Previously on When Calls the Heart...
What made you decide to take such a public stand
against Governor Balfour?
I was just doing what any normal citizen would do
when their home is being threatened.
[Lucas] I don't believe the greater good means decimating towns,
valleys, lives, communities
that we have worked hard to build here.
Well, you and Jamie can come here,
start over in Hope Valley.
I think I've outstayed my welcome.
Bye, Bill.
You have no idea who you've crossed.
Oh, I think we do.
It's normal to get the jitters, isn't it?
Are you having doubts?
If there were ever a man destined for a larger stage...
He's happy here, too.
Is he?
So much has changed in just one day.
The day Lucas stood up
and exposed Governor Balfour's corruption.
I'm so proud of him.
When we all realized he was the only one to save the town
he rose to the occasion in a way I could not have imagined.
The moment he finished that speech people started talking,
and when Rosemary's article got picked up
by the big city papers,
well, nothing could have prepared me.
I can't help feeling confused and afraid of change.
Of losing things I care about.
With everything happening it's been hard to think about us
and I'm starting to wonder about our plans.
I need to share that with Lucas
and ask him what his heart is telling him about his future.
I wish I knew what my heart was telling me.
The Cape Fullerton Daily.
How does it feel to be famous?
Oh, I am not famous.
[chuckles] Maybe a little.
Honestly though, um, I feel a little embarrassed.
Why?
Because of you everyone knows what the Governor's been up to.
Lucas?
I was hoping you and I could find some time to talk...
just the two of us.
Yeah.
[Hickam] Here we are.
For the bride and groom to be. Gustave awaits your decision.
What's all this?
I thought we were tasting steak today.
I specifically said cake.
I'm sorry, Mike, I must not have been listening.
My mind's been elsewhere.
We already agreed to the lavender.
Mmmhmm.
Gustave did sound annoyed, but he was speaking in French
and everything he says he sounds annoyed.
Well, it couldn't hurt to taste them.
I still have a few minutes.
-Mmm. -Mmmhmm.
Mmm.
Don't make me choose.
They're both so good.
But if pressed I'd go with the chocolate.
Really?
Or the vanilla.
You don't have to change your decision because of me.
The lavender then.
Still the winner.
[Rosemary] Lucas? Your next interview is ready.
-Good luck. -Thank you.
[theme music]
*
Argh!
It's a little left on that one.
You really think that Lucas is gonna like this
for his bachelor party?
Are you serious?
Well who wouldn't want to hit a few balls
and have some laughs with their pals?
What if it rains?
Well, it's all part of the golfing experience, Lee.
[sharp inhale]
Little bit of a slice on that one.
Uh, but you know what? I guess you're right.
Ok, let's see.
We've got golf, and then we've got uh,
poker and darts at the saloon... what's not to like?
Well, what did he say he wanted to do?
It's his party.
To be honest with you
it's been kinda hard to get his attention the last few days.
The phone must be ringing off the hook in that saloon.
Yeah.
But sadly it all passes,
the public has a very short memory.
That's true.
Oh, I hear you got the injunction.
Yes.
The judge in Union City approved it.
All water diversion projects in the valleys
are halted immediately.
That sounds promising.
Well, there's one little trick to it, though.
The Governor can veto it.
I just think Balfour right now is in too much hot water.
He doesn't want any bad press. But if he wins the election...
All bets are off.
Cunningham needs to win.
Ugh. What?
It's probably the club.
Hey, don't I know you?
Aren't you the guy from the papers?
Yeah, and you're um... [snaps fingers]
Oh yeah, the other guy on the front page of the paper.
Well, your picture's on a lot more front pages than mine.
And for good reason.
That speech you made turned a lot of heads.
Actually, Bill just got word.
The injunction?
It's official.
Fantastic.
Let's hope the voters turn out for Cunningham.
We're raising money for him... if you're interested.
Yeah, sure.
Thank you kindly.
You're welcome.
Elizabeth.
Nathan.
I was actually just talking to the man of the hour himself.
What he did took a lot of guts. You must be very proud.
I am.
I really am.
The most important thing
is that we stop the water diversion and save Hope Valley.
