"Steps Forward" is the third episode in the eleventh season of When Calls the Heart. It originally aired on April 21 in 2024.
Synopsis[]
Rosemary and Bill team up to investigate a case they believe shouldn't be closed. The women of Hope Valley start a day care. Hickam and Mei celebrate a milestone.
Plot[]
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In Capital City, Bill inspects the scene of the crime. He uses a stopwatch to clock how long it would take someone to shoot Lucas, stash the gun in the storm drain, and run away. He concludes that somebody is lying about what happened that night.
At the Queen of Hearts, Lucas signs over the saloon deed to Lee, as Mike observes. Lee reminds Mike that he will still get to manage the place, but Lee will help out if things get too busy. Mike comments that profits seem to go up every time Lee works behind the bar, and his theory is that people linger because Lee is a good listener. Lucas wonders if Lee will be okay with him using his office a few days per week, and Lee jokes that they'll come up with a fair price. Lee asks if Lucas has seen Elizabeth since he's been back in town. Lucas replies that he only saw her briefly, at the party. Lee says if Lucas wants to talk about it, he's willing to listen, but Lucas insists he is fine. He thinks he and Elizabeth want to be friends now, and thanks Lee.
At the school, Nathan approaches, holding a paper lunch bag. He and Elizabeth wish each other a good morning, and he says he is just dropping off Allie's lunch that she forgot at home. He also came to thank Elizabeth for the party; it was a really great surprise, as far as surprises go. Nathan and Elizabeth comment on how the night was full of surprises. Nathan is happy Lucas is back and thinks he'll change things up around town. Elizabeth agrees, but also observes how things were just starting to feel normal again. Nathan wonders if it's a "good normal" and Elizabeth says it's definitely a "good normal." Just then, Allie joins the conversation, asking Nathan what he's doing there. Nathan says he's there to bring Allie her lunch, but Allie replies that she has her lunch, which Nathan made her, in her school bag. Allie gives Nathan and Elizabeth a quizzical look as she walks away.
Act One[]
At the cafe, the Canfield family are sitting down to a family meal together, when Cooper bursts in, accusing Angela of allowing Scout to chew up his best baseball. Angela retorts that Cooper used her favorite hair ribbon as a slingshot. Angela says she's meeting Allie and leaves. Joseph wonders what that was all about, and Minnie tells him the children have been like cats and dogs lately. She's not worried; they always work it out.
Nathan enters the Mountie office find Bill sitting at his desk, looking over some paperwork. He asks Bill what he's doing at his desk, and Bill replies that the timing doesn't make sense. Bill goes on to say that in his confession, Pike said he fired two shots, ran to the back of the alley, and stashed the gun in the storm drain. Edwin said when he heard the shots, he ran outside immediately and saw the getaway car speeding away out front. Bill tells Nathan that he timed it himself and Pike would have been in the back alley, meaning someone else was driving the getaway car. Nathan knows Bill suspects Montague, but even though his ethics are questionable, he hasn't done anything illegal thus far and has an alibi for the night of the shooting. Bill retorts that they barely checked the alibi; Montague could have hired Pike and a driver. Bill hopes that now Montague thinks he's in the clear, maybe he will slip up.
At the school, Elizabeth dismisses class and reminds them to do their math and reading homework. Toby stays behind at Elizabeth's request. Elizabeth wonders if Toby was able to study for the math test, and he says he memorized the answers to the homework. Elizabeth replies that unfortunately, memorizing the answers for math doesn't work the same way as it does for geography, but once Toby understands how to solve the problems, he'll get them right. Toby says he's tried, but it never works, so he wonders if he should just give up doing math since he won't use it for anything. Elizabeth says he can just skip doing math homework and do twice the amount of reading. When Toby says that would be twenty pages, Elizabeth points out the fact that he does use math. She reassures him that he will get there.
