"Stronger Together" is the fifth episode in the eleventh season of When Calls the Heart. It originally aired on May 5 in 2024.
Synopsis[]
Hickam and Lee clash with the mayor of Benson Hills, and Gowen suggests a solution with huge implications for the town. Elizabeth and Nathan clear up a misunderstanding.
Plot[]
[]
It's morning, and Nathan and Allie are walking into town together. She wants to know what's going on between Nathan and Mrs. Thornton. He says they are just friends; Allie reminds him about what happened the other day in the orchard. Allie feels that Elizabeth is amazing and very important to her, but she also doesn't want her dad to get hurt like before. Nathan understands, but tells her that was a long time ago and a lot has changed since then. He appreciates Allie's concern, but there's nothing to worry about. Nathan affectionately pats Allie on the shoulder, and she goes to school.
Near the daycare, Elizabeth walks with Toby, promising him no more surprises. He's worried there will still be surprises on her tests and thinks he'll fail. Elizabeth encourages him to maintain a positive attitude and visualize how to solve the problem. She suggests he visualize a baseball or some other object, and advises him to not answer the problem like everyone else. Toby continues on to school, as Elizabeth spots Lucas outside the saloon.
Lucas is glad to run into Elizabeth, and says he owes her an apology for how Jeanette ambushed her. He also apologizes for not telling Elizabeth the whole truth about Jeanette. Elizabeth wonders if he and Jeanette really were engaged, but Lucas says they were not. They talked about it, but he never gave her a ring. When they had to leave New Orleans, Jeanette wanted to stay together, but by then, Lucas had realized his heart wasn't in it. After he left New Orleans, Lucas came to Hope Valley and met Elizabeth. Elizabeth thanks him for the apology, but she really isn't bothered by Jeanette. Lucas admits he just wanted to leave his past behind him; Elizabeth quips that it keeps finding him. She kindly pats Lucas's arm, telling him they will always be friends. From a distance, Nathan witnesses this interaction, and looks unhappy.
Act One[]
In the hazelnut orchard, Henry is shoveling fertilizer onto a tree as Lucas approaches. Henry says that he prefers being out there than being in an office. Lucas doubts that growing hazelnuts would be enough for Henry for very long. Henry aims to find out, and tells Lucas he's wasting his breath if he's there to ask him again to join his team. Lucas persists; he really needs Henry's help, because if they can't settle the land dispute with Benson Hills, the whole resort project could fall through. Henry wonders why this is so important to Lucas, who says it's not about him, but it's about Hope Valley. His other initiatives look promising, but the resort is his way of making sure his hometown can benefit from his administration. Henry would like to help, but he can't. Lucas again asks Henry for his help, but Henry has promised himself he'd take a different road.
At the Mountie office, Elizabeth enters as Nathan is attending to some paperwork. He briefly greets her, but then focuses back on his work. Elizabeth has brought a leftover soup bone for Scout. Playfully, Elizabeth sets the bag containing the bone on Nathan's desk. He thanks her, but doesn't engage in further conversation, engrossed in his papers. Elizabeth wonders if everything is all right, and Nathan replies that it is. When she presses further, Nathan says he really needs to get his paperwork done. Elizabeth exits Nathan's office looking worried.
In Bill's office, Maisie meets with Lee and Mike, presenting her list of requirements for her town's participation in the resort. Mike unfolds the list as Lee reads off some of the items: a new train station, railroad extension, town dump, bandshell, baseball diamond, and a new public transportation system. She reminds them that the new access road has to go through Benson Hills. Mike is exasperated, wanting to know why Maisie has to have everything her way. Maisie responds smugly that if the governor insists that this pipe dream go ahead, Benson Hills wants to be in control of it.
At the cafe, Joseph has just finished fixing the water pump in the kitchen. Minnie comes in with the mail; Joseph has received a letter from his brother, Jacob. The letter says it's been too long and Jacob's open to a visit. Minnie and the children think that's wonderful. Joseph wonders how Jacob got his address; Minnie speculates that he could've talked to Aunt Margaret. Joseph is puzzled to read that Jacob got "his" letter and is looking forward to Joseph's apology. Upset, Joseph wonders how he's supposed to apologize if his brother won't tell him what he did wrong. He clarifies to Angela and Cooper that their door is always open to family and he wants to follow the Lord's commands about welcoming visitors, but if Jacob expects a blanket apology, he won't get one.
