Hello! :-) The way I ended up writing this chapter feels like a natural end to this arc of my story. It seemed to work out where I bookend the start of my story with this chapter. I hope that makes sense when you read it. :-) So, when I post the next chapter, a little time will have passed with an explanation of what has occurred since this chapter ended while also going into the next arc which, as you will see, I did end this chapter with a leading question that will be addressed some time during the course of this story. :-) As always and with sincerity, I thank you for your continued support and reviews and views/visitors of my story. :-) I hope you enjoy this chapter. :-)

Chapter 31

The next morning, Elizabeth entered the Queen of Hearts, thinking Lucas might be there and saw Francine sitting by herself drinking a cup of coffee. After asking Ernie if Lucas was around and being told he had gone to the office to do a few things, Elizabeth decided to say hello to Francine before heading to Gowen Petroleum.

"Good morning," Francine said.

"Would you mind if I joined you for a cup of coffee?"

"Please do."

Elizabeth sat across from the attractive woman; Ernie heard Elizabeth's words and brought a cup with a saucer and a carafe of coffee.

"Thank you," Elizabeth said, giving him a grateful smile.

"May I get either of you ladies anything else?"

"I'm fine," Francine said.

"I am, too."

He left them alone. Elizabeth poured the rick dark brew into her cup, and after Francine nodded when Elizabeth motioned with the carafe, she refilled her cup.

"Last night was nice," Francine said, trying to gauge Elizabeth's reason for sitting with her.

"I'm happy to hear that. I think most people had a good time. Lucas and I certainly did, but I don't think everyone enjoyed the gathering."

Francine set her cup down on the saucer. "You're talking about Nathan."

"I'm afraid I am. I saw how abruptly he left with Allie. I am glad you chose to stay longer. Carson is a good man. I knew he would make sure you felt comfortable."

"My understanding is Nathan doesn't usually attend movie night, so last night's event was certainly a surprise to him."

Francine wasn't sure why she felt the need to defend him, but she did.

Elizabeth nodded. "I know, and you're right. Believe me; I'm surprised he stayed as long as he did."

Francine gave her a curious look. "You seem to know him quite well, and from the little I saw, he did not seem to have any issues with you, but when it came to Lucas…"

Elizabeth stopped her. "I can only imagine what you might have heard him say and how he may have reacted. Let's just say Lucas is not Nathan's favorite person in Hope Valley."

"Apparently, he's not Bill's either."

"Unfortunately, that is true. I have a longer, more established and meaningful relationship with Bill than I do with Nathan, but it disturbs me that both men have taken such a dislike to Lucas based on innuendo and suspicions which have proven to be unfounded."

"Obviously, I don't know anything about Bill's reasons, but from my limited interaction with both men, I think Nathan's dislike has more to do with his admiration of you than anything bad Lucas has or has not done."

Elizabeth lowered her head as she reached for her cup, impressed by Francine's keen observation.

"Well," she said, looking at the other woman, "hopefully, Nathan will share more about his reasons with you. I have something else I wanted to ask you. It's about Henry if that's okay."

"Sure. What is it?"

"Do you have any interest in taking the position Carson mentioned?"

Francine shifted in her chair as she determined how to answer the very question she had been overanalyzing before Elizabeth arrived.

"I admit the timing of this opportunity is uncanny. I'm just not sure if it's what I want to do or a commitment I want to make."

"I see. Henry is a friend of mine. Lucas and I visited him at the hospital, and while he seemed to be doing okay, I know he would probably fare much better here. But I also know he has to have help, and if Carson can't find someone…"

"I'm sure he will be able to find someone," Francine said.

Elizabeth nodded. "Of course. You're right. Like you said, the timing of this struck me as well. But it is absolutely your choice to take or not take a temporary position. I understand that."

"How do you like teaching here?"

"I love it."

"That's wonderful," Francine said and smiled. "I'm sure your students love you."

Elizabeth returned her smile. "For the most part. While I love what I do, that does not mean there are not challenges."

"I agree. Same with nursing. I heard Henry can be a challenge."

"He can be a very determined and headstrong man," Elizabeth admitted. "Is that one of the reasons you're not sure about this? Because I believe the Henry who returns to Hope Valley will be different than the one who left. I'm not saying he won't revert to being the Henry we all know once he's fully recovered, but I don't see him being difficult while he's trying to get better. I'm sure he's aware he needs help and will be receptive to it."