Outside the saloon, Bill is reading the newspaper at a table as Rosemary approaches. He rebuffs her, saying he has nothing for her, and she asks what the point was in going to Capital City if he didn't find out anything new about the shooting. Bill wonders how Rosemary found out he went there, but does tell her he found out plenty and is even more convinced of his theory. Rosemary guesses that Bernhardt Montague could be involved, and Bill asks her how she knows that. Rosemary says since Clayton Pike didn't act alone, who else would Bill suspect? Even though the Mounties cleared Montague, Bill thinks they did so too quickly. Rosemary wants to know if Bill found out any proof against Montague, and Bill has nothing ready for print. Rosemary casually mentions she has a call scheduled with Montague for tomorrow, in her capacity as a member of the press. Bill is worried Montague will be tipped off that they suspect him. Rosemary insists that she is the perfect person to talk to Montague, because as far as he knows, she just wants to hear his thoughts on the new resort. Bill protests that Rosemary is interfering with an active investigation, to which she retorts that it's an unofficial, off the record, highly suspect, closed investigation. Bill agrees to the call, but insists on listening in.
At the pharmacy, Mike and Mei are having tea and enjoying a cozy moment alone. Their fingers brush, and they lean in for a kiss, until Mei accidentally knocks the sugar spoon on the floor. She apologizes, but the moment has passed. Mike asks if she knows what today is, but Mei doesn't know. Mike tells Mei that it's two days until their five-month anniversary. Mei suggests they do something special to mark the occasion. They don't want to go to the saloon, the cafe, or the pharmacy. Mike mentions possibly getting ahold of Mr. Winkler's hot air balloon, but Mei worries that he would fall out and end up in a full-body cast. He sees her point, and promises to come up with the perfect plan.
At the saloon, a number of constituents are waiting to speak to Governor Bouchard, including Jed Campbell. Jed tells Lee, who is filling in behind the bar, that he isn't sure the resort is a good idea. He's not sure he likes all the change the hot springs have brought, and the resort would just increase the number of tourists in town. The foot traffic is driving all the groundhogs to his farm. Lee asks if Jed is really there to talk to the governor about groundhogs. Jed is concerned about losing the peace and quiet of a small town. Lee remembers a sawmill contact that makes a special topsoil the groundhogs can't stand, and offers to give Jed the man's number. As he leaves, Jed asks if Rosemary is at The Valley Voice. Lee reminds Jed that Rosemary is in favor of the resort, and Jed hopes The Valley Voice can make the governor listen.
Act Two[]
At home that evening, Elizabeth pours tea as she and Rosemary discuss Lucas's return. Rosemary muses about Lucas's ambition, panache, and sense of fun. Elizabeth wonders why Lucas didn't tell her he was coming back. Rosemary reminds Elizabeth that Lucas has an affinity for surprises, and asks Elizabeth if she's happy Lucas is back. Elizabeth says she is, but her face doesn't look very happy. Rosemary notes that Lucas's return does make things more complicated, and Elizabeth replies that his being there shouldn't make any difference, but somehow, it does. Elizabeth hopes she and Lucas can go back to being friends, like they were before. Rosemary remarks that Elizabeth and Lucas were never "just friends," because he always had eyes for her. Frustrated, Elizabeth slumps back in her chair with a scowl. Rosemary offers her a cookie and kindly adds that it doesn't mean they can't be friends now, if that's what she wants. Elizabeth replies that she does want to be friends with Lucas and she wants him to be okay, not hurting. From what Rosemary has seen, Lucas is having the time of his life. She compliments Elizabeth on her maturity about the situation and surmises that if Lucas is equally as mature, there's no reason a friendship between them can't work out. Elizabeth agrees.
The next day, Lee enters The Valley Voice, where Rosemary is typing furiously. He asks Rosemary what she's working on, which she says is a statement from Jed Campbell that she's about to send off to the printer. Lee comments on how Jed was not in favor of the resort, and Rosemary replies that he's not the only one; there are a few other business owners with concerns about all the changes a resort would bring. Lee says there will always be naysayers and wonders whether Rosemary should print Jed's statement since they are supposed to be supporting Lucas. Rosemary agrees that on a personal level, she does support Lucas, but as a journalist, she needs to reflect the opinions of everyone.