Bill and Rosemary burst into Nathan's office to tell him what they've discovered. Pike said in his confession that he shot Lucas from a distance, but that doesn't track with the angle of the bullet. Nathan is not pleased that Bill showed Rosemary the case file, but Bill explains that they are a team. Bill shows Nathan the medical report, showing that Lucas was actually in close proximity to the shooter. Nathan realizes that means Lucas and the shooter struggled for the gun, and it went off in a downward trajectory. Bill muses that if the shooter really was that close, Lucas must have seen his face. Rosemary wishes Lucas could remember.
At school, Elizabeth is giving a math quiz. She asks Toby how it went, and he tells her he hopes his baseball did the trick. She's sure it did. After the quizzes are collected, Elizabeth announces a special surprise: Anna Hayford, a former student, has returned from teacher's college in Capital City to do a practicum in their classroom. Anna happily greets her old friends, and Emily wonders if Anna will be teaching the class. Anna says she'll try, but she won't be anywhere near as good as Mrs. Thornton. Elizabeth thinks she'll be a natural.
At the saloon, Lee and Mike are meeting over coffee and a meal. Lee comments on how Maisie is an unmovable force. Mei sits down, wondering who he is referring to. Mike says Maisie knows he has him over a barrel; they're supposed to be negotiating mayor-to-mayor, but when he's around his sister, they don't interact as equals. Maisie still treats Mike like a little brother, referring to him as "Mikey." Bill spots Lucas, and asks to talk with him. Lucas wonders if it can wait, but it can't; Bill and Rosemary have learned something new about the shooting. Still, Lucas has bigger problems, and goes over to ask Lee and Mike how the meeting went with Maisie. They admit it didn't go well as Mei observes that Maisie might need some pampering. Lee's agreed to meet Maisie again in the afternoon, but doubts how fruitful the meeting will be. Bill tells Mike to just stand up to her, but he's already been trying to. Mei doubts that pitting Mike and Maisie against each other will achieve the desired outcome. Bill points out that Mike's the only mayor they've got. Bill's just the acting mayor, and wants no part of this headache. Then, Bill suggests Lee as mayor, but he's reluctant. Mike agrees that Lee should be mayor if he wants to; he only lost by a little bit. Lee is unsure; he did want to be mayor, but not like this. In his capacity as Governor, Lucas accepts Mike's resignation and appoints Lee as mayor pro tem, until an interim election can be arranged. Lee is a bit dumbfounded as the other men shake his hand and congratulate him.
Act Two[]
At school, the children are having recess while Elizabeth and Anna chat on the front steps. Anna has been enjoying her time in Capital City and everyone has been really nice. Elizabeth asks about Anna's courses, and she admits that teacher's college is a lot harder than she thought it would be. From her perspective, Elizabeth makes teaching look easy. Elizabeth advises Anna that in her experience, there's a difference between how they teach you to teach and what you learn by actually doing it. Anna feels she's further behind than the other student teachers. Elizabeth reminds her that she's one of the younger enrollees, and she will feel much more confident by the time she finishes her training. Elizabeth remembers they have tests to mark, so she and Anna pick up their lunch pails. Just then, Elizabeth watches Nathan riding by on his horse with a somber expression on her face. Anna asks if there's something wrong, but Elizabeth says no.
At The Valley Voice, Lee enters, saying he has news. Rosemary is happy to hear that; she needs a headline for tomorrow. Lee begins by promising this won't get in the way of their family life; Goldie and Rosemary will always come first. Rosemary wonders if they've bought another saloon. Lee laughs, and then tells her that Lucas has just made him mayor. She's astonished; he says it's just until the next election, but he really wants a shot at this, so he can make a difference. Rosemary gets up from her desk and kisses Lee, saying that he was made to be mayor. She thinks it's perfect and is so proud of him. Rosemary immediately begins envisioning being a political wife, and Lee can see it too. Happily, she gives her husband another kiss.
Back at school, Anna tells the students they've all done well on their math quizzes. Toby excitedly shows Cooper his quiz. Anna announces the end of the school day, Elizabeth hands her the cowbell, and she rings it. As the other students leave, Toby stays behind to thank Elizabeth for helping him with math. He's looking forward to tackling harder topics like algebra, and hands the baseball back to Elizabeth. By the door, Angela and Cooper discuss with Allie the situation with the letter they sent to their uncle. Cooper worries that his father will be mad at him once he finds out what they've done. Allie wonders what they're going to do, and Angela doesn't know. Elizabeth joins the conversation, and Angela admits to her that they sent a letter to their uncle signed as their dad. Their uncle wrote back and wants an apology from their dad. Elizabeth sympathizes that it's a sticky situation and points out that the children have overstepped, but their hearts were in the right place. They were just trying to help, so she's sure Joseph will understand. Angela wonders if they have to tell their father, and Elizabeth thinks she already knows the answer to that.
