"From the bottom of my heart, I don't blame you for Jack's death." Nathan hadn't been expecting those words when Elizabeth asked him to step outside with her. After what Lucas had just said he was expecting her to tell him that she didn't feel the same way that he did and that he had to let her go. That she loved Lucas not him. He felt defeated and lower than he ever felt before. Feeling like his heart was about to be torn apart. Nathan looked up trying to stop the tears that threatened to fall. Her declaration had been something that he didn't realize that he needed. As he blinked, he could feel the weight of the grief, anger, and guilt that he had been feeling for the past three years fade away.
He didn't know what to say or do, he wanted to pull Elizabeth into his arms and hug her like she hugged him last fall but he was scared that she'd run. So, he said, "thank you," and slowly reached for her left hand. He needed her to know how much her words had affected him and how she had freed him from the past. He hoped that in a way it freed her from the unknown as well because she hadn't known the full truth about Fort Clay until he told her a few weeks prior. He knew that he should have told her sooner but he had been scared that he would lose the most important person in his life next to Allie if he had told her.
As he took her left hand she offered him her right hand as well, he knew in that gesture that she had spoken the truth. That she didn't blame him and that she forgave him for keeping the secret for so long. As they held onto each other and gazed into each other's eyes they could feel the healing and peace descending onto them. The love they had for each other was so evident to anyone that happened to witness this moment. They stood there together for a couple minutes before the spell was broken by the sound of a door closing. Elizabeth jumped and fell into Nathan. He caught her and put his arms around her to steady her. Elizabeth felt like lightning had hit her and she looked up into Nathan's eyes and wondered if he felt it too. His eyes had turned much softer and he held her gaze with a look she had never seen before. It was similar to the one he had when he told her that he loved her but there was something different. She reached up and touched his cheek.
Inside the saloon, Lucas had seen Elizabeth and Nathan standing together holding hands. He felt jealous and was anxiously waiting for Elizabeth to come back inside. He knew that they had to talk but he hated conflict and just wanted to dance with her. He wandered over towards the window just in time to see Elizabeth in Nathan's embrace and watched her raise her hand to touch his cheek lovingly. Lucas knew then that Elizabeth loved Nathan as much as Nathan said he loved her. He had just been her second choice, the safe choice, when she was too afraid to lose another love.
Unbeknownst to the fact that they had an audience, Nathan pulled Elizabeth a little closer into his arms and reached for the hand that was warm against his cheek. He let his hand linger over hers for a few seconds before taking it and placing a kiss upon it. He wanted to kiss her but wanted to gauge her reaction to the hand kiss because he was not going to let her run again. He had to take things slowly at her pace. He was not going to take her being here with him for granted. Nathan watched Elizabeth's eyes darken and flutter closed a bit when he kissed her hand. She didn't struggle or pull away. If anything, she moved closer. Her free hand went to his shoulder and her fingers played with the hair at the back of his collar. Elizabeth let go of Nathan's hand and put her other hand behind his head. Elizabeth wanted to kiss him but she that it was too soon so instead she stood on her tiptoes and gently placed a kiss on his cheek before asking, "dance with me?"
Nathan put his arms around her waist and they swayed to the music coming from inside the saloon. Elizabeth linked her hands behind Nathan's neck and moved closer into his embrace. She gazed into his eyes and saw the love. Nathan was good at hiding his feelings but looking at him right now she could see the truth. He loved her with every fiber of his being and that wasn't going to change. Though she knew that he would let her walk away and break his heart if he thought that was what she needed. He had let her once before but this time she didn't want to walk away. After her talk with Katie, she realized that she was doing what she told Katie not to do. Elizabeth could no longer let fear rule her life because tonight she finally understood that running away from Nathan wouldn't prevent her from being hurt if something happened to him it was only denying herself the joy and love they could be sharing now and hopefully forever.
