So although I love both Erin and Chris... I just do not see the pairing between Elizabeth and Lucas... it is just sooooooo wrong and this episode completely broke me into a million different pieces. I loved the relationship between Jack and Elizabeth, and Nathan and Elizabeth have come pretty close to what she had with Jack. Lucas is just all wrong for her. I hope to continue writing stories of her relationship with Nathan... but for this one i took the liberty of rewriting the actual episode so that for a fleeting moment I can believe she actually chose Nathan and not Lucas. Most of these words are not my own and do belong to the actual writers of the show... some are mine and I really wish that the actual show could have been written as follows... for anyone else who was completely devastated by tonight's episode i sincerely hope you enjoy this rewrite.
Elizabeth: After what's happened with both Nathan and Lucas, with my world feeling a bit like it's crashing down around me, I need my best friend now more than ever.
Rosemary comes outside and closes the door.
Elizabeth: I'm so sorry. I've behaved horribly. I don't know how I ever doubted your intentions, or your friendship. Do you forgive me?
Rosemary: Of course I do.
Inside Elizabeth's house.
Elizabeth: I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised that Lucas let me go. He just knows me so well. He could sense there was something happening with Nathan.
Rosemary: People come into our lives, some for a reason, others for a season, and some for a lifetime. Jack was a season, and it was glorious. Now it's up to you to decide who might be here for a reason or perhaps even a lifetime. And once you've settled that in your heart you'll be able to throw yourself into that person's arms, with all of your being.
Elizabeth walks into the café where Lucas is sitting at a table, she walks over to his table and he stands up to talk to her
Elizabeth: Good Morning.
Lucas: Hello.
Elizabeth: You're not eating at the saloon.
Lucas: I have some business that I thought would be better conducted here.
Elizabeth: Lucas, what you said the other night, about love, you were right and I wanted to thank you. I hadn't realized how your letting me go would help me.
Elizabeth and Rosemary were talking in her office, well really Lee's office, when she spotted Lucas through the window and rosemary noticed.
Rosemary: I take it you haven't talked to Lucas yet? Or Nathan?
Elizabeth: Not Yet. When I tried earlier with Lucas we were interrupted and… Nathan's off on Mountie business. You know, the other night the thunder woke Jack and I found myself singing him this lullaby that I haven't heard since my mother sang it to my baby sister. I just feel so lost.
Rosemary: Oh, Elizabeth. You lost your husband, you were lost between two very admirable men. But you will find your way. It's there inside you, rooted deep in your heart. Same as that old lullaby you sang to Little Jack.
Outside on the main street.
Robert: Mr. Bouchard! I have your mail right here, and a package. The package is actually for Mrs. Thornton but it came in your care.
Lucas: Thank you Robert.
Lucas walks up to Elizabeth's house and knocks on the door.
Robert: One moment.
Lucas: Robert.
Robert: Mr. Bouchard.
Lucas: I thought you were just delivering the mail.
Robert: Well I'm hoping to get a horse so I'm working as many jobs as possible.
Lucas: Ah, I see. Well, is Mrs. Thornton home?
Robert: Not at present, however you may be able to find her at the schoolhouse.
Lucas: I think I'll just leave this here.
Lucas hands Robert the package that Robert had given him earlier.
Lucas: Thank you.
Outside on main street Elizabeth sees Nathan coming back into town on his horse.
Elizabeth: Oh my goodness
Elizabeth goes running towards Nathan.
Elizabeth: NATHAN!
Lucas watches as Nathan quickly gets off his horse and scoops Elizabeth up in big tight hug.
Elizabeth: Oh, Nathan I'm so glad your all right.
Nathan smiles as their faces are almost touching and he so badly wants to kiss her when Elizabeth pulls away smiling.
Elizabeth: Nathan, I need to see you later.
Nathan smiles as he gets back on his horse and rides away. Elizabeth and Lucas share a sad look as she watches him turn his back towards her as he walks back into the saloon.
Elizabeth walking towards the Saloon to talk to Lucas.
Elizabeth: When my father saw me off on my journey west he said he hoped I'd find what God had shaped me for and then give my whole heart to it. But while my students' lessons are often found in books, In life lessons are often learned in pain. And lately I am reminded by trying to avoid those lessons, it does nothing except prolong the pain, especially when it comes to love. For too long I've allowed myself to drift between two good men whom I never intended to mislead. And so I've come to the realization that by being untrue to them, I've been untrue to myself but I no longer with for it to be that way.
Elizabeth walks up the steps to the Saloon, opens the door to find Lucas sitting at his desk in his office, she walks in and begins talking.
Elizabeth: Hi.
Lucas: Hi.
Lucas stands up and Elizabeth closes the door behind her and walks closer to him.
Elizabeth: When I said it just happened to be Nathan who Jack replaced when he was killed what I didn't say is how thankful I am that it was him. I couldn't have asked for a more courageous, selfless, good man to watch over and care for me. But I also realized that I have been trying to forget Jack while being with you. I've been trying to not hurt like that again. And that wasn't fair… to anyone. Lucas, I do love you, it would be impossible not to. But I'm not in love with you. And I'm just so sorry.