Yeah. That's all that matters.
I've taken so much for granted, raising Little Jack here.
The town, the people...
the open fields and trees and fresh air.
I see now how rare... how fragile it all is.
How could we ever find another place like it?
I don't think we can.
I should-
Yeah. Get back at it.
Um... it was nice bumping into you.
You too.
Hi, Ned.
Hello.
Has the shipment of rosewater arrived?
The pharmacy's out.
Oh, yeah, yeah.
There's uh- it's uh, right behind where Mike is standing.
Hi, Mike.
Oh, hello Mei.
What's that?
Oh, this?
Uh, well, it's my favorite- one of my favorite novels.
"Night of the Lonesome Heart".
That's right.
Have you already read it?
Oh, yeah. Well, of course.
Now I'm just reading it again because it's... great.
It looks interesting.
Maybe I could borrow it sometime if it's that good.
I need a new book.
Take my copy.
I forgot I had mine with me.
Are you sure?
Oh, yeah, of course.
You'll just have to let me know how you like it.
I will. Thank you.
I hope you know you'll have to pay for that book.
Yeah.
Alright, I have done the math.
At the number of tables we have agreed to
I can afford each guest 18 inches.
In wedding planning vernacular that's known as a cover.
I personally think 18 inches is tight... but doable.
Or we could just seat the children on top of the table
to save room.
How does that sound, Elizabeth?
Um... good.
You haven't heard a word I've said!
I have! I have.
Elizabeth.
I'm sorry.
I'm just so distracted.
There's... there's just so much going on with the...
the water problem.
Is that all?
[phone rings]
You should probably get that.
Hello? Yes?
What? No. How can that be?
Yes, well, yes... No, I understand.
Thank you for calling.
What is it?
Cunningham has withdrawn from the Governor's race.
Governor Balfour will now run unopposed.
This concludes today's surprise announcement
from former Governor hopeful Colton Cunningham.
Three weeks before the election,
suddenly pulls out of the race due to health concerns.
I'm not buying it.
I'm not, either. It's far too coincidental.
He could have been bribed.
Or threatened.
Either way, someone's influenced him.
Well, the party will just have to run another candidate.
This close to the election they don't stand a chance.
You know what this means.
It means once Balfour's re-elected he's going to resume
his water diversion project, and Hope Valley's finished.
[rain pouring and thunder rumbling]
Well, surely another candidate is stepping in to run?
Uh, Capital City Gazette?
Uh, this is Leland Coulter from Hope Valley.
My wife and I, we own the Valley Voice.
Well, what kind of democracy is it if the man runs unopposed?
[rain dripping]
[whispers] Oh, Lee.
Um, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Um, well actually we were just calling to see
if you had any information about a potential uh,
candidate replacement for Cunningham.
Yes, I understand that,
but this is unprecedented, is it not?
My readers will be very interested to know
how something like this could even happen.
Um...
[rain dripping]
Oh dear. Um, no, sorry, not you.
Um, actually... well, if you could just um,
let us know if you hear anything that would be great.
Yes, I would very much appreciate a call
when you know more.
[both] Thank you. Goodbye.
[both] The roof.
[thunder rumbling]
Everyone will see what Balfour is up to.
Will they?
When you made that speech you made sure he was exposed.
Then suddenly his opponent just drops out?
The public will put two and two together.
Someone must have made it worth Cunningham's while,
probably the Governor himself.
Our sources were just as shocked as we were.
He can't get away with this.
Apparently no one wants to run against Balfour.
What're we gonna do with all this money?
[Edwin] Lucas Bouchard.
Just the man I've been looking for.
I assume you've all heard the news?
Yes, bad news travels fast.
Yes, but as they say, with loss comes opportunity
and in your case, Mr. Bouchard, opportunity knocks.
From Capital City.
Cunningham's old team.
They're requesting a call with you.
They're looking for a new candidate
to run against Balfour.
They want someone with charisma, a problem solver.
Someone who's a household name.
They want you to run.
What do you say, Bouchard?
You're the only one who can beat him.
[door opens]
Go tell him what you told me.
I was up on North Road doing my mail run just out of town.