"Thank you for that insight. I haven't completely ruled out the assignment, but I need to give it more consideration. I also feel I need to discuss this further with Nathan."

"I understand."

"How is Allie doing in your classroom?"

Elizabeth smiled. "She's a wonderful student. Very bright and articulate and writes very well."

Francine smiled. "I'm happy to hear that. She sounds a lot like her mother in that regard."

"Were you and Allie's mother friends for very long?"

"We grew up together as neighbors. Played as children, went to school together. We were practically sisters. I'm an only child, but Colleen, of course, had Nathan. Oh, how we used to drive him crazy. We were older so, of course, we thought we were so much wiser and knew more than he did. I mean, we did, but we sure let him know it."

Elizabeth laughed. "Sounds similar to how my older sister treated my younger sister and me."

"You're a middle child?"

"I am. I love both of my sisters, but I admit I'm closer to my younger one."

"She was here last night, wasn't she?"

"Yes, she was. Her name is Julie."

"I remember seeing her when we arrived. I'm so sorry I misspoke about your relationship, but after your announcement, I realized I wasn't so far off."

Elizabeth's cheeks colored slightly. "We didn't want to say anything until we made the announcement."

"I wanted to congratulate you, but under the circumstances, since I was with Nathan…"

Elizabeth nodded. "I understand. I am sure he was not happy with last night's events. We were surprised to see him, actually. I wasn't expecting him, and I don't believe Lucas was either."

"It was Allie's idea. She wanted the three of us to see the movie. I guess if that is what had occurred, things would be have been fine."

"Allie heard Carson's announcement and then mentioned you. Have you given any thought to the idea she might want you to stay?"

Francine nodded. "I have. That's something else I am taking into consideration. She has such a thirst to know more about her mother, which I totally understand, and once she found out Colleen and I had known each other practically since we were toddlers, she's been firing questions at me left and right, wanting to know everything about us. It's heartwarming, really. I love talking about my friendship with her mother. I think rehashing our time together is helping me as much as it's helping Allie."

"Does Nathan know that?" Elizabeth asked.

"Does Nathan know what?"

Francine looked up and so did Elizabeth when they heard Nathan's voice.

"Hello," Francine said.

Elizabeth soon followed with her own greeting.

"You two looked very engaged in your conversation. I stayed behind, not wanting to interrupt, but then I heard my name."

"We were talking about how Allie is so curious about her mother," Francine explained.

Nathan nodded. "Yes, she is. She told me you two have had some nice conversations. Thank you."

"Of course. I love answering her questions. I'm finding it therapeutic to talk about our friendship."

"That's what I was asking if you knew," Elizabeth said.

Nathan shook his head. "Actually, I didn't."

Elizabeth rose and looked towards Francine.

"Maybe that's something you two could talk about. I enjoyed our conversation, Francine."

She smiled. "I did, too. Thank you, Elizabeth. I hope to see you again."

"I'm sure our paths will cross. Good day, Constable."

Taken aback by the way she addressed him, Nathan decided to respond more formally, too.

"Good day, Mrs. Thornton."

With a smile knowing she was about to see the love of her life, Elizabeth waved goodbye to Ernie and then headed towards Gowen Petroleum.

Nathan sat in the recently vacated chair. Ernie saw him and asked if he wanted anything. He said he was fine.

"What is it Elizabeth thinks we need to discuss?" Nathan asked, setting his hat on his knee.

"Allie's reaction to meeting me. I told Elizabeth how excited Allie's been since she found out I knew her mother when we were both very young. I think that knowledge has made a big impression on her."

Nathan sighed. "Probably, but what you can tell her about her mother has its limits, Francine. Especially since she is no longer with us."

"I realize that, but she asks such insightful questions. To be honest, talking with her has been helping me to resolve some of my issues, too. I think it's been a healthy and healing experience for both of us."

"I know she likes you, and I know you like her."

"So," Francine said, "what would be the harm if I stayed a little while longer?"

Nathan's gaze narrowed. "You mean to take care of Henry?"

Francine nodded.

"Look, Francine, if that's what you want to do, I am not going to say you can't. It's not my place."

"But I don't want you to be miserable if I'm here."