On the cafe patio, Henry spots Joseph and sits down at his table, holding a copy of Don Quixote. Joseph wants to know what's bothering Henry. Henry wants peace; business is war for him. Joseph asks why Henry feels he can't have peace, and he replies that Lucas wants his help with the resort, but doesn't know if he can do it. Joseph wonders if business doesn't excite Henry anymore; Henry says the business isn't the problem, but it's who he becomes when he's doing business that's the problem. Joseph reminds Henry that he's grown and changed; he's wiser now. Henry jokes that he's grayer now, but doesn't feel any wiser. Joseph advises Henry that he's been called to share his wisdom, but it's up to him whether he wants to do it or not.
At the salon, Maisie is sitting in a chair while Mei applies a mud mask to her face. Maisie is quite enjoying the experience, as Mei tells her the aroma comes from ginseng, which they grow in the community garden. Maisie begins to complain about her shoulder; it acts up during stressful times. Mei offers to make a salve or try acupressure, which she read about in her grandmother's journal, to relieve the pain. Maisie is willing to try anything, so Mei begins the acupressure. Maisie wonders what Mei's doing, so Mei explains how chi flows through the meridian lines, and she's applying pressure to a certain meridian point. Maisie is impressed, and shares with Mei that she's been making unreasonable demands in an effort to stop the resort project. Mei wonders why Maisie doesn't just say no, if she's against the project. Unfortunately, Maisie's constituents don't see things her way. As Mei continues to apply acupressure, Maisie yawns and promptly falls asleep in the chair.
Just then, Mike enters the salon, and he and Mei go outside to talk so they don't disturb Maisie. Mike doesn't want Mei to feel like she has to give Maisie special treatment just because she's his sister. Mei thinks she's very nice once she lets her guard down, and reveals that Maisie confided to her that she is being intentionally difficult because she wants Mike to give up. Mike wonders why Maisie doesn't just walk away, and Mei says it's because she doesn't have support from her constituents. Mei advises that Mike talk to Maisie again.
On the street, Nathan and Elizabeth pass each other and exchange glances, but neither one stops to talk. Nathan pauses for a moment, as if he wants to say something, but then walks away as Elizabeth watches sadly.
Act Three[]
Outside Elizabeth's house, she and Rosemary sit at a small table with tea and cookies. Rosemary wonders if everything's fine between Elizabeth and Lucas. Elizabeth says yes; they both just want to be friends. Rosemary opines that everyone needs fabulous friends who endeavor to do great things. Pensively, Elizabeth admits that looking back, there was love between her and Lucas, and Rosemary finishes her statement; it wasn't the kind she had with Jack. Elizabeth nods and continues that it also wasn't the kind of love Rosemary has with Lee. She wonders if it's asking too much to want that kind of love again. Rosemary says no, it's written in the stars, and she knows it's waiting for her. Elizabeth isn't sure the stars always have it right. Rosemary asks what's going on, and Elizabeth replies that sometimes it's hard to know what's going on in other people's minds and hearts. Rosemary knows she's referring to Nathan and sympathizes that minds and hearts don't always agree.
At the saloon, Lucas, Lee, and Mike sit at the bar and discuss Maisie. Mike believes she's trying to get Hope Valley to pull the plug, because the people of Benson Hills want the resort. They all realize the negotiation isn't really a negotiation. Lucas asks Henry, who's sitting at the bar reading a book, if he's hearing all this, and Henry says he is. Lucas wants to know if Henry can help at all with their predicament. Henry tells them that Maisie does have a point, referring to the debacle in Louis Creek. Lucas insists that project was doomed from the start because the developer was a tax cheat. Henry advises that Maisie's trying to paint them into a corner, so they need to take away her paintbrush. Lee wonders how they do that, and Henry has an idea. Lucas smiles; it sounds like Henry might be on board. Henry wants to talk about it tomorrow and excuses himself.
