Original subtitles

Previously on When Calls the Heart...

My grandson couldn't hope for a better father.

Thank you, Charlotte.

[Hickam] Don't let your past steal your future.

Christopher's gone.

They wanted him scared. It worked.

I have the evidence.

The story isn't over.

Not for this investigation, and certainly not for us.

[Elizabeth] Okay, everyone, I have an announcement

before I let you go for the day.

And it is good news.

Our friends from Benson Hills...

will get to go home soon!

They built us a new schoolhouse already?

Not quite, Missy, but the rebuild committee has been

fixing up the homes that survived the fire

so that people can move back.

And now they can get started on your new schoolhouse.

Why can't they stay here until their school is ready?

Well, that's a good question.

They'll be using a building in Benson Hills

as their temporary schoolhouse so that all of the kids

can be together again.

Probably a smelly barn. What's so great about that?

Is that true, Mrs. Thornton?

Well, I don't know what building it's going to be,

but I'm sure it won't be smelly.

I know it can be a little scary

when you don't know exactly what's happening,

but there was a time when you weren't sure

if you would like being in school here, remember?

I promise you that everything is going to be all right.

And I'll see you all right back here again tomorrow.

[rings bell]

Have a good day!

Oh, good. Glad I caught you before your hike.

Still no sign of Christopher yet, huh?

No. And that mapmaker, Skoggins,

hasn't made any more calls to Whitaker.

So anybody who knows anything about Pioneer or this fire

are just keeping their mouths shut.

Yeah. Or running away.

Doesn't give us much to work with, does it?

No.

Is Georgie digging anything up with National Insurance?

She's following a lead to Aberdeen as we speak.

Maybe she can come up with something to help us

salvage this trial.

Yeah, let's hope.

Hey, how are things going with you two, anyways?

Well, just business as usual.

Have a nice hike.

[knocking]

Come in.

Uh, sorry to bother you, Governor.

Never a bother, Mr. Mayor. What can I do for you?

Well, uh, we're scheduled to break ground

on Benson Hills next week for the schoolhouse.

I heard. Just in time. It's great news.

Uh-huh. One small problem.

I just put in for our first payment and found out

that the funds have been reallocated.

- Reallocated? - Mmhm.

No, no, no, this is the Governor's fund.

I never reallocated anything.

Well, it would seem that the Territorial Assembly

took a vote and went with, uh,

urban upgrades to Capital City instead.

This is just a constant game.

The subterfuge, the cronyism.

I don't know what to say.

Lucas, I have to pay my workers.

I gotta get in there and start prepping that land,

and there's still debris to remove...

I'll make some calls.

This fund is for disaster relief,

not Capital City potholes. This won't stand.

Yeah.

Just, uh, don't send me home to Gwen with bad news.

That's all I'm asking.

That poor kid has been through too much.

All those kids have.

I'm getting into it.

Thank you.

Okay, honey bear, time to head home.

I don't think he's listening.

- I'll go get him. - [Elizabeth] Thank you.

Hey. We're getting ready to go.

Is everything okay?

Mountie Nathan?

I think I lost my dad's medal.

Oh, uh... When did you notice?

I was playing and I think it fell off.

Oh, boy.

Everything okay down there?

[whispers] Please don't tell.

Uh, you go on without us.

We'll catch up.

Okay. Don't stay out too late.

Okay, um, let's try to retrace your steps.

Okay.

[theme music]

But the fund is for disaster relief!

We are trying to relieve the disaster.

It's politics, Rosie.

The assemblymen had other ideas.

A strongly-worded opinion piece might just encourage them

to change their minds.

And by "encourage" I mean shame.

Shame isn't going to pay our suppliers this week.

I don't know.

[grumbles]

Lee?

I promised Gwen and her classmates

a new school and now I feel awful.

Breathe, darling. - Breathe?

Breathe in. [inhales]

And out. [exhales]

[knocking]

Oh.

Bad time?

Uh, no. Never for you.

Thank you.

So, my students from Benson Hills are feeling

a bit nervous that their new schoolhouse will be in a barn.

Is that right?

[laughs] No.

- Is it? - No.

It's technically more of

a farm equipment storage facility next to a barn.