There was a bunch of workers setting up camp.
And?
And that guy was there.
The one that said he was Jamie's stepdad.
Bernhardt Montague.
Yeah, timing seems suspicious.
Very.
As soon as word gets out that Cunningham dropped out
of the Governor's race
Montague and his men are ready to pick up
right where they left off.
I think we should take a ride up there, you know?
The least we can do is make their stay unpleasant.
Oh, I like the way you're thinking.
Well done. Not a word of this to anybody.
Um...
[clears throat] They want me to run.
They say that Rosemary's article has been picked up
by dozens of local newspapers
and radio hosts are reading it out loud on the air.
What do you think?
I think there has to be someone else.
Is there?
He said with the election three weeks away
no one wants to run knowing that they will lose.
That they don't think they have enough time to campaign.
They're right.
Everyone knows your name.
It's as though your campaign has already started.
[sighs]
So, if I were to run you would be okay with it?
If it's what you want, then yes.
So... what did you decide?
I'm gonna run.
Wonderful! Oh!
Best news I've heard all day, Governor Bouchard.
Oh, that has a ring to it.
[Lee] It does.
Buckle up, Bouchard. You're in for a wild ride.
And Elizabeth, how do you feel?
Oh, well, Lucas and I talked about it
and if we thought anyone else could win.
They said I have the best chance of beating Balfour.
Mmmhmm.
[claps] I say this calls for champagne.
I was thinking the same thing.
Are you sure about this?
It's the future of Hope Valley.
-[bottle pops] -[Lee] Hey!
[cheering and applause]
[typing] Henry, you are a lifesaver.
This is the most important story in Hope Valley history,
and our roof decides to turn into Swiss cheese.
Well, you're missing a few shingles outside
but it's not too bad in here.
Shingles.
Sounds great.
Uh, it'll just take me about an hour or so
and then you'll be good as new.
[Rosemary] Perfect.
Thank you.
Mmm.
Alright.
Oh, sweetheart.
Oh, she's right in the middle of her nap,
I don't want to wake her. Where is Lee?
Henry, I need to get this article to the printer.
If I hurry it can go out in the next issue.
Would you mind watching Goldie while I'm gone?
She sleeps like a little bear cub.
Wonderful!
Thank you.
[Goldie starts crying]
[ding]
Hello, Mei. Can I get you a table?
Actually, I just wanted to return your novel.
Wow, you're so fast.
[laughs] It was a slow morning.
You know, I really don't mind the rain
when I get to sit and read a book,
especially curled up by the fire at the café.
I've never thought about how cozy that is.
So what'd you think?
Oh, I loved it.
Especially the ending. It was so touching.
What do you think she wrote in that letter?
I think that is open to interpretation.
Ah.
And what he says as she sails away?
Tragic.
Tragic? It was beautiful! And so romantic.
And she decided to stay.
I'm sorry, I... I didn't finish it.
Oh.
And when I say I didn't finish it
I mean I didn't read it.
[small laugh] Oh.
Then you should.
I will.
And then we can talk about it.
Ok.
It's a date.
Oh, now I gotta read this thing.
Lucas Bouchard for Governor.
Never thought I'd hear those words.
Why, you don't think he's up for it?
Of course I think he's up for it,
but politics is a big stage. It's a whole new deal.
I imagine he's gonna have to live in Capital City.
Capital City? That's an 18-hour train ride away.
Try 22 hours.
And I don't like the thought of Elizabeth
and Little Jack being that far away.
But I'm sure they'll cross that bridge if he wins.
Look alive.
Can I help you?
Where's your boss?
What's this about?
It's about us talking to your boss.
Now go get him. We know he's here.
Gentlemen.
What a pleasant surprise.
What're you doing back in these parts?
We're on government land.
I don't see what business that is of yours.
You know there's an injunction on all water diversion projects
in the valley.
We're quite aware.
However, the injunction applies
towards work done on private land.
Our work is on public land.
And when Governor Balfour is re-elected
and the injunction is lifted
our work will continue right where we left off.
Not on my land.
Eminent domain, Mr. Avery. The greater good.