As Lucas gets up from the bar, he notices Nathan playing darts alone. Lucas suggests a small wager on around-the-clock, but Nathan doesn't trust his luck against Lucas. As Lucas begins to throw darts, he says it's not luck, it's skill. Nathan observes that Lucas seems upbeat; Lucas says some things may have shifted in his favor, and he cleared up a small misunderstanding with Elizabeth. Nathan asks if it was about Jeanette, and Lucas observes how quickly news travels in Hope Valley. Nathan asks if Lucas and Jeanette were engaged, but Lucas says they were together briefly a long time ago, but were not engaged. He adds that since Elizabeth hardly batted an eye about Jeanette, she's really moved on. Nathan wonders if Lucas is okay with that; Lucas says he would rather have her as a friend than not in his life at all.
At night, Cooper, Angela, and Joseph sit down to some pie for dessert. Joseph can tell something's going on, and Cooper says they have something to tell him, but they both hesitate. Finally, they admit that they were the ones that sent Jacob a letter. Angela and Cooper say they weren't trying to cause trouble, but after what Joseph had told them about the importance of siblings, they were afraid that maybe Joseph was taking Jacob for granted. Joseph tells them they may be right.
The next day, Elizabeth enters the school just as Opal is showing a drawing of the resort to Emily and Anna. She shows it to Elizabeth, who is rendered speechless. Elizabeth wants to know when Opal made the drawing, and she says it was after she went up the mountain with Governor Bouchard. Emily says it's his GV, or "Grand Vision." Elizabeth marvels at how precise Opal's drawing is, and tells her she has the makings of an architect. Anna adds that maybe she could be an engineer. Opal asks Elizabeth to give Lucas her drawing. As Opal and Emily leave, Elizabeth compliments Anna on her encouragement of Opal.
In Bill's office, Maisie enters to find Henry, Lee, Lucas, and Mike waiting to meet with her. Mike tries to tell her he's no longer the mayor, but she interrupts him, wanting to start the meeting. Lucas tells Maisie that they've come up with a solution that will be fair and beneficial to both parties. Henry adds that they accept all Maisie's demands, but they also have an idea they think can benefit both towns. Maisie wonders what that could be, so Lucas tells her they want to merge the towns. Maisie laughs and wonders if they are being serious. She becomes defensive, assuming they are trying to push her out of office. Lucas assures her they aren't, but there would be co-mayors until the next election. Maisie is intrigued by this proposal and assumes that Mike is still the mayor of Hope Valley. Mike again tries to tell her that he isn't, but she again interrupts him, wondering what would happen if one co-mayor convinced the other to oppose the resort. Lucas clarifies that they won't move forward without the full support of at least one mayor. Maisie agrees to the proposal, and before she leaves, Lucas informs her that Lee is now mayor of Hope Valley. Lee shakes her hand, telling her he looks forward to their collaboration.
On Main Street, Nathan calls Elizabeth over to talk. He apologizes for giving her cold shoulder yesterday. Elizabeth thinks it was just bad timing, but Nathan says it wasn't that. He thought that something was still going on between Elizabeth and Lucas. Elizabeth assures him that's not the case; she and Lucas are just friends now. Nathan knows that now after his talk with Lucas, but he wants to know something else: what is he to Elizabeth? Are they just friends? Elizabeth is speechless; she and Nathan stand looking at each other for a long moment, until Henry interrupts them. There's an emergency meeting of the town council, and they're both needed.
Act Four[]
At the saloon, the town council meets to discuss the merger of Benson Hills and Hope Valley. Lee explains that he and Maisie will be co-mayors. Lucas explains that in order for the merger to go forward, the town council must agree unanimously. Ned wants to know what their options are, and Lucas says either they merge the towns, or they kill the resort and it can be built in the hills of Jameson or Buxton. Rosemary and Florence aren't happy about the prospect of Jameson or Buxton getting the resort. Lucas mentions one potential downside: merging the towns means the school will lose its independence and fall under the jurisdiction of the valley school district. Florence and Rosemary don't like the sound of that, and Ned adds that he says no if it will affect the school. Elizabeth speaks up, saying that she has had some issues in the past with the school board, but has always been able to overcome them. This could mean more benefits, better opportunities, and better resources for the kids. Ned asks Elizabeth if she's in favor of the merger; she asks Lucas if he really believes in this. Lucas says he does; economically it will mean a better future for the whole valley. Elizabeth is convinced and agrees with the plan. She turns around to look at Nathan, who has been standing quietly behind her, and they smile at each other. Lucas takes note of this little exchange.