At The Queen of Hearts, Lucas holds a meeting in his office with Edwin, Nathan, and Bill. The two lawmen express their concerns over Lucas's safety, but Edwin scoffs at them: the guilty party is in jail, and he doesn't see the need to make a big spectacle with hats and guns. Lucas agrees with Edwin, so Nathan and Bill share their concerns that not everything is adding up about the investigation. Lucas also agrees that everything has seemed very convenient, wondering if any new evidence has come to light. Edwin interjects that the suspect is in jail and the public has moved on, so they should all do the same. Bill ignores him, and asks Lucas if he can remember anything about the shooting. The last thing Lucas remembers is stepping out of the campaign office. The surgeon said after he was shot, he fell and hit his head. Edwin again tries to change the subject, but Nathan emphasizes that he and Bill are there to protect Lucas. Lucas appreciates the offer, but doesn't think more security is necessary. Lucas interrupts Nathan's attempt to protest, thanking them for their concern and their time. He needs to focus on the resort. Outside the saloon, Nathan and Edwin discuss the governor's schedule. Edwin says Lucas is urgently needed back in Capital City. As soon as the resort project officially gets underway, they will both return to the city.
At the cafe, Lily runs around the dining room while Minnie, Florence, and Molly discuss the need for childcare in Hope Valley. Florence asks if Faith has been struggling to find childcare, and Minnie replies that Faith and Molly have been doing their best, but it's not really safe for Lily at the infirmary. Rosemary and Elizabeth join the conversation, and Rosemary asks if Faith needs help with child care, because it's a constant issue for her and Lee. Elizabeth also has the same problem. Molly enjoys watching Lily, but would prefer a safer place to do so, and Florence offers to help out when she can. Minnie observes that they have the volunteers, but need a space. Elizabeth knows of one empty building that could work, and all the women, plus Lily, approach Henry, who is sitting at a table reading the newspaper. Lily says hello, and all the women smile.
Later, Minnie, Florence, and Molly call to Faith as she leaves her office, asking her to come see the new daycare center. The center is for all the young children of Hope Valley, and all the women will volunteer for shifts. Henry has given them the space for free. Faith is touched and doesn't know what to say. Minnie reassures her that even though they don't know how long Lily will be staying, Faith has help for as long as needed.
Elizabeth approaches Lucas in the street, as he struggles to walk with a cane. Elizabeth comments that he's a man of the people. Lucas says he's a man in need of physical therapy on doctor's orders. Elizabeth offers to accompany him on his walk. Lucas shares that he and Edwin had to convince Nathan and Bill to avoid the spectacle of added security. Elizabeth knew that Bill had concerns, but is surprised to hear that Nathan does also. Lucas thinks they're just being overly cautious. As she tries to protest, Lucas assures her that it's fine. Elizabeth is glad Lucas's injuries are healing, and he tells her that everything is on the mend: one foot in front of the other.
Act Three[]
After her discussion with Lucas, Elizabeth walks over to the Mountie office, hoping to talk to Nathan. She opens the door and looks around, not seeing anyone there except Scout. She greets the dog and begins petting him, when a shirtless Nathan suddenly emerges from the back room. Elizabeth gasps in surprise and apologizes as Nathan quickly puts a shirt on. He says it's fine, but she says she'll come back later, quickly exiting the building with a smile on her face.
At The Valley Voice, Rosemary places a call to Bernhardt Montague, as Bill listens on the other line. Montague was surprised to receive her invitation for an interview, since he isn't on the best of terms with Hope Valley. Rosemary asks if he'd like to comment on Governor Bouchard's recent plans to develop a world-class resort in Hope Valley. Montague wishes him well, saying it's an interesting idea. Rosemary suggests that Montague and the Governor aren't on the best of terms. She wants to know what his reaction was when he heard Lucas had been shot. Montague retorts that his reaction wouldn't be fit for print. Rosemary wonders if that means he was pleased about it. She also wants to know where he was the night of the shooting. Montague asks what she means, and she asks if he was in Capital City. Montague begins to sound annoyed, and says he was with Governor Balfour at his election event in Union City. He has been interviewed about this several times, and over 100 people saw him at the event that evening. Montague tells Rosemary she's grasping at straws, and hangs up. After the call ends, Rosemary and Bill comment on the large number of witnesses. Bill wonders if anyone would have noticed if Montague had slipped away early from the election event.
