Chapter 29 Misunderstanding
Nathan is helping Elizabeth sort some of the new books in the library and he says "Elizabeth, you have met my family and I am wondering how your family will take to the news of our courting?" Elizabeth is quiet and says "Nathan I am not sure; they did not Iike Jack being a Mountie, however I do believe they grew to care for him. While I love my family they have never understood my decision to remain in Hope Valley and raise Little Jack. After Jack died, they just wanted me to return to Hamilton".
"Well you have talked about me and the fact we are courting right?" he asks. Nathan continues "Elizabeth I know if they look at my background with my father and me being a Mountie and raising Allie will not make them happy, however, as we move forward in our relationship I really think I should talk to your father, but I don't want to do anything to upset you."
"Nathan Grant I am a fully functional single woman raising my child, I don't need nor want my father's permission to do anything. If you think you are asking him for his permission to marry me you are not the man I thought you were." Elizabeth lectures. Nathan is standing there completely dumbstruck and before he could even say anything Elizabeth sweeps out of the library. Knowing they had to find a way to resolve this issue and future issues differences as they move forward in the relationship, Nathan gives her a little time.
Nathan then goes looking for Elizabeth and believes he will find her at her favorite spot, at the pond. He is correct and he approaches her from behind and says "Elizabeth I think we need to talk"—she whirls around and says "Are you using my words ?" He smiles at her and says "not really I think we need to learn how to resolve our differences. Elizabeth I know you are a strong independent woman which are some of the reasons I have fallen in love with you. When I mentioned talking with your father I was trying to figure out how I would feel in 10 or 15 years when Allie had a suitor. I would like to have a conversation with the young man to reassure myself Allie would be entering a good relationship. I already know Allie is going to make her own decisions about who she marries, but I would just like to know it was the right thing for her." When he said that Elizabeth softened and said "Thank you for sharing that with me Nathan. I now understand you are trying to think of my parents' concerns."
He says "I am prepared that they may not like me, but don't feel you have to protect me from them. I want them to know how much I love you and Little Jack and how we plan on providing a loving stable home for all of us." Elizabeth says "While I love my parents they are more enamored of status at times than character" Nathan says "I would like them to accept me on my merits and not that I am Nate Regan's nephew. How do you think we should go about introducing me to them?" After thinking some Elizabeth says "Let's set up a time for us to call them."
Nathan says "That sound wonderful as they are your parents and they should be involved in our lives". Elizabeth kisses him and says "Thank you for understanding". Nathan says "Elizabeth as long as we are happy with our lives' path , that is what is important to me. Elizabeth, I guess we both have to learn how to communicate better on subjects we might not agree on. I know I can have a temper, but let's make a pact that we will cool down and then come back and discuss the situation as best we can". Elizabeth agrees.