You seem pretty confident Balfour is gonna win.
That's the benefit of running unopposed.
By the skin of my teeth this article made the next issue.
Are you sure Lucas won't mind?
Edwin ok'd an official announcement.
-Oh. -I guess he's in charge now.
He's got a handler.
He's in for some big surprises.
Mr. Coulter.
Hey there, Robert.
Who... uh... who's looking after Goldie?
Henry.
[laughs]
Seriously. Who?
I am being serious.
You talked Henry Gowan into looking after Goldie?
* And if that diamond ring turns brass, *
Oh...
* Papa's gonna buy you a looking glass. *
* And if that looking glass gets broke... *
Oh.
Alright. Here we are.
Alright, and you'll pass these along, yes?
-Here you go. -Thank you.
There you are.
There you are, Sir.
-[Molly] Lucas Bouchard... -Save our valley.
Oh, and there he is!
Oh!
Thank you, Lucas.
Are you ready for this?
I'm as ready as I'll ever be.
Good luck, sir. We're with you.
Thank you, Ned. Thank you.
I am so proud of you.
I appreciate that, Florence.
-[Molly] It's all very exciting. -Thank you, Molly, very much.
Just got it up.
Oh, look at that.
We just got it up for you.
[Lucas] ...Thank you.
Think it'll be a problem?
Oh, I doubt it.
There's a lot of people with a lot at stake in this project.
-[Elizabeth exhales] -[Lucas] Okay.
[Rosemary] Mr. Bouchard, for your very first interview as candidate
can you tell us why you're qualified to be Governor?
Well, uh, that is a good question.
[clears throat]
Oh, in other words, uh, could you tell us why you think
you would do a better job than the incumbent?
I think I need to be nominated first, don't I?
[laughs]
[Rosemary laughs exuberantly]
[Rosemary] Of course.
Uh, but seeing as the chair of the party called you himself
your nomination is virtually assured-
Randall Rockwell, the Buxton Beagle.
Yes, we know.
You run a saloon in a small town.
Are you ready for the big city?
The world of sharp-elbowed politics?
You've made it clear how much you love it here
so why would you ever want to leave Hope Valley?
I don't want to leave Hope Valley.
But sometimes sacrifices must be made.
[Lucas] Now, the current Governor Balfour
insists that he's working for the greater good
when in fact he wants to destroy small and vibrant towns
from Hope Valley to Rock Creek.
So, I don't want to run. I have to run.
There's your quote.
[crowd murmurs]
The reports are you're engaged to be married
to a lovely school teacher.
Yes, that is correct.
I mean, that I'm engaged to be married.
But also yes, she is lovely.
[laughter]
[Edwin] The candidate's personal life
is not the subject of this interview, gentlemen.
After you're married will you two be moving
into the Governor's mansion in Capital City?
If you're elected, of course.
[Lucas] I should think so, yes.
We would like to be together no matter what happens.
Certainly it's too soon to be thinking that far ahead.
Certainly.
I don't want to talk about my future,
I would like to talk about our future.
So if anyone has any further questions on that.
[reporters clamoring] Mr. Bouchard. Mr. Bouchard...
Uh, anything you want to say to Governor Balfour?
You came to my town. Now I'm coming to yours.
[reporters clamoring] Mr. Bouchard, one last question, please.
Yes.
*
Well done, old chap. Top-notch.
I talked too much, didn't I?
And I was making jokes when I should have been serious.
What?
You were wonderful.
I was?
I believed you.
I looked around at people's faces and they were moved.
But?
Me moving to Capital City?
I know these interviews aren't easy
and he put you on the spot,
but we really need to discuss things like that together.
You're right. I'm... I'm sorry.
I just was nervous and words started falling out of my mouth.
And I think...
well, when you said you were okay with me running
I thought that would mean you're ok with me winning.
And if I do win...
it means moving to Capital City for four years.
I assumed you and Little Jack would come with me.
I can't imagine being apart for that long.
-Could you? -Of course not.
I just hadn't thought that all the way through
and when I try to think about it...
I guess I try not to think about it.
Well, I haven't won yet.
We have to make sure you do.
