While the kids were being shown their new rooms, Elizabeth and Nathan both quickly changed into different outfits. Elizabeth then called Rosemary to update her on their and Lee had gone to their houses to pack a few more things for Elizabeth, Nathan, and the kids.
Nathan called Lieutenant Hargreaves who'd surprisingly granted his request for another leave of absence. "She's lucky to have you," he'd said before hanging up.
He then called Bill Avery to see if he'd be willing to help out Oliver. Hargreaves had said since Oliver did well on his officer's exam, that he could hold the fort in Hope Valley. While Nathan had confidence Oliver would do a fine job, it made him feel better knowing that Bill would be there if something went wrong.
"How are you, Nathan? I know this was probably a hard choice for you to make."
"That's where you're wrong. It wasn't even a decision. My heart is wherever she is."
"How is she?"
"Doing as well as she can, given the circumstances. There was an instant change in Jack's demeanor after their visit to the clinic. This medicine is truly miraculous."
"I really will miss having you guys around here, but it makes me feel a whole lot better knowing they have you."
Nathan was trying to avoid getting choked up and managed to mumble a thank you before Bill hung up.
Nathan then called Oliver, who seemed pretty nervous about his new assignment, but Nathan had no doubt he would do great.
Once shown to her new room, Allie began to unpack the few things she had brought. Then, pulling out a piece of paper, she sat down to write:
Dear Ollie,
I'm sure my dad already told you, but we are in Cape Fullerton for the time being. Jack had a health scare last night because of a bad batch of insulin. Elizabeth decided the best thing for now was to move closer to an insulin lab. Dad and I immediately decided we were going with them. Though not by blood, we are family.
I'm sorry I didn't get to say goodbye. I would have if I could. Though we've only known each other for nine months, I've come to think of you as my closest friend. I really hope our friendship will continue, even though we can't see each other face to face.
I plan to keep writing, if that's something you're okay with. Since you passed your RCMP exam, I don't know how much longer you'll get to stay in Hope Valley, but just know—I'm extremely grateful to have met you, and I know you will be an exemplary Mountie.
Sincerely,
Allie
Allie wanted to write to Angela but decided to call her later that night, considering Angela was leaving for school that Friday. The school required incoming freshmen to stay throughout the summer to get accustomed to navigating the campus and their classes independently.
She wrote a letter to Opal, explaining why they had left and how disappointed she was to miss their last summer together. Over the past school year, Allie and Opal had grown much closer, especially with Angela and Emily focused on preparing for college. They had made plans for a fun summer before Allie's graduation next year, and now, those plans were gone.
"Allie!" Jack came running into her room. "Mamaw said she wants to take us out to see the town!"
"Okay, Jack, just give me a minute to get changed. You probably should too—you've been wearing the same clothes since last night."
"Oh yeah." Jack turned and bolted out the door.
Allie quickly changed, eager to be out of the green dress she'd been wearing since graduation the day before. She slipped into a casual pink dress and braided her hair before heading downstairs.
As she descended the steps, she overheard Elizabeth talking to Charlotte.
"And I'm just so grateful," Elizabeth said. "To just drop everything to be there for us—I don't know too many teenagers who would uproot their life willingly, let alone the fact that I'm not even her real mom. She's mature beyond her years."
"And clearly quick to forgive," Charlotte responded. "Like him. Just don't take advantage of that this time around."
Allie could tell from Charlotte's tone that she wasn't trying to be cruel, but the flicker of hurt that crossed Elizabeth's face made it clear the words had struck a chord.
Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Allie slipped her arm around Elizabeth's shoulders. "Are we ready to go?"
"Your dad's just finishing his phone call with Oliver," Elizabeth said. "Where's Jack?"
"I had him change into another outfit."
As if on cue, Jack came running down the stairs. "Are we ready, Mommy?"
Nathan walked toward them. "Yes, we are."
The five of them stepped outside, taking in the city that, for now, would be their new home—hopefully a temporary one.