Oh.

Yeah.

Well, maybe if you could share the plans

for their new schoolhouse,

it would give them something to look forward to?

Breathe, dear.

What's going on?

Elizabeth, I am so sorry.

I really wish there was more I could do to help,

but unfortunately the project has hit a bit of a funding snag

and I haven't even hired a designer for the school yet.

Well, do you need one?

You and Jack designed our schoolhouse yourselves.

Well, really, it was more Jack.

But I didn't have a whole town I had to build at the same time.

Listen, if inspiration hits,

I'm happy to pass along any good ideas.

What about the children?

I have got a whole classroom just bursting with imagination.

We could open it up to the students like a contest.

Mmhmm. Who better to know what their new school should be!

And what better way to get them excited about it!

Yes! Well?

It gives them something to look forward to

and I think it's a great idea.

Mmhmm.

[Edie] Hello?

Edie. It's Lucas.

Lucas?

My goodness. How- how did you find me?

Well, Florence shared your forwarding number.

I hope that's all right.

Of course.

So what brings you to Union City?

Inspector McGill

arranged an interview with a foundation here.

They had a position open up in legal aid.

I see.

And will you be accepting this position?

I did, yes.

You didn't even say goodbye.

You didn't really give me a reason to.

Oh.

- Edie-- - I'm actually grateful.

Without your honesty

I wouldn't have taken this opportunity.

I suppose I should say "congratulations".

Thank you.

Now, I do start tomorrow, and I would like to prepare, so--

Actually,

I would love to get a little bit of advice

if you have a moment.

Of course.

It's about funding for the Benson Hills rebuild.

Oh, no. Is the Territorial Assembly--

- diverting funds? - Diverting funds.

Jinx. They went around me and I'm done playing nice.

- And so you've called me? - Well, you were

quite formidable while working for the Cattlemen's Association.

So if you were working for me,

let's imagine, what might your next move be?

How can I put these assembly members on notice?

How can I make them fear me?

My, my.

I know it's not my usual style,

but I won't take this lying down.

Well, yes, it seems that tougher tactics are required.

Can you give me a day to do some research, make some calls?

I would be very grateful. Thank you, Edie.

I'll call you tomorrow after work. How's 5:00?

I'll be here.

Good.

[door opens]

Oh, good timing.

Allie is on her way, and the pot roast is just about roasted.

LJ. What's wrong?

I lost daddy's medal.

I'm so sorry.

Oh, dear.

Well, maybe it's not lost for good.

We can still look for it.

Mountie Nathan and I looked everywhere.

I'll go back out tomorrow morning.

Maybe with some more light, I'd be able to--

I'd be my most special thing from daddy, and I lost it.

Oh.

People are more than things.

And our memories of them are what keep them alive.

Better than anything else.

But I don't have any memories of him.

The medal was all I had.

We've still got his hat, and his drawings--

But the medal was mine, Mama. It made me brave.

[LJ stomps upstairs]

[exhales] I'm so sorry, Elizabeth.

Oh, it's not your fault.

You know, we must have gone up and down that trail 10 times.

Thank you for trying.

[LJ crying upstairs]

Oh.

I better...

[Bill] Nothing in this quadrant. You?

Nothing. Dirt. Grass.

More dirt.

Anything?

Nothing.

That's the whole grid.

All right, let's do it again.

Oliver, check the other bank.

Yes, sir.

We're never gonna find this thing, are we?

Well, it's not looking good.

Poor LJ.

You should have seen how upset he was.

He's finally old enough to feel the weight of losing his dad.

And his dad would tell him not to worry about this.

Well, his dad's not here.

I just wish there was something more that I could do.

Nathan.

You just keep showing up for him and his mom.

In the end, that's all that really matters.

And that is basically how all buildings get started.

An idea in someone's head and then a plan on paper.

[snaps fingers] Which reminds me.

I have something very special to share with you.

Something so special, in fact,

I don't think your teacher has ever seen this.

Are those...?

They are.

These are the original plans for this very building,

drawn up by Constable Jack Thornton

in 1910.

- Wow. - [Lee] Yeah.

Well, come on up. Have a look.