In Bill's office, Maisie isn't happy about the merger. Henry points out that when they last met, she was in agreement. That was before she found out Lee was going to be her co-mayor. Lucas assures Maisie about their desire to cooperate with her and compromise on her demands in good faith. Maisie thinks it's a terrible idea and will bring trouble to the valley. Lucas promises her, as Governor, that won't happen. Maisie is dubious, reminding Lucas of how his predecessor had promised their water was safe. She may be a lone voice, but she will continue to fight this monstrosity. Even if the voters turn against her in the next election, at least she'll be able to sleep at night. Mike points out that her own council agreed; she thinks he's being fooled. Mike refuses to back down, telling Maisie she's wrong, even if she doesn't want to hear it. Maisie says this isn't over, and leaves the office. Lucas apologizes to Mike for causing a family rift, but Mike thinks this was mild, as Hickam rifts go. Lee congratulates the other men, praising Henry for helping close the deal. Lucas also compliments Henry, welcoming him aboard his team with a handshake.
In his office, Lucas is going over some paperwork when Elizabeth enters. He asks if she wants to have a seat, but she can't stay. Lucas apologizes about blindsiding her about the school situation. Elizabeth isn't upset; she knew it was inevitable they would eventually have to join the school board. Lucas promises to do everything in his power to make sure she maintains independence. Elizabeth thanks him, and hands him Opal's drawing of the resort. Lucas is impressed; it's even better than he had imagined. Elizabeth says Opal really believes in the Bouchard "GV," and she believes in it too. Lucas is touched; that means a lot to him. Elizabeth says she'll leave Lucas to his work and turns to leave. Lucas tells her he meant what he said yesterday about how much her friendship means to him, and asks her to make him a promise: if she has the opportunity to be truly happy, she'll jump in with both feet. Elizabeth thanks Lucas and says she will.
At the cafe, Minnie watches through the window as Joseph sits at a table outside, mulling over the situation with his brother. She goes outside and sits down, pointing out that the children were only trying to help. Joseph isn't happy he has to deal with this now, but Minnie reminds him of how close he and Jacob used to be. She reflects on when she first saw Joseph and Jacob; they were side by side singing in the church choir. Joseph remembers how their grandfather taught them how to harmonize. Unfortunately, Jacob had decided that somehow Joseph had crossed him, and didn't want to speak to him anymore. Minnie points out that Joseph hasn't made much effort to contact his brother, and Joseph complains that Jacob is impossible, difficult and stubborn. Minnie quips that stubbornness runs in the family, and reminds him that there's nothing more precious than family. Joseph has nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Act Five[]
In Lucas's office, Rosemary and Bill show him the case files, which show that based on the angle of the bullet, the shooter was just inches from Lucas. This means Lucas saw the shooter, who he assumes was Clayton Pike. Bill is concerned Pike didn't act alone and might not even have been there. Rosemary says that if the real culprit is still out there, Lucas could be in danger. Lucas appreciates their concern, but points out that if someone else was involved, they have had five months to finish the job. Rosemary reminds Lucas that they're just trying to keep him safe; he knows, and is grateful. As Bill and Rosemary turn to leave, Lucas picks up a photograph of the crime scene, and begins to have a flashback of the event. He remembers something: he grabbed the gun, just before it went off, but doesn't recall the culprit's face. After Bill and Rosemary leave, Lucas's flashback continues: he sees headlights shining in the dark, rain, and a shadowy figure holding a gun. He and the other man struggle for the gun, and it goes off.
It's early evening, and Nathan is relaxing on his front porch with a drink as Allie comes outside to let him know she's finished the dishes. He thanks her, and she asks what he's doing out there. Nathan says he's just thinking, and then Allie apologizes for sticking her nose where it doesn't belong. Nathan knows she was just looking out for him and thanks her. Allie wonders what Nathan's going to do; he jokes about taking Scout for a walk. She presses further, and Nathan says it's complicated, just as Allie spots Elizabeth approaching. Allie excuses herself by saying she has homework, and goes inside the house. Elizabeth tells Nathan she didn't get a change to answer his question earlier. He tries to interrupt, but she continues. Elizabeth says that friends don't look at friends this way. She bids Nathan goodnight and walks away, leaving him in stunned silence.
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
- 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
- Ava Grace Cooper as Opal Weise
- Gracyn Shinyei as Emily Montgomery
- Kadence Kendall Roach as Anna Hayford
- Samantha Ferris as Maisie Hickam
Quotes[]
"Oh no, did we buy another saloon?"
”Friends don’t look at friends this way.”
Trivia[]
- Molly is reading a medical journal in the scene where Henry and Joseph talk on the café patio.
- Opal apparently has a great instinct when it comes to drawing, as Lucas admitted what she drew was beyond his idea.
Gallery[]
