This story takes place immediately after the season 8 finale…. Which was a terrible episode in my opinion. So for all team Nathan fans…. I hope you enjoy this story. Let me know if you would like for this story to be continued.
There was a huge bang and a crash from the other room, causing Elizabeth to wake up with a start. She looked around her to reorient herself after the dream she just had. She looked down at her hand and was relieved to see both of her rings from Jack still there. She breathed a sigh of relief, that dream had felt way too close for comfort but now she was completely confused. After Lucas came to tell her that he was setting her free to go after her one true love… after Jack that is, she finally came to terms with the reality that being in love with a Mountie was her destiny in life. So then what was this dream all about what did it mean? It felt too real to be left ignored. She knew she would have to properly sort out her feelings but first she had to tend to Jack to make sure he was okay.
Several hours later, after both Elizabeth and Jack were dressed and fed, Laura came to the house to watch Jack while Elizabeth prepared to go to teach her students.
Regardless of how hard she tried she could not shake off this dream. She had so badly wanted to fall in love with Lucas. To not have to be with another Mountie ever again but despite her best efforts Nathan was the man she was in love with. True Lucas was a great guy and they did come from similar backgrounds, and honestly he reminded Elizabeth of Charles and her life back home in Hamilton. But Nathan, Nathan stood for everything she believed in, Everything she and Jack had worked so hard to create here in Hope Valley. And although Lucas was amazing in many ways, he still liked to enjoy the extras in life, in a way that she sometimes wondered what his real intentions were, and if he really planned on staying long term in a town like Hope Valley.
Elizabeth knew that had she chosen Lucas, he would treat her right and with respect. But would he respect her hopes and dreams? Was he capable of understanding her desire and love for living in Hope Valley? She believed not. So then why was she dreaming of kissing him? And as much as she wanted to dwell on the several kisses shared between her and Lucas in her dream each time she thought about it, she shuttered. Each kiss was worse than the next and too top it off the last kiss before she got so rudely woken reminded her of the time she went dancing with Charles in Hamilton. She was wearing one of those fancy ballgowns and Lucas tipped her in a manner that only a rich man would know how to do.
While Elizabeth was deep in thought trying to collect herself after that horrible nightmare, Rosemary began walking over to her. Elizabeth saw Rosemary get closer, hesitate for a minute and then turn away.
Elizabeth: Rosie wait.
Rosemary: Elizabeth, Hi.
Elizabeth: Rosemary, I'm so sorry, I've been so caught up in the drama between myself, Nathan and Lucas that I have been acting terribly towards everyone including you, and for that I sincerely apologize.
Rosemary: Thanks Elizabeth.
Elizabeth: Rosemary, I really need a friend right now. I am so confused and I do not even know where to begin.
Rosemary: Of course, Elizabeth and I am right here for you. Why don't we walk together to the school house and you can tell me what is bothering you, on the way.
Elizabeth: Thank you Rosemary, that would be truly wonderful.
The two fell into companionable silence beside each other before Rosemary broke the silence.
Rosemary: Okay Elizabeth, spill it, whats going on? What has you worked up?
Elizabeth: Its Lucas and Nathan and Lucas again, then Nathan and Allie and Jack
Rosemary: Whats wrong with baby Jack?
Elizabeth: Not baby Jack, Jack, Jack, like my husband Jack
Rosemary: Okay, so now you have really lost me. How about you quit talking in riddles and just tell me what is going on.
Elizabeth: Lucas told me that in order for me to find the person I am meant to be with he is setting me free.
Rosemary: Finally! I'm glad he came to the realization on his own that you are in love with Nathan and not him.
Elizabeth: But am I in love with Nathan?
Rosemary: Of course you are! Okay well I'm not you so I cant say for sure, but the way you look at him, act when hes around. It seams to everyone that you love him, but are just too afraid to open your heart up to another Mountie again.
Elizabeth: That's what I kept telling myself all along. I knew I wasn't being fair to either of them, but at the same time I just couldn't forgive myself if I allowed myself to fall in love with Nathan and then lose him the way I lost Jack.
Rosemary: So what's changed.
Elizabeth: I kissed Lucas
Rosemary: You did what?
Elizabeth: Well it wasn't for real
Rosemary: You've lost me. You kissed Lucas but it wasn't real? What does that mean?
Elizabeth: It was in a dream.
Rosemary: Ooooh, this is juicy. You dreamt about Lucas?
Elizabeth: In my dream I told Nathan that I loved him but still couldn't be with him and I told Lucas that I loved him and we shared several kisses, in several different places. None of this makes any sense and now I am panicking. What if my dream is right. What if in my heart of hearts I do love Lucas. Or was this the universes way of telling me that I have to love Lucas because if not I will lose Nathan.
Rosemary: Wow! That must have been one intense dream. I cannot even imagine. Was the kiss good at least
Elizabeth: I don't kiss and tell Rosemary. Even if the kiss was only in a dream.
Rosemary: Fair enough.
Elizabeth: Now what? What do I tell Lucas? What about Nathan?
By this point they had reached the school house and began walking up the stairs they opened the doors and Rosemary answered.
Rosemary: I say take the day to think about it. You don't have to tell Nathan or Lucas anything just yet.
Nathan: You don't have to tell us what?
Elizabeth and Rosemary quickly looked up to find Lucas and Nathan standing together in front of them.
Rosemary: That's my cue. I'm going to leave the three of you to chat alone.
Elizabeth began to panic. She had not prepared for this. Honestly she did not know what to say to either of them. Elizabeth closed her eyes and in her mind she saw Jack and heard him talking to her.
Jack: Elizabeth, don't think too much into it. You know who you love and just go with that, if luck is on your side it will work out, and if not, well you found love not only once but twice. You will be able to love again, love another man the way you loved me, but most importantly you will be able to let another man love you and Jack the way I do.
Elizabeth opened up her eyes, took a deep breath and looked closely at both men standing in front of her.
Elizabeth: I know that my actions have not been the best lately, and that it has taken me several years to finally get passed the hurt of losing Jack, but I have finally made up my mind to follow my heart and be faithful and true to only one of you standing here. Lucas you are one of the most amazing, kind hearted and thoughtful individuals I know. And we all know that most of all I haven't been fair to you. I told you I wanted us to court when we both knew my heart belonged to another man. I was so afraid of being hurt again that I hurt two people very close to me instead. I really hope that one day you will be able to fully forgive me for my actions these past couple years and that you and I will one day be able to be friends again.
Lucas: Elizabeth I appreciate you being truthful and honest with me. And yes as much as it does hurt knowing that you love Nathan and not me, no, I am not surprised. I saw this coming, we all did. And Elizabeth you and I will always remain friends. I promise.
Elizabeth gave Lucas a tight hug and watched as he turned his back towards her and walked down the stairs and away from the school house. Elizabeth turned towards Nathan with a huge smile on her face.
Nathan: So does this mean what I think it means?
Elizabeth: It sure does
Nathan: You have no clue how long I've waited for this.
Nathan pulled Elizabeth in for a deep long passionate kiss. They stayed that way for a while until they heard the children coming into the school house.
Elizabeth: Nathan. I love you.
Nathan: I love you too.