He could tell she was hurt about leaving her friends but he had to do what was best for both of them. Maybe they could come back and visit, and she could write letters to her friends.
Nathan hung up his hat on the hook by the door and walked behind his desk. He didn't even have a chance to sit down before Elizabeth walked into his office, shutting the door behind her.
"When were you going to tell me?"
"What? I don't know…."
"No, I asked you and you said nothing was wrong. I just came from Allie and she said you are leaving."
Nathan sighed and walked to the side of his desk. "I applied over a year ago and they turned me down. I was offered an inspector position in Union City. It doesn't seem like anything is holding us here."
"What about the friends Allie has made?" Elizabeth asked. Then softer she said, "that you've made."
"Elizabeth, I…"
Elizabeth walked closer to stand in front of Nathan. She knew she would have to put herself out there to convince him there was a reason to stay in Hope Valley "Nathan, the time we have spent together has been extremely important to me. I can see the type of man you are when you work as a Mountie, when you are a father to Allie, and when you talk to me. When we were decorating the other night and we were standing close together…"
"Elizabeth I know that nothing happened and you wouldn't be ready for anything like that…." Nathan looked down at his boots.
"That's where you are wrong, Nathan." Nathan's head shot up as a response. Elizabeth continued, "I thought I wasn't ready but in that moment all I could think about was if you would kiss me and what that would feel like. And I realized that I had been falling for you. Please don't leave before we have a real chance."
"Elizabeth, I can't ask you to do that. You know the dangers of being with a Mountie. And I don't know if I can take the risk of you deciding that being with me wouldn't be worth it."
Elizabeth looked at him. She didn't want to cry in front of him, letting him know how much his words were affecting her. She had a feeling that more was going on than he was saying but if it wouldn't open up after she declared her feelings, she wasn't sure what else to do. Elizabeth wanted to give him time to think about what she said. "Love is always worth fighting for," Elizabeth said as she turned and walked out of the door.
Nathan's eyes went wide. Elizabeth didn't turn back to see his reaction. Nathan had always believed that he would fight for love. Why wasn't he willing to now?