Nathan felt Elizabeth relax even more in his embrace and he looked into her eyes more intently. What he saw there scared him a bit because he didn't want to get his hopes dashed again. He was usually very good at reading people and what he thought he saw was love and desire. What started out as a moment of forgiveness and healing was quickly turning into something more. Something that could last a lifetime. He folded Elizabeth closer into his arms so her head was on his shoulder as they continued to sway to the romantic music from the dance inside. He didn't want the night to end and it didn't seem like Elizabeth wanted to be anywhere else either. He didn't know how long they had been dancing but it felt so right.
All of a sudden, the tempo of the music changed into a lively number and Elizabeth and Nathan were jolted out of the moment they were sharing. Instead of going back inside they shifted positions and started to follow the beat of the new music, they moved off the boardwalk into the street dancing, twirling and dipping to the sounds of the songs playing. Oblivious to everything around them they were having a great time smiling and laughing as they danced together. They knew that they should go back inside and rejoin the celebration but they were enjoying themselves too much to let the moment end.
Bill was getting suspicious of Lucas because he hadn't moved from the window in quite some time. He suspected that he was watching Elizabeth and Nathan but wasn't sure. Bill suspected there was something going on between Nathan and Elizabeth but with Elizabeth dating Lucas something was definitely off. Elizabeth hadn't been herself in quite some time and Nathan had been quieter and more reserved as well. Bill came up behind Lucas and saw Nathan and Elizabeth dancing in the street. They looked so happy. He hadn't seen either of them look so carefree and joyous in a very long time. Bill noticed that Lucas looked less than impressed with what was happening in the street but he didn't seem to be making any effort to stop it. Lucas sensed someone behind him and turned towards Bill. He said, "All I want is for Elizabeth to be happy. I've tried but I've never been able to make her that happy. I know that she doesn't love me and I know that I like her a lot and could come to love her but I think her heart has chosen already. I think that we are better off as friends. I see that now and I hope she does too otherwise she wouldn't be dancing in the street with someone else."
"Judge Avery, do you know where Uncle Nathan is? I wanted to ask him if it was okay for me and Robert to take a walk," Allie asked as she walked up behind him and Lucas. She wondered what was happening in the street that had them with their noses pressed against the window like children waiting for Santa to arrive on Christmas eve. She snuck a peek and saw her favorite people dancing in the street without a care in the world. Her Uncle was almost acting like he was before what happened in Fort Clay. Not that he ever danced in the street before but he was smiling and laughing and more at ease than she had seen him in a long time. Allie joined the other two and pressed herself closer to the window. Allie was hoping that this meant that both her uncle and Mrs. Thornton like liked each other again. She so wanted them to be a family. She already thought of Elizabeth as a mother and loved little Jack too. Allie knew that she had to find a way to keep them together and as exuberant as they were now.
Rosemary had seen Elizabeth and Nathan leave but she hadn't seen them return. She looked around to see if she had missed her best friend come back but couldn't see her anywhere. She couldn't have gone far because her purse was still on the table, she had set it on earlier. She couldn't see Nathan either, she hoped they hadn't had another argument and Elizabeth had gone home without telling anyone. She knew that Nathan wouldn't have left Allie here alone unless something major had happened. As her eyes continued to scan the saloon, she saw three unlikely people huddled at a window staring outside. Rosemary pulled Lee to another window that faced out into the street and peered outside. She couldn't believe her eyes. Nathan and Elizabeth were dancing in the street. She had sensed that there was a deep emotional connection between them for quite some time but Elizabeth kept denying it. After her run in with Nathan in the library she knew that Nathan loved Elizabeth, maybe even more than Jack did. Rosemary whispered to Lee and they went outside as quietly as possible and started to dance in the street near Elizabeth and Nathan. The music had slowed again so Elizabeth was tucked close to Nathan in his warm embrace.
