Previously
"That new constable didn't make you cry did he"?
That...that voice. She would know that voice even if she feorgot it, which was impossible. He was entirely unforgettable.
"Jack"?
Elizabeth Thornton melted into the embrace of her husband. Her tears ran fresh. All of a sudden the pain, the heartache, the maany sleepless nights alone, crying over him, it all vanished as she breathed in his familiar scent.
"It's all right Elizabeth", he said, rubbing her back soothingly, "Everything will be all right".
For a moment neither Man, nor Wife, said anything.
"Elizabeth", he said, gently cupping her face and looking her in the eyes.
"Yes, Jack"?
"You need to forgive Nathan".
"What for...he hasn't done anything".
"You've been blaming him for too long".
"Jack, you're here, can't we just focus on that"?
"I wish we could, but I only have so much time".
"What"?
"Elizabeth, we bith know Nathan is not responsible for my death. But you've blaming him for not being me".
"Jack please just stop, i don't need this".
"Yes you do, otherwise I wouldn't be here. You miss me, I get that. Now that I'm here I miss you more than anything, but it's time you made an effort to move past grieving me and letting someone who loves you in".
"I've already let Lu..."
"I'm not talking about Lucas. You and i bith know that fancy dinners and shows are not the way to your heart, Elizabeth. Nathan feels guilty for loving you because of me. But he loves you for the same reason I do, for the same reason Abigail fought so hard to keep you in Hope Valley. The heart may be deceitful, Elizabeth, but God isn't. Listen to Him".
Off in the distance a Mountie on a white horse, leading a black, riderless horse, with mountie saddle and blanket, cantered through the dry street. Both Jack and Elizabeth looked at the horse, then back at each other. Jack looked at her eyes, drinking them in, one last time.
"I have to go now, Elizabeth".
He was glad when the words weren't as painful for her to hear as he thought they would be. She was moving forward. He knew she still loved him, and always would, but she was young and had so much love to share. But still, she clung to him.
"Please Jack, just a little longer".
He smiled and kissed her forehead.
"Remember Elizabeth, trust God, not your heart".
With that Jack turned and walked away. He took the campaign hat that rested on the saddle horn and covered his head. In a smooth, practised motion, he mounted his steed.
"We had a wonderful love story Elizabeth. Just because my chapter has ended, it doesn't mean the book is done".
With that Jack and the nameless mountie rode off into the darkness.
"Elizabeth? Elizabeth"!
Elizabeth awoke to Carson gently shaking her awake. She was outside, wrapped in a blanket. The rain had stopped and the streets muddy, with no hoofprints to be seen, save for those of poor Newton who had been forgotten in the heat of the moment.
"Allie", Elizabeth said with a start, "is she..."?
"Allie's just fine, Nathan will have to watch her for a bit, just to be safe, but other than that she's alright".
Elizabeth sighed with relief.
"Is it okay if I see her".
"Of course, but try to keep her calm, she's okay, but she's still recovering".
Elizabeth nodded and gently opened the door. Nathan was by Allie's side, holding her as close as he could. He smiled at Elizabeth.
"She's sleeping", he said, his voice a gentle whisper.
"Did she tell you what happened"?
"A little. It was mostly incoherent, but essentially she went there to pray for...us to be...together...and I guess she wore herself out. She hasn't been sleeping to well lately. I guess we both haven't. This whole situation isn't exactly ideal, especially with the whole suspension revelation".
"I know, and I'm sorry. I know three years seems like a lot, but it's still not enough".
"I get it, I'm still trying to get through what happened. I struggled for so long to come to terms with the fact that it it's not my fault. Then with Constable Novak being killed...I guess what I'm trying to say is I thought I had a reason for not telling you sooner. But the truth is, I was scared. I'm sorry for not telling you about Jack and I sooner".
Elizabeth sat down next to him and took his hand.
"Thank you Nathan. I just want us to be honest with each other from now on".
"Me too".
As the two looked into the others eyes the door creaked open.
"Hello"?
Lucas's voice brought them both up short and they retreated into their own space.
"Lucas, hi", Elizabeth whispered, "Allie's asleep".
"I heard, from Carson. He came over to ask if I had any blankets to spare", he said, laying a pile of blankets on the spare bed, "so I brought some over. Where is Carson, by the way".
"He's taking Faith home in Nathan's carriage ".
"Elizabeth, do you mind if I talk with Nathan alone? It's between us".
Elizabeth looked concerned, but trusted Lucas.
"Of course. I'll be by to visit tomorrow, don't worry about school, she has my permission to recover at home for as long as she needs".
Nathan smiled. "Duly noted".
Both men watched as Elizabeth left. As the door closed behind her the turned to face each other. A silence hung in the air as Lucas shifted his weight. Nathan watched, waiting to hear what he had to say.
"Look", Lucas started, "I know you love Elizabeth, but you have to understand that I'm not going anywhere".
"Lucas, let me stop you right there. It has never been my intent to come between you. I can't help my feelings for her, as I'm sure you can attest to first hand, but you're right, I do love her. But I also know that she's not over Jack. So, whatever happens between you two I hope you understand that I never wanted anything other than the best for Elizabeth".
Lucas let a moment pass between them before he said, "But you don't think it's me"!?
"I don't know. But I do know that we both have to wait for her".
Lucan squeezed his lips together and nodded.
"I think we can both agree on that".
Finally, for the first time since they met, both men felt some ease between them. As they parted and said their goodbyes they shook hands.
"Nathan, if you'd like, would you care to get a drink with me? I think Elizabeth would appreciate it if we became friends".
"Friends"?
"Well, let's try acquaintance for now".
Nathan chuckled and smiled.
"I think that could work".
Alright, chapter three is done. Sorry for the craziness in the organization of the story but we're moving forward. I hope ya'll aren't too disappointed with this chapter. Ehat do ya'll think about Lucas and Nathan being friends?