"I'm not…miserable," he defended.

She sat back and looked him in the eye. "Then tell me what you are, Nathan Grant, because I have to be honest. I don't think I've seen you smile once since I arrived. And yes, I am taking that personally. I'm sorry for what happened, and maybe I made the wrong decision…."

Nathan held up his hand. "Stop. Please. Do not apologize. I'm tired of hearing apologies from people who I know don't owe me one. Look, this is on me. Okay. I'm just not in a good place right now, but that should not stop you from helping Henry if that is what you want to do. All right?"

Francine's expression softened. "I'm sorry, Nathan, for whatever it is you're going through. You know you can talk to me, right? You did a few years ago when you knew your sister wasn't happy. I want to be here for you and for Allie."

Nathan looked away and quietly drummed his fingers on his hat. He had come to the saloon to see if she wanted to spend time with Allie and to ask her if she still enjoyed fishing. He did not expect to have this serious of a conversation, but here they were. He knew he needed to say something, but he had no idea how to respond. Of course, he remembered the talks they'd had, but those had been centered around Colleen, Isaac and Allie. He had never truly opened up to her or to any woman for that matter about what he felt or how he viewed his life.

His occupation demanded immediate reaction and then action. He had decided to take that approach with his life, too, and it had worked for the most part. Until lately. Until he'd met Elizabeth and realized if he was going to be in her life, she wanted and needed more from him than he was willing or able to provide.

He would have to be blind not to see how easily and effortlessly Lucas communicated with Elizabeth, and yes, that bothered him. He'd never thought of himself as a jealous person, but he did envy Lucas's apparent confidence in himself and in his demeanor that Elizabeth would respond to him and would want to spend time with him. Nathan knew he had never felt that comfortable around Elizabeth and, given the current situation, probably never would.

And now Francine appeared to be seeking the same things from him, and again, he had no idea how to respond. So, for the moment, he decided to allow her to focus on Allie.

"I think it would be good for Allie to spend more time with you," he finally said.

Francine smiled, even as disappointment crept in that he had not included himself in the equation. But she also felt relief he was not shutting her out completely.

"Thank you, Nathan. I appreciate that."

"I'm sure Allie will, too. Has she told you what her favorite thing is to do, especially on a Saturday morning?"

"No, I don't believe she has."

He gave her a crooked smile. "How good are you these days at baiting a hook?"

Elizabeth entered Gowen Petroleum and found Lucas sitting at his desk, holding his head in his hands while poring over a report she estimated had to be at least two hundred pages. Not having heard her walk in, his head snapped up when he heard her lilting voice say good morning. He immediately rose from his chair and crossed to where she stood. Dressed in casual attire, he looked a bit blurry-eyed and somewhat unkempt, as though he had been pulling out his hair. Elizabeth wasn't sure why, because she certainly appreciated when he looked well-groomed, but she found herself drawn to him even more when he did not look so well put together. She did not, however, like it when he looked defeated.

'Sweetheart, what's wrong?" she asked.

He sighed heavily. "I'm trying to make sense of this report we received, but I can't understand half of it. Mike left me a note saying the report included some bad news, but I'm going to have to ask him about it on Monday. From what I gathered, another one of our oil productions was either delayed or canceled. I can't figure out why that keeps happening, but I have to find a way to stop it."

Elizabeth frowned. "Did you ever find out anything further about that man you and Mike were investigating?"

"Just that we got him removed from handling our accounts or at least we think we did. I'm not even sure the incidents are related. That's why I have to check with Mike. He will know."

"I'm sorry you're having to spend your Saturday cooped up in here, especially after our wonderful night."

"Thinking about how special last night was is getting me through this mess," he said, motioning towards his desk. "I'm very happy but surprised to see you. I thought you would be with Little Jack or maybe writing."

"Julie is watching him for me. I told her I needed to go riding. It's been awhile. She encouraged me and told me to take all the time I need. I'm planning to look at my chapters later."

"So, you're headed to the stables. Good for you. Thank you for stopping by. You made my morning infinitely better. I hope you enjoy your ride and your time with Sergeant. I know that activity is very important and meaningful to you."

Elizabeth looked at him. "I'm riding to the land Jack bought."