Soon Jesse and Clara, and Ned and Florence had joined them dancing in the street. Bill asked Molly and Carson and Faith joined in as well. As the door to the saloon slammed behind Hickam and Fiona, Nathan and Elizabeth were jolted to the present. They had been blissfully unaware that other couples had joined them in the street dancing. They looked around shocked that they had been so involved in each other that they hadn't noticed that the party had come to them and that no one had made any effort to separate them. Florence spoke first, "not that this hasn't been a blast but I'm getting a bit chilled so I suggest we all take the party back inside. You too Elizabeth and Nathan, no running off you two. We all have eyes. We knew long before you did that you were perfect for each other." Feeling a little self-conscious but elated that their friends had accepted the newest development Nathan and Elizabeth walked arm in arm back into the saloon. Elizabeth worried what Lucas would think and say but she knew that she couldn't stay with him. She didn't love him. Florence called all the single ladies to the dance floor to toss her bouquet. Elizabeth wanted to hang back but Faith and Fiona pulled her with them to join Molly and Katie and a few other widows.
On the count of three, Florence threw her bouquet and once again it landed in Elizabeth's arms. She had to laugh because Florence had almost caught Clara's bouquet but it landed in Elizabeth's arms and now Florence who touched Clara's bouquet first had married. Ned and Florence then ran out the door eager to start their new life together as everyone clapped and cheered. Elizabeth turned towards Nathan and reached for his hand just as Lucas called her name. Nathan shifted so that Elizabeth's back was against his chest and his one arm was around her. He would easily step between Lucas and Elizabeth if the need arose but he knew better than to speak for Elizabeth. He would be here for support if needed. Lucas could see that Nathan had positioned himself behind Elizabeth for support and not needing to be the one to speak for her. He understood in that moment that he always wanted to or spoke for Elizabeth instead of just offering his support. She had to tell him to step back but with Nathan he instinctively knew to let Elizabeth speak for herself and that he would be there if needed. Lucas stopped in front of Elizabeth and said, "Congratulations on catching the bouquet. I feel you and Nathan have been blessed with finding a love that will last a lifetime. Elizabeth, everyone here including me can see where you heart lies and it isn't with me. You ran to me out of fear of losing another great love and I will not stand in the way of true love. All I ever wanted is for you to be happy and seeing you dancing in the street is the happiest I've ever seen both of you." Elizabeth was shocked by Lucas' speech and gave him a half hug before returning to Nathan's arms. Lucas and Nathan shook hands before Lucas turned away and went to talk to Henry.
Allie walked up to them and threw her arms around them enveloping them in a big group hug. Elizabeth hugged Allie back before excusing herself. She wanted to talk to Rosemary. Elizabeth found Lee and Rosemary and asked Lee if he minded going to talk to Nathan while she talked to Rosemary. Elizabeth knew that she had to apologize, "Rosemary, I am so sorry for everything. I've been so lost the last few months. I've been denying my feelings and hiding in the grief and fear. I lashed out at you for telling me the truth when the truth was just too hard to hear. I can see now you just wanted me to follow my heart and stop letting the fear of the unknown rule my life. Can you please forgive my bad behavior and be friends again?" Elizabeth hugged Rosemary and Rosemary nodded. While Rosemary and Elizabeth chatted, Allie asked Nathan if Robert could walk her home. He nodded but sent Robert a look that spoke volumes. Lee laughed and said, "parenting teenagers isn't easy. When Suzanna asks us to look after Rachel, I had no idea how much of a challenge it would be. Especially after she met Christopher."
Rosemary and Elizabeth joined Lee and Nathan then and said that it was probably time to head for home. Lee found Rosemary's coat. Elizabeth grabbed both of their purses while Nathan went to get Elizabeth's coat. Lee and Nathan helped the ladies into their coats before both couples left the saloon. Rosemary and Lee had driven into town so they offered Elizabeth and Nathan a ride but they declined preferring to walk. They weren't ready for the night to end yet. The men shook hands and Elizabeth and Rosemary hugged again before Lee and Rosemary drove away. Elizabeth took Nathan's hand and they walked slowly towards her row house with Florence's bouquet in her other hand. They walked in silence enjoying just being together. Their fingers laced together providing them with the connection they needed.