Everybody gather around. Don't be shy.

LJ, your dad built this school?

Uh-huh!

That's amazing.

Thank you.

It is amazing, isn't it?

And believe it or not, you can all design a schoolhouse too.

That's right.

And for our next assignment, we're all going to imagine

our dream school, and then turn it into a design

using techniques that Mayor Coulter just taught us.

And if we like your ideas,

your design might become part

of the new Benson Hills Schoolhouse.

You'd really do that?

Gwen, it's like I always say.

The best ideas can come from anywhere.

So dream big and let your imaginations run free.

Well, we're on a budget, so dream within a budget.

Lee.

Dream big and then dream even bigger!

I have a question for the judges.

- Yes? - Ah.

Would you prefer my schema

to be an orthographia or a scaenographia?

[chuckles]

- Either would be just fine. - Yeah.

How about both?

Just as good.

All right.

Why don't we take until lunch to brainstorm,

either by yourselves or in groups.

Let's go.

Okay, guys. Come on!

What did those weird words mean?

It's a Roman thing.

But we're not in Rome.

She said dream big.

♪

And now, next on the agenda,

Daisy has some new campaign slogans.

"Leading government into a new era."

That sounds nice, but

maybe something a little more people-focused.

Speaking of which, what time is it?

If you'll excuse me,

I have some urgent business to attend to

regarding funding for the rebuild.

Oh.

May I remind you, Governor, that uh,

going against the Territorial Assembly's decision

would be the kiss of death for this campaign.

Yes. I appreciate your perspective, Edwin,

but I believe the kiss of death to my campaign would be

to stop governing while asking the people for another term.

Keep working on those slogans.

Mmhmm.

Elizabeth! Allie!

Any luck?

Oliver's still out there, but...

Well, it's very nice of you. Thanks for trying.

How's LJ doing?

I think school took his mind off things a bit.

Could you ask the Mounties to give him another medal?

Oh, Allie, that's a very sweet idea

but I don't think it's about the medal.

I think LJ wants his dad to feel real.

Like they have some connection.

Maybe I haven't done enough to keep his memory alive.

No.

I hear you talk about Jack to LJ all the time.

Sometimes when I'm missing my mom,

I look at old photos and ask Dad to tell me stories.

I wish I could tell him stories about his dad,

but I guess there's other people that can.

Maybe that's an idea.

What are you thinking?

[phone ringing]

Edie?

I was beginning to think we almost missed each other.

I certainly hope that's not true.

I've been looking into the language of the Governor's fund

and it seems that the Assembly has found

some loopholes that are going to make this tough to maneuver.

And my plan to

exploit political weakness and vanquish my enemies?

I don't think we need to turn to the dark side quite yet.

So you have another idea?

Well, you could always protect the fund

in perpetuity with another

- executive order. - Executive order. Jinx.

Well, I've done it before,

but I would like to do it properly this time so it sticks.

I owe it to those kids.

It turns out that the Franklin and Sons Foundation

offers private grants.

And Mrs. Franklin's pet project is education.

Well, I appreciate the idea.

I'm just not sure how effective I'll appear as Governor

if I need to use private funds to build a public school.

Well, your opponents might see it that way,

but I would say that you are a bold, progressive thinker,

unafraid to forge new alliances to get things done.

And no Territorial Assembly to vote against it.

I do like that.

Well, we'll have to start on a proposal.

I've got time.

- Now? - Of course.

Of course, I'm a bold, progressive thinker, right?

Right.

Oh. Hi, Rupert.

Sorry. Don't let me disturb your process.

What process?

Are you having trouble?

Do you know who Vitruvius is?

Uh-huh. The Roman architect, sure.

He says that all buildings should encompass

strength, utility and beauty.

Nothing I'm doing encompasses any of that.

I'm no Vitruvius. I'm just Rupert.

Ah.

Well, I know it's hard to believe,

but everyone gets stuck. I certainly do.

You do?

Of course.

I bet even the great Vitruvius had false starts.

And you know what else Vitruvius had.

- A beard? - [laughs]

Well, yes, but I meant collaborators.

Most great accomplishments are the work of teams.

Not just a single person.

I'm not the best at talking to people.