"Oh," Lucas said, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "I guess you really do need some alone time. Was last night too much, Elizabeth? I feel as though sometimes I push you beyond what you are ready for, and I'm sorry if I do that. You need to tell me when I make you feel uncomfortable because…"

She placed her finger to his lips.

"You didn't let me finish," she said with a smile.

'Sorry," he said, tilting his head. "I guess I do that sometimes, too."

"I know it comes from a good place," she assured him. "What I was about to say is I want you to go with me."

"Oh," he said again, clearly surprised. "You want us to go to the clearing again."

She nodded.

After a moment's hesitation, he responded. "Sure. I can ride with you. Are you going now?"

"As soon as you are ready. If you feel up to it," she quickly added. "I know you've had a rough morning."

"Riding is probably just what I need, too."

He ran a hand through his hair to smooth it; she stopped him.

"Lucas," she said coyly. "You, um, you look fine."

He looked at her and grinned. "Admit it. You like me disheveled, don't you, Mrs. Thornton?"

"Maybe a little," she admitted and then laughed when he shook his head.

She wouldn't have minded running her fingers through his hair, but she truly did like the way he looked at that moment. Still strong but with a hint of vulnerability she found appealing. Unfortunately, she knew his appearance was most likely borne of frustration and that did not sit well with her. Maybe she could get him to open up about the situation when they were by themselves in the open space. She'd always found the area to be good for baring one's soul, even if it was to no one in particular.

"Okay," he said, ready to lock up the office for the weekend. "I guess I'm ready."

"I love that you like to fish," Allie said to Francine, as they sat with their fishing poles languishing in the water, ready to catch something.

"I haven't done this for a long time. I used to tag along with your mother and uncle when they would go. I am not surprised this is an activity you enjoy."

"Did you catch big fish?"

"Not usually. Sometimes your uncle would. I mostly went to be with them."

Allie nodded. "I wish some of my friends, like Opal, would fish with me. I'm glad Uncle Nathan does it with me. Sometimes."

"He is very busy, isn't he?"

Allie nodded. "I'm sorry about last night."

Francine looked at her. "What do you have to be sorry about?"

"I dragged you and my uncle to that stupid event. I thought we were gonna see a movie."

"That's all right. I thought you were enjoying yourself?"

She shrugged. "I was, but I know Uncle Nathan wasn't happy."

"He'll get over it. Last night was not your fault. Actually, I had a very nice time."

Allie looked at her. "You did?"

"Yes. It was fun to meet new people and hear good news. Even though I don't know everyone involved, they all seemed very happy. It was a good time."

"Wow, you are somethin', Miss Richardson. I thought you'd be mad at me."

"Allie, I don't believe I could ever be mad at you, but especially not for something that wasn't your fault."

"That job Dr. Shepherd talked about, Miss Richardson?"

"What about it?" Francine asked, thinking she knew where this conversation might be heading.

"Can you take it, Miss Richardson, so you can stay here longer? Please."

"It feels wonderful to be here," Elizabeth said to Lucas, after they had hitched their horses.

Elizabeth, her arms outstretched on either side, walked around the wide open space, enjoying the soft autumn breeze and the fresh air filling her lungs. She loved being in this particular place in the morning, when the day still felt new and full of promise. Closing her eyes, she lifted her face to feel the warmth of the sun.

As Lucas observed Elizabeth in what was clearly a special place to her, he couldn't help but to remember when she had brought him here a few weeks ago. He had experienced almost every emotion imaginable as he waited and then listened and then watched helplessly as Elizabeth relived her most horrible and devastating memories before finally telling him what he had longed to hear and feared he never would. Being here on that day with Elizabeth welcoming him into her life and into her heart was a revered moment in time he would never forget.

He sensed Elizabeth was here now for an entirely different reason, and he was curious to know why she had wanted to come and why she had wanted him to be with her.

After sighing contentedly and wrapping her arms around her middle, she noticed his pensive expression. "Are you thinking about what happened here not so very long ago?"

Lucas nodded. "I am. That day was life changing for me, Elizabeth, and I will never forget it. But I am also wondering why you wanted to be here on this particular day and why you wanted me to be with you."

