Warning! Spoilers for “When Calls the Heart” season 13, episode 4, ahead.
With those of Hope Valley on edge about who started the Goldie National Park wildfire, students Cooper and Toby bravely came forward in episode 3 about being the cause of the fire. After showing up on Elizabeth’s doorstep to tell her the truth about sparking a flame while cooking on their hiking trip, it will be up to the community to either forgive them or really get to the bottom of what happened the day that brought Hope Valley and Benson Hills to their knees. Here’s everything to know about what comes next in “WCTH” episode 4:
Live Recap of ‘WCTH’ Season 13, Episode 4
HallmarkElizabeth brings Cooper and Toby to Constable Nathan to explain how they thought they started the fire. Nathan questions if they were the real cause after mulling over the facts. The constable says that the two boys could face community service hours but no jail time.
Lucas goes out of his way to find Edie to apologize for not making it in time to see her in the previous episode; however, she does not accept his excuse.
Despite Cooper and Toby’s honesty, Nathan and Bill decide they will question A.J. MacGinty about possibly having started the wildfire. During Elizabeth’s class, students try to get to the bottom of it after they hear around Hope Valley that it was “arson” and not accidental.
When Nathan and Bill sit MacGinty down to question him, he reveals that the can of suspected kerosene he was seen carrying into the woods was actually a large container with his deceased cat, Mr. Mittens, who he wanted to protect from predators — hence the upgraded burial conditions. Finally, Nathan and Bill believe old man MacGinty.
Elizabeth tries to find a way to protect Cooper and Toby from the potential backlash of starting the wildfire after Nathan tells her that MacGinty’s story tracks.
Allie asks Elizabeth and Nathan to help her plan something special for Oliver’s birthday. When Allie goes to invite Toby to the party, he tells her that it was him and Cooper that started the fire. Upset, Toby runs off and declines the invitation in fear of the others not wanting him there.
Rosemary breaks the news to Leland about an updated report that clears MacGinty. Without naming the two suspects, Rosemary still is unaware that it was Cooper and Toby. The story is then published in the local newspaper, leading to Hope Valley scheduling a town meeting.
Cooper’s parents, Minnie and Joseph, are beside themselves, wondering how they will protect their son from what will happen after the truth is revealed to everyone.
Elizabeth Struggles With the Truth
HallmarkAt the town meeting, Hope Valley and those who evacuated from Benson Hills are up in arms over the news headline about the fire being started by two students. Mayor Maisie of Benson Hills demands answers from Nathan so her townspeople can heal from their suffering. When things get rowdy, Elizabeth gives an uplifting sermon about how to get through what happened without placing blame on the two boys, whose names remain protected.
Elizabeth tries to grapple with the guilt that Cooper and Toby must feel. Nathan reassures her that the two boys will be supported no matter what. Cooper tries to run away from his home. He leaves his parents a letter to say goodbye. When his mom runs after him, she guides him back home by telling him that his accident “changes nothing” about the love she and his dad have for him.
Allie says she wants to cancel Oliver’s party because the kids of Benson Hills have declined their invites. She and Oliver find a moment to catch up. Allie tells him that she knows it was Cooper and Toby who started the fire.
Mike invites his sister, Maisie, to Oliver’s party as a way to hopefully lead those of Benson Hills to mingle with Hope Valley.
When Cooper’s dad is at a loss about his son’s fate, he finds himself praying at the local chapel. Leland sits by his side to comfort him and instead finds comfort himself after he is reminded by Joseph that having mercy on MacGinty will help him overcome their previous bar encounter that caused him to be arrested.
Lucas declares that he is running for another term as governor. When Rosemary asks him if he plans to raise taxes so he can restore Goldie National Park within one year, Hope Valley townspeople appear shocked.
Hope Valley & Benson Hills Take Steps Forward to Heal & Forgive
HallmarkAllie is upset when nobody from Benson Hills shows up to Oliver’s party. But when Maisie takes the first step to support Oliver, others from her town follow in her footsteps. Oliver is shocked by his surprise party, nearly bringing him to tears. Not seeing Cooper and Toby at his party is a big disappointment, so he goes to find them to make sure they know they aren’t criminals. Oliver tells Cooper and Toby that he refuses to go back unless they tag along with him. The three then make their way back to the party, where Cooper and Toby bravely tell the truth to everyone about accidentally causing the wildfire.
Maisie is the first to stand up for the two boys by telling a story about her childhood when she thought she misplaced her brother while babysitting despite finding him moments later in a hiding spot.
Those of Hope Valley and Benson Hills decide to forgive Cooper and Toby.
Oliver thanks Allie for throwing him his first ever birthday party. She hands him a book as a gift, leading him to dive into his pocket to find a small box he has kept for over a year. A silver wolf brooch was inside. When he gives it to Allie, the two share a moment of love and appreciation.
The episode ends with Rosemary and Leland going to find MacGinty to apologize for accusing him of starting the fire. Leland asks if he can build MacGinty a wood cabin as a way to apologize. Before Rosemary and Leland leave MacGinty, they gift him with one last thing… an adorable kitten to hopefully restore the love he lost when Mr. Mittens passed away.
To see what happens next on “When Calls the Heart,” Hearties can watch the Hallmark Channel on Sunday, Feb. 1, at 8/7c.
So love this show it gives me something to look forward too ♥️