The saloon was decorated with three separate Christmas trees. There was garland around every railing, stairs, and post in there. Lucas was still trying to earn the trust of the town and as more and more people came into the saloon, he was starting to feel part of Hope Valley. Bill still wasn't ready to fully trust him but he had stopped watching his every move.

Elizabeth had tried to tell Rosemary that she wanted to stay home. It's not that she didn't want to spend time with everyone and she really wanted to welcome the new pastor and his family. She thought it would be easier to stay away if Nathan was there. If he was leaving soon, she didn't want to continue to spend time with him and have her feelings continue to grow. Although she knew being apart wouldn't make her feelings completely go away.

Rosemary and Lee met Elizabeth out in front of her house. Elizabeth was carrying Jack and both of them were dressed in shades of blue. Rosemary was wearing a new green dress that Elizabeth knew Lee had gotten for her for Christmas. Lee was wearing one of his suits but with a new tie. The four of them walked to town with Rosemary talking about when she had met the Canfields earlier that week. Pastor Joseph's wife Minnie had met Rosemary in the mercantile and asked if anyone was hiring. Rosemary suggested talking to Bill about help needed in the cafe.

They all walked in to the saloon. Rosemary and Lee walked in looking for the Canfields. Elizabeth stood by the door showing Jack the ornaments on one of the trees. She was standing over to the side when Nathan and Allie walked in. They didn't see her and continued walking into the room. Allie looked sad, Elizabeth thought. Maybe Nathan had made the decision to move after all. Elizabeth held her son and walked over to where Rosemary and Lee were standing with the Canfields.

"Hello everyone and welcome to our Hope Valley holiday community dinner," Bill said. "Before we all sit down to eat, I want to take this opportunity to welcome the Canfields to Hope Valley. Pastor Joseph, Minnie, Angela, and Cooper will be living outside of town in the previous pastor's cabin. Minnie will also be working in the cafe and the children will be starting school with Mrs. Thornton after the holidays. Please take a chance to welcome them today and introduce yourself. For now, let's eat!"

Elizabeth laughed quietly. Bill did not like giving speeches but he did love food. Elizabeth sat down at a table with Bill, Lee and Rosemary. She noticed Nathan and Allie at a table on the other side of the room.

Nathan looked at Allie eating across from him. She hadn't told him his decision about the promotion. She had been quiet the last few days and she stayed in her room. Nathan knew that she was worried that she would need to leave her friends. He thought now was a good time to tell her.

"I have never liked crowds, but I have to admit that I like being here with all of the people of Hope Valley," Nathan said. Allie had her head down, but she nodded.

"I don't think I can picture you anywhere else but here, I can't picture myself anywhere else either."

"Too bad we can't stay," Allie said so quiet that Nathan wasn't sure he really heard her.

"Well here's the thing, I sent a wire this morning turning the promotion down. Looks like we are stuck here," Nathan said with a smile.

"Really? You mean it? We can stay?" Allie asked with a hopeful look.

"Yes, we are staying." Allie leapt out of her seat, giving Nathan a big hug.

"I need to go tell all my friends. Oh, and Mrs. Thornton."

"Why don't you let me tell Mrs. Thornton?" Allie nodded and ran over to where a group of her friends were.

Nathan looked over and Elizabeth was sitting at a table alone. He glanced over a little big and saw Bill playing with Jack. Nathan decided now was a good time to go talk to her. Elizabeth was looking down at her coffee cup so she didn't see Nathan walk over. He stopped and asked Bill if he could keep an eye on Jack for a few minutes if he talked to Elizabeth. Bill hurried him along, knowing that they needed to talk.

"Elizabeth, hi."

"Oh, Nathan I didn't see you. Hi."

"I was wondering if you would take a walk with me for a minute. I asked Bill if he would keep an eye on Jack."

Elizabeth wasn't sure about being alone with him, but he looked like he had something to tell her. If he was leaving, she wanted the chance to stay goodbye without everyone around. "Yes, let's go for a walk."

Nathan walked slightly behind Elizabeth as they walked out the door. He moved beside her as they continued walking. Neither one of them said where they would go for this talk, but they ended up by the dock. Elizabeth looked out over the water, waiting for Nathan to start this conversation.

"Elizabeth, I wanted to apologize to you. I should have told you about the promotion right away. I know you could sense that something was going on. I wanted to make the decision on my own before hearing what everyone else thought about it. I knew I would have to make the right decision for Allie and I."

"Of course you would. Nathan you would always do the best for Allie."

"Thank you. There is more. I went to the cemetery on my ride the other day. I found myself wanting to talk to Jack, I hope you don't mind."

"You went to talk to Jack?"

"I did. I was thinking about the promotion and what that would mean. That Allie and I would be moving to Union City and having to start over again. Then I thought about you. And what leaving would mean for us."

"Us? What do you mean? I know I told you I had feelings for you, but…"

"Elizabeth, I have had feelings for you for a while now. I have tried not to because of issues in my past. We can talk more about it another time, but there was a woman in my past who told me she couldn't be with a Mountie. The thought of you saying that to me was my biggest fear. I know you have been grieving your husband and I would understand if you weren't ready. We could take things as slow or as fast as you want."

"But what about the promotion," Elizabeth asked with tears starting to form in her eyes from what Nathan had said. He had feelings for her!

"I sent a wire and turned it down. Hope Valley is where Allie and I are meant to be. I am meant to be here with you. That is, if you would like to give this a try," Nathan said to her, putting his hand against her cheek.

"Yes, I would love to. I can't believe that you are staying. I was so worried that I was going to have to figure out how to say goodbye," Elizabeth put her arms around Nathan and gave him a hug. She put her head against his chest.

"How about after the holidays you and I can go on a date?" Nathan asked pulling back.

"Are you asking me out, constable," Elizabeth said with a smile.

"You bet I am," Nathan said with his crooked smile.