Releasing her arms, she moved closer to him. "Lucas, after what we shared last night and what we have been sharing these past few weeks, I wanted us to experience this place in a whole new way. I have a newfound appreciation for this land because it brought me to you in the same way Jack brought you to me. I believe that with everything I am, and no one will ever be able to convince me otherwise. With you by my side, I want to pay homage to this land, to my first love who became my husband and to everything his life and his love meant to me. This is our place now. I want you to feel as comfortable here as I do. If you need a place to go to think or for solitude or you just want somewhere to ride, I want you to feel free to come here the same way I do. The library will always be our place, but I want you to think of this as our place, too, with Little Jack."

She never ceased to amaze him. He reached for her hands and held them in his as he looked into her eyes.

"Elizabeth, this is your special place with Jack. I know, from what you told me on that fateful day, you have memories and dreams and sacred moments that are uniquely yours. With Jack. I understand, appreciate and respect that part of your life. Your world. I would never want to interfere with that, with those memories and the special times you've had and continue to have here. I am fine with this being your sanctuary with your son to honor Jack's memory and all that he meant and still means to you."

She shook her head. "Sweetheart, you don't understand. I want this to be our place. Because I have you in my life, I don't need this to be my refuge any longer, my escape if you will. You are my refuge. This vast and beautiful land is something else we now share. You are as much a part of this as my son and I are. This is yours now, too. That is what I am telling you."

"Are you sure?" he asked, searching her face for any signs of doubt or uncertainty about what she was offering him. "I don't want to interfere with your memories of another extraordinary and beautiful time in your life."

Elizabeth smiled as she squeezed his hands. "Sweetheart, you are a part of my memories. A very special part. You don't think I made new memories when I brought you here the first time? Lucas, I brought you here for that very reason. To open up and share my past with you in one of my most hallowed places. Because I needed to allow you full access into my life and into my heart so I could tell you everything that happened to Jack and to me. I needed you to understand and to know, without a doubt, how very much you mean to me. I am reinforcing that now. This land is ours."

Lucas looked around, not quite able to comprehend what it truly meant but thankful Elizabeth had chosen to allow him into this part of her world, too.

"I've given this a lot of thought," she continued, "and I think, for now, I want to leave this piece as it is. Maybe Little Jack will want it when he is older. He will know his father bought this land, but he will also know it belongs to all of us."

"Sweetheart, whatever you decide is fine," Lucas said. "I think giving this land to Little Jack if he wants it when he's older makes perfect sense. He is going to want and need reminders of his father. I think this is perfect for that purpose."

"I think so, too, but the best news, that I never truly dreamed was possible after Jack died, is my son will not grow up without a father. After last night, sweetheart, I believe the only thing standing in the way of us planning our future together is solving the problems we face which are out of our control."

"I agree. I have to resolve this oil business mess and get back to the Queen of Hearts, and you have to finish your rewrites, which I don't consider a problem the same way I view my issues, but I know that work is heavy on your mind. I guess we do have a few things we need to take care of first, don't we?"

"Yes, we do. There is something else we need to take care of, too."

Lucas looked at her. "What's that?"

''Sweetheart, we need to take care of each other. You have been there for me since the beginning, but I know there are things you are keeping to yourself. I don't want to force you to talk to me because, from experience, I know that doesn't work, but if and when you want to unburden yourself about anything, you know I'm here, right, ready and able to listen."

He caressed her cheek as he gazed into her eyes. "Elizabeth, of course I know that. You have listened and helped and guided me. I wouldn't be doing what I am doing if it hadn't been for you. I told you, very adamantly, I was not willing to give up the saloon, but you made me see it was the right thing to do. You told me I needed to talk to my uncle. I didn't want to, but again, you were right. I admit there are times when I could and probably should say more than I do, but I don't because when I am with you, what I think is a huge deal suddenly doesn't seem to be so insurmountable. You, my darling, help me just by being you. As long as I can come to you, I'm fine. You make me happy. Getting to spend quality time with your son just adds to my already overflowing joy. There is no downside to this as far as I can see. I agree we have obstacles in our way, but I don't see any of them as ones we can't and won't overcome. As soon as I get the help I need."

"I love what you are saying, sweetheart, and I agree with your assessment because I see things the same way. But I do feel as though there is one dark cloud hanging over us, and I would be remiss if I didn't mention it."

Puzzled, Lucas look at her. "What's that?"

"Are you ever going to tell me the full story about your relationship with your father?"