At the library, Elizabeth enters with a dreamy look on her face, until she hears Toby crying in the corner. She asks Toby what's wrong, and he says that's what he's trying to figure out: what's wrong with him? Elizabeth asks Toby to sit with her at the table and says there's nothing wrong with him. Toby worries that he'll fail every math test. Elizabeth reminds him that everyone has different strengths: he learned the capitals for all the countries, which the other children couldn't do. Toby just needs extra time to learn to divide fractions. For the time being, he won't do any more math tests, until Elizabeth can figure out how best to teach him the division of fractions.
Behind the rowhouses, Nathan is training Scout to obey commands as Elizabeth comes outside to water her plants. Nathan tells Scout to stay, but instead, he runs over to Elizabeth. Nathan apologizes for barging in on her, and Elizabeth jokes that they're even now. She asks how the training is going, and Nathan says Scout is a work in progress. He wonders what Elizabeth wanted to talk to him about earlier. Elizabeth asks why Nathan thinks Lucas is still in danger, but Nathan can't disclose the details. Elizabeth urges him to trust his instincts. Nathan assures her that he and Bill will stay on top of it, but as Governor, it's Lucas's call. Elizabeth says she's just worried about Lucas now, just as Allie calls Nathan and Scout for dinner. Elizabeth says she needs to start dinner too, and goes back inside her house.
Act Four[]
In his office, Lucas is reading the newspaper when Edwin enters to tell him about the first bid he received for the resort. It's quite a substantial bid, and Lucas wants to know who it's from. Edwin hems and haws a bit, asking Lucas not to say no just because of personal feelings. Edwin finally tells Lucas the offer is from Bernhardt Montague. Lucas smirks and gives Edwin a flat-out no. Exasperated, Edwin tells Lucas that Montague was inspired by his call with Rosemary, and Lucas reminds him that Montague tried to steal their water not six months ago. Edwin suggests that Montague could he very hands-off, but Lucas again says no; he's sure they will get a better bid. Edwin asks Lucas about meeting the press, and he agrees.
At the bar, Mei and Mike wish each other a good morning. He promises her he's working on their special date, but she's already got things planned out, and asks him to meet her this afternoon. Mike asks where they're going, and Mei has someplace special in mind.
At school, the children are working on a model of the town of Hope Valley. Toby brings over a model bridge he's built, just as Lucas enters. Elizabeth is surprised to see him, and he asks to speak to her for a moment. She wants to know what brings him there, and he says he's going to be holding a press session at the resort site, and Edwin was hoping Elizabeth and her students might join Lucas for a photo op. He knows it's shameless, but they do need good press about the resort. Lucas goes on to say he knows it's a waste of class time, but Cooper and Toby excitedly ask if they can do it, and Elizabeth agrees.
Mei leads Mike to a beautiful meadow surrounded by trees, overlooking a river. Mike asks what made her think to come out there, and she wanted to go somewhere as special as their relationship. She says it's been the best five months of her life, and she's packed a picnic for them to enjoy. They wish each other a happy anniversary, and as they lean in for a kiss, the schoolchildren suddenly interrupt, accompanied by Elizabeth and Lucas. It turns out Mei's special picnic spot was on the building site for the new resort.
Lucas promises it won't take too long, just as Lee and Rosemary drive up. Shortly thereafter, reporter Randall Rockwell and Edwin arrive in a taxi. Rosemary is taken aback to see Rockwell, as she was under the impression that she would be taking the photo. Edwin remarks that they can't count on Rosemary's support, since her article smeared the resort. Rosemary insists that she likes to print the opinions of all the people, as any journalist with integrity would. Randall is not pleased to hear this remark. Lee tries to smooth things over by explaining that he and Rosemary want the resort too. Mike jokingly asks Mei if anyone else would like to join, and she responds with a kiss on the cheek, running away so he can chase her as in a game of tag, while the children play nearby.
Rosemary and Randall exchange pleasantries, and he remarks that Edwin had told him this was his exclusive, to which she retorts that this location is for everyone to enjoy. Randall and Rosemary both ask Lucas for a photo for their respective publications. Elizabeth, who happens to be standing next to Lucas, tries to step back, but ends up in the photo too, after Randall asks them to move in closer and Lucas puts his arm around her. Randall is surprised when Edwin remarks about the proposed site being a family hit in Hope Valley. He informs them that the base of the mountain and the access road belong to the township of Benson Hills. Lucas was unaware of this fact, but Lee insists he disclosed that information when he sold the property. Edwin says it's a simple matter of negotiating with the mayor of Benson Hills.