[bell ringing]
I remember you almost left once before,
right when I was starting school.
I'm so glad you didn't.
Emily...
I guess it would be silly to think a card
would convince you to stay twice.
Thank you.
Nothing is decided yet.
There's a big election first.
But I promise you if ever I have to go away
I'll make sure you get a teacher
who's even better than me.
There's no one better than you.
Emily...
There isn't!
Oh...
*
What's this?
Cooper has something for you, Lucas.
Go ahead, Coop.
I started making it for Mr. Cunningham.
When he heard you were running instead
he wanted you to have it.
I don't know what to say.
Say you'll beat Governor Balfour.
I will certainly do my best.
Minnie, I must say I've learned a lot from you.
You always seem to put people first and it's inspiring.
As a matter of fact, you all do.
Don't sell yourself short.
I've come across a lot of people in my time.
You can spot the ones who genuinely care.
Look at what you did with the community dinners.
How you grew the hot springs.
You care, and that matters.
Good luck to you.
Thank you, Minnie. For everything.
God bless.
Thank you, Joseph.
Wow, Mama.
The future Governor just said he learned a lot from you.
Yeah, that was pretty great, Mama.
We've all learned a lot from you, especially me.
Good'ay Governor.
Funny.
Awe, is everyone doing jars?
People won't stop putting money in mine.
It's hurting the tips but the staff isn't complaining.
That's... that's very, very generous.
We're all behind you. So when do you leave?
Tomorrow.
Last train. An overnight express.
And then right to the convention floor to accept the nomination.
Wow.
We'll miss you around here.
You know, [clears throat] Mike...
I was wondering how you'd feel about watching the place
while I'm gone.
Of course.
Thanks.
You've been a great right-hand man.
And an even better friend.
You too.
Now, go put this to good use.
Hi.
Allie's already gone for the day.
I actually came to talk to you.
Oh.
I know you have a lot going on right now
but I wanted to talk to you about moving to Capital City.
Nathan...
Because just yesterday you told me
how you never wanted to leave Hope Valley.
And I don't.
So then why are you going?
Well, he hasn't won yet.
But what if he does?
Then the valley is saved
and that's all that matters right now.
That's not all that matters.
He's our only chance.
And if Lucas wins then he and I will figure it out.
And then what?
What about- what about teaching?
What about these kids? I mean, is this what you want?
Nathan, this is bigger than me.
Elizabeth, you make a difference here.
I'm asking you to be honest with yourself.
Is this what you want?
What other choice do I have?
Elizabeth...
What do you want?
What I want... is for him to win.
So I'm leaving with him tomorrow night
and we're gonna campaign and go to the convention and...
and if he wins then I guess...
I guess we're moving to Capital City.
Well, I hope... I hope it makes you happy.
Be safe.
[door closes]
[Lee] Sweetheart?
Everything ok?
Yes.
No.
If I hadn't written that article about Lucas
maybe this wouldn't have happened.
Don't you do that. It was not your fault.
I'm proud of him, I am, but...
if he wins what does that mean for Elizabeth and Little Jack?
I kinda thought he would turn it down.
Maybe I just hoped.
Right now he's the only one that can do this.
And if I'm being honest...
I'm not surprised he said yes.
And I'm grateful he did.
Hmm.
Don't get your trousers dirty.
Allie and Little Jack are still catching lightening bugs.
[small chuckle]
I can't get them to come inside.
I feel bad for them.
For the bugs. They don't stand a chance.
How's it coming?
As far as nomination acceptance speeches go...
it could be better, it could be worse.
Do you have any tips?
Oh, um... well, what I always tell my students
is to write things that feel true.
To write from the heart.
Something like that.
What if I come with you tomorrow?
Really?
We could work on your speech on the train.
Elizabeth, that would be incredible.
But after our conversation yesterday
I'm just not sure how you're feeling and I don't...
I don't know that this is what you want.
I wanna make it work.
I wanna be there with you when you win.
Can Little Jack come, too?
Or he could come later if that's easier.
Bill, I've heard, is planning a trip to Capital City
maybe he could bring him.
And if I do win we could all move into
the Governor's mansion together as soon as we're married.