When the got to Elizabeth's house they could see that the Coultier's house was already dark. It was like Rosemary's way of saying I'm not peeking tonight. Elizabeth and Nathan walked up the front steps and before Nathan could say good night Elizabeth asked him to come in for coffee. She wasn't ready to say good night just yet. She opened her front door and motioned Nathan inside before closing the door behind them. Once inside she set the bouquet on the table and went to start the coffee. After she had the coffee started, she turned back to Nathan and said, "won't you sit down? I'll be right back. I will let Laura know I'm home and check on little Jack and be right back." Elizabeth went upstairs and before heading into Jack's bedroom she stopped in her own. She opened her jewelry box and slowly pulled her wedding rings off. She kissed them before placing them beside Jack's wedding band. She would give them to little Jack someday but she wasn't going to start a relationship with Nathan wearing Jack's rings. She then closed the box and went to little Jack's bedroom. Laura was sitting in the rocking chair knitting. When she saw Elizabeth, she started to put her things away. She said good night and went downstairs to go home for the night. Elizabeth placed a kiss on her son's forehead and readjusted his blankets before heading back downstairs.
Laura saw Nathan putting flowers in a vase. She laughed to herself because Elizabeth had caught another bouquet though she had expected Mr. Bouchard to be the one driving Elizabeth home not Constable Grant. Though, Elizabeth was always more at ease with Constable Grant than with Mr. Bouchard. Something must have happened at the wedding for Nathan to be here and not Lucas. Laura liked Nathan better than Lucas anyway. Laura nodded to him before putting on her jacket and leaving. Nathan went to place the flowers on Elizabeth's desk. As he was putting them down, he noticed two things on the desk. One was a letter and the other was a picture. The picture was of them, the one Carson had insisted on taking at Jesse and Clara's wedding. He hadn't known that Carson had given Elizabeth a copy but why had she kept it. The other was a letter from Jack telling Elizabeth to find love again if something happened to him. Had Elizabeth been looking at both before the wedding? Had they given her the courage to follow her heart?
Nathan could smell the coffee so he went to the living room and sat down as Elizabeth descended the stairs. She went to the kitchen and grabbed two cups before pouring the fresh coffee. She set the pot back on the stove and placed a few cookies on a plate and took them to the coffee table before taking a seat next to Nathan. She handed him a cup and as she did, he noticed that her ring finger was bare. He knew that the rings had been there earlier because he had felt them when they walked home. She had taken them off when she had gone upstairs. Had she taken them off because she was ready to move on with him? It pleased him to know that she hadn't taken them off while she had been dating Lucas. Nathan said nothing as he accepted the coffee and took a sip. Elizabeth picked up her cup and took a sip as well.
Nathan pulled at his tie to loosen it. He said, "I hate these things. I only wear them when I absolutely have to." Elizabeth reached over and took the tie off. She set it on the table and said, "you don't have to be uncomfortable around me." She itched to undo the top two buttons of his shirt and went to do it but stopped hesitantly. Nathan noticed her internal struggle and guided her fingers to the buttons. She undid them and let her hands fall back into her lap. Nathan reached over and touched her cheek watching her intently before cupping her chin and leaning in to touch his lips to hers. The kiss only lasted a couple seconds before he pulled back and looked into her eyes assessing her reaction. The jolt of electricity she felt in those seconds was undeniable and it only made her want more. She looked into Nathan's eyes and without saying a word asked for more. This time she met him half way and their lips locked. Her finger found his hair and his hands gently cradled her face. They kissed with so much love and passion. There was no denying that they were meant to be together. When they were both breathing heavily, they broke apart. Nathan had never felt something so intense before but he knew that he better go home before things got too out of control.
Nathan spoke first, "Elizabeth, I don't want to leave but we both know that after that kiss I better leave now or I won't be able to leave." Elizabeth nodded and they both stood up. He reached for his tie and put it in his jacket pocket. She walked him to the door and said, "would you and Allie like to come for supper tomorrow evening? Nathan I've wasted so much time by being afraid, I don't want to take a single moment that you and I can be together for granted. I don't want to take things too slowly but I want to get things right between us because there are two children involved. Though I know little Jack loves you and Allie hasn't made it a secret that she wants us to be together." Nathan nodded and kissed her again in the doorway before saying good night and walking towards his row house. He knew that tonight was the start of forever for him and Elizabeth.