At the livery, Bill approaches as Nathan is busy brushing Sergeant. They discuss the phone call Rosemary had with Montague, and they both suspect there was an accomplice involved. Bill doesn't believe his alibi. Montague could have been at the shooting, and Bill intends to prove it. As he turns to leave, it dawns on Bill that Nathan is brushing Elizabeth's horse. Nathan stammers a bit, saying that he had already finished brushing Newton. As Bill leaves the livery, Newton gives Nathan a look from his stall, which Nathan does not appreciate.
Act Five[]
It's evening, and Faith is enjoying a quiet dinner at home with Lily. She asks Lily if she's had a good day with Florence. She's sure it will be even more fun once the daycare center is finished. Lily tells Faith she played with Jack and Goldie and that Goldie's mommy is Jack's auntie, and Jack's mommy is Goldie's auntie. Lily is sad that she doesn't have an auntie. Faith offers to let her call her Auntie Faith, which Lily happily accepts.
At home, the Canfields enjoy a peaceful evening, until Angela and Cooper start fighting again. Joseph has had enough, and insists the siblings talk things out. They don't want to, but Joseph puts his foot down, reminding them that as siblings, they were blessed by God to be friends for life. He reveals that he has a brother named Jacob that he hasn't spoken to in a long time, and he doesn't want his children to lose each other like Joseph lost his brother. He wants Angela and Cooper to promise they will get along, and they agree. Angela sympathizes with Joseph's situation with his brother.
At The Valley Voice, Bill shows Rosemary the train schedule out of Union City on the night of the shooting. Montague could have left the election party, gotten on an express train, and been in Capital City that night. However, Rosemary shows him photographic evidence from the Union City Herald that Montague was still with Balfour in Union City after the shooting happened. But since Pike's confession was fabricated, Bill and Rosemary wonder who he is covering for. He must have had help, and despite the evidence, Rosemary still doesn't think they can rule out Montague as the mastermind.
The next day, Cooper and Angela are making amends with each other. Cooper gives her some new hair ribbons, and she gives him a new baseball she'd purchased with her allowance. Cooper says he misses spending time with Angela, since she's been spending so much time with her friends lately. She replies that he's been spending a lot of time with Toby, and the siblings agree to do something together, just the two of them, on Sunday after church.
Outside the saloon, Nathan is reading the Benson Hills Beetle, and sees the photo of Lucas and Elizabeth. Just then, Elizabeth approaches, and they begin to discuss the latest news about the resort project. Nathan remarks that Lucas will probably be heading back to Capital City soon, since he has a lot of work waiting for him. Elizabeth says it's been interesting having the Governor in town, but now Hope Valley can get back to normal life. The two enter the saloon as Lucas is making a speech to the crowd. He announces that he will be staying in Hope Valley, until the land issue with Benson Hills is sorted out.
Cast[]
- Erin Krakow as Elizabeth Thornton
- Pascale Hutton as Rosemary Coulter
- Jack Wagner as Bill Avery
- Kavan Smith as Leland Coulter
- Chris McNally as Lucas Bouchard
- Kevin McGarry as Nathan Grant
- Andrea Brooks as Dr. Faith Carter
- Martin Cummins as Henry Gowen
- Amanda Wong as Mei Sou
- Viv Leacock as Joseph Canfield
- Natasha Burnett as Minnie Canfield
- Ben Rosenbaum as Mike Hickam
- Johannah Newmarch as Molly Sullivan
- Loretta Walsh as Florence Yost
- Hrothgar Mathews as Ned Yost
- Jaeda Lily Miller as Allie Grant
- Vienna Leacock as Angela Canfield
- Elias Leacock as Cooper Canfield
- Billy Christos Jr. as Toby
- Erik Gow as Edwin Mitchel
- Brandy Le as Randall Rockwell
- Ava Grace Cooper as Opal Weise
- Gracyn Shinyei as Emily Montgomery
- Remy Marthaller as Sarah Wolf
- Daniel Arnold as Jed Campbell
- Benjamin Wilkinson as Bernhardt Montague
- Chloe McKinnon as Lily Watson
- Christian Michael Cooper as Timmy Lawson
Quotes[]
Trivia[]
Gallery[]