Lucas doesn't say anything as Elizabeth turns towards the door and begins walking out. She then turns back and looks at him.
Elizabeth then walks outside and takes a deep breath and begins to walk home.
Elizabeth: Lucas had a reason for being in my life but he wasn't my lifetime. Nor was I to be his, but I hope we can build a new relationship. A deep abiding friendship. Because he'll always matter to me.
Nathan is about to leave the jail and lock up when Lucas walks in.
Lucas: You going home early?
Nathan walks back behind his desk and allows Lucas to sit down in the chair opposite him.
Lucas: You have any good missions lately?
Nathan: Crime has been slow here.
Lucas: Well, whatever you are doing to keep us safe… keep it up.
Nathan: I appreciate the gratitude.
Lucas: Elizabeth came by to see me this afternoon. She told me she loves me. She's just not… she's not in love with me. I don't know if that surprises you. I can't really say it surprises me. What Elizabeth and I share… it's not the same as what it seems you two share. I think that her heart has always been with you, Nathan.
Nathan: at the moment… I'm not sure what she and I might actually share. I received another promotion in Cape Fullerton. A good one. I'm inclined to take it.
Lucas: I cant tell you what to do, but if I were you, I'd consider sticking around. Oh and if you have any one stirring up trouble… I have your back.
Nathan: Thank you.
Lucas: Yeah
Elizabeth sat down at her desk in her home and opens the package Lucas had left for her. It is the final manuscript of her book. Elizabeth begins fingering the front page with her left hand when she notices her rings still on her fingers. She looks at her rings, then at a picture of her and Jack then back at her rings and then back again at the picture with Jack and she slowly removes the rings from her fingers completely.
The next morning Elizabeth is talking to Robert about Jack's schedule when she picks up and envelope off the table.
Elizabeth: Robert, could you please deliver this to Constable Grant? It's important.
Robert: Yes Ma'am
Elizabeth: Thank you. You wont be too tired?
Robert: I'll have a nap when Jack naps. Oh, don't forget this.
Elizabeth: Rosemary's newspaper. Thank you Robert.
Elizabeth is standing at the steps of the schoolhouse watching everyone leave for the day when Robert walks up holding Jack.
Elizabeth: Oh my goodness, what a nice surprise! Hello my little man. Did you behave for Robert today?
Elizabeth notices the envelope from earlier.
Elizabeth: Oh, isn't that what I gave you to deliver to Constable Grant?
Robert: I tried dropping it off the jail was closed. The doors were even locked.
Elizabeth goes running towards the jail, finds it closed and the doors locked.
Elizabeth: Nathan?!
Rosemary: Elizabeth? What is it?
Elizabeth: Have you seen Nathan?
Lee: Uh, yeah a moment ago.
Elizabeth: Where was he?
Lee: Uh on his horse leaving.
Elizabeth: Lee! Which way did he go? I need…
Lee: That way! Heading out of town.
Elizabeth: Oh!
Rosemary: Elizabeth!
Elizabeth goes running in search of Nathan but does not see him. She ends up walking towards the bridge and stands there for a while, when Nathan walks towards her.
Nathan: I hoped id find you here.
Nathan slowly walks towards Elizabeth but she goes running into his arms and the two share a close and passionate kiss.
Elizabeth: I thought you left.
Nathan: I hadn't heard from you. I though perhaps…
Elizabeth: No, I just needed time to find my way back.
Nathan: I told you our love is worth fighting for.
Elizabeth: You were ready to leave.
Nathan: And that would have been the biggest regret of my life. You are all that matters. Your all that's important.
Nathan looks down to Elizabeth's hand that are resting comfortably on his chest and notices that her rings are gone.
Nathan: You've taken off your ring.
Elizabeth nods.
Elizabeth: Thank you for waiting for me.
Nathan bends in and once again kisses Elizabeth.
Later that evening the Library is closed with a sign that says "closed for private reading by author" Nathan walks inside to find Elizabeth standing there in a gorgeous gown surrounded by candles and flowers.
Elizabeth: I see you received your invitation. And I am so glad. Would you care for some champagne? Won't you please sit down.
Well I would like to that you for coming to tonight's very special reading. You may know me from my previous work, "A single mother on the frontier" Which I have here in galley form, due to be published sometime next year. But tonight, I'd like to read from my heart. It's a love story, and one that I've only just begun to write, about a woman who has fallen deeply for a man who is patient and kind, thoughtful and adoring.
Nathan raises his hand.
Elizabeth: Yes, uh question?
Nathan: Yes, will we get to hear about his side of the love story? Because he has fallen deeply for a woman who is true, selfless, and sweet, beautiful and endearing.
Elizabeth: Well, I am sure we will be hearing more from him, and from her. But for now, I'm afraid she's all out of words.
Nathan swings her around and once again passionately kisses her.