I very much enjoy talking with you, Rupert.

Nobody wants to talk about Rome as much as I do.

Opal seemed curious,

and she's quite interested in architecture.

- She is? - Mmhm.

I don't think she's working with anyone.

You could offer to partner up.

She's a serious person.

- I'll ask her. - Great.

Semper ad meliora.

I don't know that one.

"Always towards better things."

Thank you, Mrs. Thornton.

Mhm.

- Thank you. - Where's the surprise, Mama?

Well, I know you said that you don't have

any memories of your father.

So today we are going to be gathering up lots of

other people's memories of him so you can keep them.

It's like a scavenger hunt.

Only instead of prizes, we're gathering memories.

Oh, boy! When can we start?

Right now!

This is your very first clue of the memory hunt.

Are you ready?

"Love can grow under the sun or the moon.

"For your dad and me it started right here in the..."

Saloon?

Yes! That's right.

And I have some new treasures for you right over there.

Whoa!

All of these memories happened right here.

This is where your dad and I celebrated our wedding

with all of our friends.

And this is a music box your dad used during our very own

Christmas Mountie Ball.

[music box plays " O Christmas Tree "]

And what's that?

This is a test your dad gave me.

He made me think I flunked just to tease me.

I asked him if he went to sleep at night

thinking up ways to drive me batty.

He said it just came naturally to him.

Sometimes I think you get that from your dad.

It took us a while to admit we liked each other.

We were like two stubborn goats.

That's weird.

Well, how things start

don't always tell you how they're gonna end.

Mmhm. And you are living proof of that, my boy.

Now all of these memories belong to you.

Are you ready for your next clue?

Well, let's see what I have here.

Oh. Mountie, oh, my.

Meet one of the bad guys your dad put away in jail.

Jail?

[laughs] Better hurry! - Yeah.

[Bill clears throat]

What?

That's right, Jackaroo.

Your dad caught the Tollivers, the Garrison Gang,

the Tate Outlaws, and me.

I don't believe it.

Well, thankfully, your dad didn't either.

You see, there was a big misunderstanding,

and somebody blamed me for something that I didn't do.

But your dad helped clear my name,

and then we got the real bad guy and put him in jail together.

I knew it!

Of course you knew it.

Because you got your dad's same gut instinct about people.

You trust that always, Jackaroo.

This won't be news to you.

"Who in Hope Valley knew your dad

when he was younger than you are?"

I know that, Aunt Rosemary!

Hey!

Of course.

But did you know I made your daddy act

in all of my plays when we were growing up?

So, villain, clown, pirate.

He always said yes,

even if the mustache glue gave him a rash.

[laughs]

Sounds like a good sport. Just like you.

Oh, yes.

And did you know that your dad is the reason

that Aunt Rosemary first came to Hope Valley?

- Really? - [Lee] Yes, really.

Technically speaking,

if it wasn't for him, I might never have met

the love of my life.

And we wouldn't have had our precious little Goldie.

Isn't it incredible how one person can affect so many lives?

Yeah.

Are you ready for another one?

Oh, yeah!

"Better me, better you.

"Who makes us all better here in Hope Valley,

"thanks to your dad?"

- Thank you. - Bye.

My dad helped you too, Doctor Faith?

When I met your dad,

I was working at a hospital in Hamilton.

I was a nurse then.

But your dad told me about Hope Valley,

and I knew I wanted to work here.

It meant a big change in my life,

but your dad made me think I could do it.

And that's what led me to finally become a doctor.

If it weren't for your dad, Doctor Carter wouldn't be here

treating patients every day.

He gave me courage.

Just like when Lily was scared on her first day of school

and you gave her your dad's medal of bravery.

I don't have the medal anymore.

Well, you have something even more valuable, LJ.

Your daddy's brave heart beating right inside there.

♪

"When your dad lived in Hope Valley,

"these were just seeds.

"Now they help feed the entire town."

I know.

How are you, young Jack?

Want to go for a walk with me,

and I'll tell you a little something about your old man?

All right. Come on.

I don't know if you know this about me, but

I used to be a different man.

How different?

Well, say I wore a different hat.

