Thank you to all who have reviewed this story. I am still trying to put in various scenarios that would bring Nathan to visit Jack. Also, to those who are diehards, I have no idea exactly how the layout of the town works, but I am doing my best.
Fifth Visit
The night air had a chill to it, even though it was June. Nathan was sure it had something to do with his mood as he left the dance. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and kicked a stray rock on the road as he shuffled home. Ally was at a friend's house since the younger set was not invited to the dance. So, he was in no hurry to get back to the empty row house.
He decided to go check on Newton at the livery. He grabbed the door and pulled with probably more force than was necessary, because when the locked door did not respond, he was nearly pulled off his feet with the recoil. "Damnit!" He yelled rubbing his arm. He quickly looked around to see if anyone saw him make a fool of himself, then realizing the street was deserted he quickly left the scene.
Since there was nothing left to do, he decided to see how things were at the cemetery. The church and school were locked, for good reason. And it was beginning to be a place he could go that was not too far away to adequately gather his thoughts about Elizabeth.
The full moon allowed him to navigate the area without a lantern. Nathan was glad about that since people were still milling around the town for the evening's festivities.
He found Jack's headstone, but for some reason this time Nathan felt a sharp pain near his ribcage. So he decided to walk over towards a wooden bench a few yards away. He looked out over the town, towards the lake with the floating moon and moon trail on it. Slowly his eyes rested back on Jack's grave. He stood up and walked back. "Okay, I'll admit it!" He jumped at the sound of his own voice, and quickly decided he should be quieter or Bill would be there with the jail wagon taking him off to a mental asylum any second.
He sat down and took a deep breath. "I don't know how to say this Constable Thor, uh, Jack. But…" Nathan looked down at his hands. This was going to be tricky. "Jack Thornton, I am in love with your wife!" There it was out. Nathan half expected to see a bony hand reach out and grab him by the throat at that very moment. Frankly, as bad as he felt, it would have been a welcome relief from the dull ache near his heart he was dealing with at the time.
"However," Nathan quickly backtracked, "it seems that she is not in love with me. So you don't have to worry about me. There is a man that you may have to worry about, or at least I have to worry about. He is the owner of the saloon. His name is Lucas Bouchard. Kind of a snooty sounding name if you ask me." Nathan chuckled. "But, uh, it seems Elizabeth is quite taken with him." The pain near his heart made him wince just a little. "But he seems to be a good, or nice, or I don't know, maybe civil is the best way to describe him, man. Honestly, I am not entirely sure about him at all. He does seem to like his tea." Nathan suddenly realized that he was gesturing wildly. He quickly dropped his hands in embarrassment though no one was around.
Nathan exhaled, and looked around for a bit. He began picking at a small white clover that was growing near his shoe. He frowned, this was such a strange thing for a man to be doing. But somehow admitting his feelings out loud made him feel better.
"Oh, I didn't mention that I got to hold your son recently." Nathan smiled at the memory. He hadn't held a child since Ally had been born. Holding Jack had felt so natural. He also smelled so good with a whiff of Elizabeth's perfume still on him. "I am sure Elizabeth and he visit you regularly, but I just want to tell you he is a cute little guy. Definitely future Mountie material." Nathan smiled and stopped, reflecting on how Elizabeth had looked at him while he was helping her with little Jack. When he looked back at her he swore there had been a connection. But apparently, he had been mistaken. Focusing on the present Nathan spoke again his husky voice betraying his current mood, "And I again want you to know that I will do every..." he cleared his voice, "everything in my power to protect him as long as I am here."
He swallowed hard and looked up. He paused again. "No matter who his mother chooses to dance with." That last sentence carried with it a slight smirk. But he did mean it, at least a little bit.
He sat there in the warm evening just reflecting on what he had said. He meant every word about how he felt about Elizabeth. However it seemed that it was not to be. Hopefully that transfer will come through sooner than later. Then she could be happy with her new love who could take care of her and Jack's every need. He and Ally could begin a new life, free from distractions and guilt over things which he had no control. He decided that he wanted to put something on the grave as a thank you to Jack, for listening to his ramblings. He looked around and saw a beautiful round stone that he could discretely leave so that Elizabeth would be unable to know of his random vigils. He placed it near the corner of the marker.
Eventually his long legs began to protest their current position, and he was forced to stand. He heard voices being carried through the night air. He knew the dance was over so he ambled towards his home.
Bill, the ever-present unofficial protector of the town, exhausted from his long evening looked out the second story window of his office. He noticed some movement near the church graveyard. He squinted. Was that Nathan? Bill frowned slightly. He kind of shook his head and looked again. He tilted his head as if in deep thought then shrugged as he turned back towards his warm and welcoming bed.