Lucas...
I'm sorry.
I'm getting ahead of myself.
I should focus on the campaign first.
Yes.
Maybe we just take things one step at a time.
I think that's a good idea.
We have a big trip ahead of us.
You need to rest and I should pack.
I need to pack, too.
You still haven't packed?
I haven't.
That would make all of this real.
But I suddenly feel much lighter.
I'm really, really happy you'll be by my side.
Me too.
-Goodnight. -Goodnight.
[knocking]
I thought I saw your light on.
What're you doing up?
Is Goldie having a tough night?
Oh, no, no, no. She's a dream.
It's Lee.
I always know when he's stressed.
He snores like a bear.
I think we're all worried in our own way.
What're you looking at here?
Just some old photos.
[gasps] Oh!
My first class.
Oh, these faces.
You haven't changed a bit.
You need to go back to bed.
So what's keeping you up?
Elizabeth?
What is it?
I told Lucas I would go with him tomorrow night,
to the campaign.
Oh.
Ok.
Would it be alright if Little Jack stayed with you
for a few days?
I think he'd like that.
Of course.
So you're going on the campaign?
And then... after?
I'm not sure.
I hadn't planned on going
but people just kept asking me what I want.
What do you want?
I don't know.
I can't imagine leaving Hope Valley
or living in Capital City, living that life.
But as Lucas's wife to be, how could I not go with him?
I'm trying.
My heart just doesn't seem to want to follow.
[teary] Am I doing the right thing by going?
Only you can answer that.
I just don't know how I feel about leaving or...
Or?
Or the wedding.
I thought I made the right choice.
It was secure and comfortable and-
And safe.
Safe.
I was just so afraid of getting hurt again.
But I don't think I was listening to my heart
and now it's become louder and louder and...
I just don't know what it's trying to say.
I think you do.
No matter what you decide
I will always be here for you... always.
[crying] I really like knowing you can see my light on.
Oh, honey.
Hi.
I think that I am all set and ready to go.
I just uh... well, it all just feels surreal.
I can't believe this is actually happening, can you?
I don't know what to believe.
Lucas, I wanna tell you-
[bell tolls]
It's time for us to leave. I'm sorry, we should get going.
Oh...
[applause]
-Good luck, sir. -Thank you.
Please don't lose.
I'll do my best.
-Good luck, Lucas. -Thank you.
-We believe in you. -Thank you, Molly.
Take care.
*
[train whistle]
Edwin says that there's a park across the street
from the headquarters.
We can hold our first rally there.
What do you think?
I think that sounds like a perfect campaign stop.
He says then we start barnstorming
the surrounding counties.
Elizabeth, I think I can do this.
I want to help the people.
I wanna fight for what's right
and I wanna make a difference in this world.
I wanna thank you for being by my side.
[train attendant] Capital City now boarding!
That's us.
Lucas...
I can't go with you.
You can't- you can't go with me to the convention?
But just last night you said-
I know I did and I'm sorry.
That's alright.
This is all happening so fast.
You and Little Jack can join me later.
You both could travel with Bill to the Capital.
No, Lucas.
I can't do that.
You are destined for this. Everyone sees it.
But my whole life is here.
This is where I wanna raise my son.
This is where I wanna be.
Then I'm staying.
No, no. I couldn't ask you that.
If you don't get on that train we both know you'll regret it.
You're bound for a bigger stage and I think you know...
I think you know that in your heart.
Besides... you're our only hope.
But we don't even know if I can win.
But it's more than that, isn't it?
I'm so sorry, Lucas.
I can't bear the thought of hurting you.
I really wanted to make this work, I did.
I know. I know.
But no matter how hard I tried to convince myself...
Your heart isn't there.
I think that buried deep down,
I started to sense that something was missing
and I just hoped so much that I was wrong,
and I was afraid to bring it up.
But... but maybe...
maybe these paths were meant to be.
I wish I could give you all of my heart,
but I just can't.
And you deserve to be with someone who can.
We both do.
[train attendant] Last call for Capital City!
I wish you all the happiness in the world, Elizabeth.
[train attendant] All aboard!
*