People, they uh, they didn't much like me,

which was understandable,

because I wasn't a real good guy.

But your dad, even before we were really friends,

he invited me to his bachelor lunch.

What's that?

Well, when you get married, you get together

with a bunch of your friends, and you uh,

talk nonsense and play checkers.

I'll tell you what.

See your, uh,

your dad's invitation, well, it meant a lot to me.

Showed me that, uh, I could be part of something

if I wanted to be.

You know, there's an entire tree in here,

and with a proper combination

of sun and soil and water and time,

it'll spring to life and grow into something beautiful.

Well, your father's kindness to help me grow.

That's what's inside you.

So you spread that around as much as you can.

Thanks, Mr. Gowen.

My pleasure, young man.

Thank you, Henry.

Certainly.

I really appreciate this, Henry.

Especially with everything that's been going on.

Well, I appreciate being included, Nathan.

So if my grandfather was a Mountie,

my dad was a Mountie,

does that mean I'll be a Mountie?

Only if you want to, when you're grown up.

I think he's got what it takes.

And I can get another medal.

Oliver and I will keep looking for your dad's medal.

We're not going to give up on that.

Honey bear...

I know it can be hard losing things,

but we found some things today, too, didn't we?

We found out that your dad was a great friend.

Just like you are.

And brave.

You're really like your dad there.

Mhm.

You know, just like your dad,

he changed a lot of people's lives.

I know you changed my life.

And I know it's not the same as having your own dad, but

I want you to know that I'm always going to be here for you.

Okay?

I thought we were done with the memory hunt.

Well, this one came in special delivery.

"There's one person who knew your dad better than anyone else

"and she's standing just behind you."

Grandma Charlotte!

Charlotte! Oh!

Oh!

Oh, let me see.

Aha! You look like an LJ. It fits.

You called Grandma?

He sure did.

You missed all the stories.

Well, then you better fill me in. Come on.

...and he put Uncle Bill in jail!

Well, I never heard that one.

I can never put anybody in jail.

Your daddy was not always so tough.

He used to need a lamp at night when he was your age.

Why?

Well, he was always hearing bumps in the night.

Once he was convinced that there were ghosts in the barn.

Turns out it was just a litter of stray puppies.

What did you do with them?

Well, Jack made sure that we found a home for each one,

but he kept the smallest one for himself.

We called her-- Thank you.

We called her "Shadow" because she was always

following him around.

Can we get a puppy?

We will have to check with Scout.

Aha! Aha!

Here it is.

Okay.

Can you see who sent this to me?

"Jack Thornton."

My dad!

That's right.

Back when he was in basic training

he wrote me many, many letters.

But this one is for you.

But I wasn't even born yet.

What does it say?

Well, why don't we see? Come on.

"Dear Mom, Marched to a waterfall.

"Please send a new razor."

Okay. Here we go.

"Standing by the waterfall,

"the water loud enough to quiet my thoughts,

"I realized I only need three things in this life to be happy.

"To one day be the best Mountie I can be.

"To find a woman foolish enough to be my wife.

"And, God willing, to look into the eyes of a little boy

"brought into this world by love.

"Is there any greater miracle than that?"

Jack said that Mounties never marry.

Well, men's hearts are full of surprises.

And your daddy's heart was full of you

even before you were born.

- Can I keep it? - It's yours.

Maybe now he can live in your heart, too.

Because you,

you are your dad's greatest medal of honor.

So, we've got some nice trout.

Now it's time to clean them up for cooking.

It's slimy, Grandma.

It's a fish, LJ.

Yucky and slimy are what you get.

So first we are going to scrape off all the scales.

So go ahead, take your pick.

Is it okay if I go do my homework?

Of course.

Hi. Busy?

Not at all. It's so slow, I'm filing.

So you actually read the case files, right?

Only all the time.

So you've read Jack Thornton's cases?

Those are some of the best ones.

Perfect. I'm hoping to turn one of Jack's cases

into a story for LJ.

That's really sweet.

Do you think you could help me find the right one?

Sure. But there's so many to pick from.

There's one where Constable Thornton busted

a whole gang of smugglers using bugs.

It's one of my favorites.

LJ loves bugs, but...

I want it to be a little more... exciting.

Let's look.

LJ is a really lucky kid.

I'll say.

I don't think many people have good memories of my dad.

♪

Well, I'm not writing any stories about my mom either,

but I guess how we choose to live our lives

that's how we rewrite the stories we were born with.

This one looks perfect.

Hmm.

The Tollivers?

You'll love it.

Constable Thornton fooled a whole gang with tablecloths,

and saved Mrs. Thornton in the process.

[Rosemary] Is LJ feeling better?

I think so.

Charlotte was going to read him a bedtime story, but

he was asleep almost the moment his head hit the pillow.

Well, that scavenger hunt was a lovely idea.

I'm a little disappointed I didn't think of it myself.

I didn't realize how many of those stories he'd never heard.

- Mm. - A few were new to me.

- Oh? - Jack acting in your plays?

He wasn't destined for the stage, but...

Oh, and apparently he was quite the romantic.

Hiking out to waterfalls as a young man.

Dreaming of a life with a wife and child.

He told me Mounties never marry.

I suppose a certain Broadway-bound bombshell

might have made him relinquish those illusions.

[chuckles]

I'm glad you two found each other.

I think you healed his heart.

And he healed mine.

Because of him I found my soulmate in Lee.

And the best friend I could ever ask for.

Right back at you.

To Jack.

To Jack.

With generous support

of the Franklin and Sons Foundation,

Crucial support.

Crucial--

--support, of the Franklin and Sons Foundation,

working in partnership with the territory,

we can build not only a new home

for learning and community for generations to come,

we can build together a bold, new alliance,

bridging the public and private spheres

to accomplish more for many.

Where fire brought destruction,

new paths can be forged.

- Forged? - Bloom?

New paths can bloom.

[together] Emerge.

Jinx.

Emerge.

Florence.

Have you been here all night?

Shh. I'm just getting to the best part.

He's about to apologize.

At least he better be.

Florence, this isn't one of your novels.

[Lucas] If this goes through,

it'll be nothing short of a miracle.

The sun's coming up.

Mhm.

Edie, I read a story the other day

about a machine that can travel through time.

And I found myself thinking

if I had one of those, I would use it.

I would- I would go back to the last moment

that we saw each other, and I would grab myself

by the shoulders and I would tell him

"hey, forget all of your fears and just follow your heart,

"before it's too late."

Is it?

We should get some sleep.

I'll have this on Mrs. Franklin's desk today.

Edie--

Things have their moment, Luca.

You shouldn't think so much about the past.

Very well.

Thank you for the help.

[melancholy music]

[exhales]

Constable Thornton knew that only one of him

was no match for the whole Tolliver gang.

That's when he caught sight of Miss Abigail's neatly folded

red tablecloths.

Lickety-split, the daring constable arranged

those tablecloths outside the windows of the cabin

so that each one looked like a Mountie's red serge.

Luckily, there were more tablecloths

than there were Tollivers,

and the meanest, most dangerous gang in the West

fell for it and surrendered.

[laughing and clapping]

Oh my goodness, Allie, it was so exciting.

- And very Jack. - Mmhm.

Oh, you really captured his spirit.

I was there and I was still hanging on every word.

LJ is going to love it.

You really think so?

I know so. It's beautiful.

Allie, can I borrow it for the day?

I want to read it again.

Of course. I was going to give it to him after dinner tonight.

Thank you.

Oh.

I'm so glad you like it.

I love it.

[Lee] Hey there, gents.

How goes the work?

[Joseph] Off to a good start, Mr. Mayor.

Thanks for the support.

And Mike's been a big help.

Fire prevention is a top priority.

With the reinforced tower,

Hope Valley and its neighbors should have plenty of water

for the next forest fire.

Let's hope we never need it.

There's one project on schedule.

Well, thankfully, the town council's not playing politics

with our funding.

As you were, gentlemen.

I'm hoping I've secured funding for the schoolhouse, at least.

Yes, I heard.

I, uh, I got a call from Edie Martell

congratulating me about a grant

from the Franklin and Sons Foundation.

What, pray tell, did you do.

Something bold and progressive

that may or may not blow up in my face.

So it's a done deal, then?

Assuming we're all right

naming the school after Arabella Franklin's grandson?

I think I've proven I'm willing to name things after family.

So yes.

Congratulations, Governor. Well done.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

Does this mean that Edie's going to be staying

at the foundation then?

Yeah, it seems that way.

I mean, it's a- it's a great opportunity for her.

I'm happy for her, truly.

You know, technically there's still time

for bold and decisive action

if, say, a Governor were so inclined.

I think that moment may have passed.

Mmm.

But let's go check out the schoolhouse

and see what the kids have dreamed up.

I could use some hope for the future.

Fair enough. Let's go.

And the fountain is filled with soda.

It's a real life soda fountain.

Because school works better with soda and ice cream.

Right, guys?

- [applause] - Absolutely, yes.

You did say to dream big. Thank you, boys.

Next up, we have Rupert and Opal.

[Lee] Here we go.

Thank you, Mrs. Thornton. Esteemed judges.

We'd like to present the School of Benson Hills.

With a few key innovations from the Empire of Rome.

Among these are the use of the opus caementicium

as a primary building material.

Also known as cement.

Able to withstand fire, rain,

and the most destructive element of all, time.

And at the center is the library.

Because the library was always the center of my world.

A place where I could work and read in silence.

But it's also an open floor plan,

with plenty of gathering areas

to share and debate ideas.

Because, as it turns out,

debates with friends only make ideas stronger.

Trust me, we had a lot of debates

getting this project finalized, but we also became friends.

Living proof of the power of the free flow of ideas.

And we have a full plan

to keep this project on time and on budget.

That's our Opal.

- [applause] - Good job.

I'm so proud of your teamwork.

- Thanks, Mrs. Thornton. - [Opal] Thank you.

Wonderful presentation, you two.

I was wondering if I might share your plans

with the rebuild committee.

Uh, absolutely, Mr. Governor, sir.

Thank you.

It's much appreciated.

Thank you, Governor.

That- that was the Governor.

He wants to present our design.

Congratulations, you two.

Thanks, Mrs. Thornton.

And thanks for helping me find the best collaborator.

Perhaps you're both on your way to Vitruvian excellence.

Well, that was definitely

the best chicken à la King I've ever had.

Didn't you say it was your first time having it?

It set the bar.

I'll take the compliment.

Well, I loved it. Thanks, Elizabeth.

Isn't it wonderful? All of us here together again.

- [LJ] Just like our summer. - [Elizabeth] Mmhm.

Allie?

Can I show you something?

Sure.

What is this?

It's your story, but I hope you don't mind,

I added a few illustrations.

My gosh, Charlotte.

This is incredible.

I used to be something of an artist.

Used to be?

Do you mind if I give it to LJ now?

No, of course not.

Give me what?

LJ. Come here.

I didn't have any memories of your dad to share.

So instead,

I read one of his old Mountie case files

and I wrote a story.

Um, and your Grandma Charlotte

turned it into a book with pictures.

Is that my dad?

[Elizabeth] It sure is.

And it's beautiful, Charlotte.

Can I read it now?

Of course. It's yours.

"Nate Tolliver and his dastardly gang robbed banks up and down

"the western territories for years,

"and the law could never quite catch up with them.

"Not until they messed with the dashing young Mountie,

Constable Jack Thornton."

That's my dad! In a book!

Yes, it is.

Can you say thank you to Allie and Grandma Charlotte?

Thanks so much, Allie.

Thank you, Grandma Charlotte.

You're welcome.

You wrote all this?

You know, Jack illustrated and bound my first book.

That's when I realized I was really a writer.

We may just have another writer in the family.

Oh, I don't know about that.

[Elizabeth] I do.

Congratulations on your first book.

"But danger couldn't stop Constable Thornton.

"Nothing could, especially when the beautiful school teacher,

"Elizabeth Thatcher, and her sister Julie, were taken hostage

"by the no-good Nate Tolliver."

Mama, you were the hostage?

Yes, I was, and thank goodness your dad saved me.

"Because Constable Jack Thornton was a good man,

"and he had sworn an oath to protect and defend

"the good people of Cole Valley."

♪