Greetings, Readers!

It has been a very long time since I have written a fanfic, but—here we are! I am so excited to share my new story with all of you.

As usual, this is a LucaBeth story, but not only a LucaBeth story. And since I have written two prior fics about them, I decided once again not to make them the sole focus of this one. I like to write my stories with other characters also in the forefront. There will be a few surprises along the way, so buckle up for the ride. I have had a story in my mind I've been dying to tell (not LucaBeth), and it is included in this fic. I have also reintroduced a character from the series that some will love, and some won't, but it was necessary for this storyline I had in mind. I hope you will bear with me.

I invite Nathan fans to read along. I love the dynamic between Nathan and Allie and like to explore that a bit in my writing. And you never know when some romance for our Mountie might be around the corner. ;)

This story begins the morning after Season 8 ended and- as is the beauty of fiction- we are now close to the Christmas season.

So, without further ado, here is Rebuilding Bridges!

Enjoy!

Chapter 1~

The morning air was cool on her skin as she made her way to the livery. Looks like fall is finally here, the holidays are right around the corner, Elizabeth thought as she walked through the door and headed for Sergeant's stall. The cooler weather had held off until late in the season this year, but it had decisively arrived. She smiled as she saddled Jack's horse, her horse, and walked him out. Mounting up, she headed for the edge of town and lightly kicked him into a full run.

Grinning as she rode, Elizabeth just couldn't contain the happiness she felt inside. The last couple of days had run the gamut of her emotions- first the weightiness of telling Nathan that she wasn't in love with him had made her a little sad. It was obvious that he was hurt, and that was never her intention, but it had to be done and she tried to make it as painless as possible. Still, it was a poignant moment and Elizabeth hated hurting anyone. She had breathed a prayer as she left Nathan's office that his heart would quickly mend, and he would hopefully find the one that was meant for him- his soulmate.

Determination was second. Elizabeth knew she had to tell Lucas what had been put off for too long- that he was the one. So, she sent the invitation with Robert for a quiet evening in the library. After Robert told her the saloon was locked, concern set in, then fear as she found out for herself that Lucas had secured the doors and apparently left town. Running down the street and knowing she could never catch the car left her reeling with despondency that she had waited just a little too long.

While standing on the bridge, her grief overtook her. Mourning a love that really never had the chance to begin and thinking she had lost it forever, she cried. How did I let this happen? she thought. Why did I wait so long? She of all people knew the brevity of life, having lost her first great love to a horrible accident. Berating herself went on for a bit, then, drying her tears, she questioned how she would ever be able to move forward without him.

At the sound of his voice, her heart leaped in her chest. Turning quickly, all of those other emotions faded into nothingness as she met his dark eyes so full of love. Grief turned into bliss as they hurried to each other, both knowing how close they came to not having this moment. Their first kiss was filled with an urgency and breathlessness that left them both panting, and desperate for another. Elizabeth wasn't sure how long they stood there, embracing, and caressing each other but too soon they parted- after many passionate kisses.

Then the romantic evening in the library- their library. Her heart was full when he walked her home and lovingly kissed her once more, then winked before he went back to town.

Elizabeth had lightly tapped the door at Rosemary's house, then quietly opened it, her friend grinning at her from the sofa. "Tell me all about it," Rosemary had said softly and listened as Elizabeth flooded her with details, her own heart bursting with happiness for her friend. After talking for over an hour, Elizabeth had stood to leave, planning to go upstairs and get Little Jack. "Oh, leave him here. He is sleeping soundly after Lee wore him out playing. You can sleep in and come get him after breakfast since tomorrow is Saturday."

"Are you sure Rosemary? He will probably go right back to sleep."

Waving her friend towards the door, Rosemary replied, "Of course, I am sure. You go on home and write something wonderful in that journal of yours before having glorious dreams about today." Rosemary once again broke into a huge grin, "I am so thrilled for you, Elizabeth. Lucas obviously adores you. I know you two will be happy together."

After a hug, Elizabeth had gone home to a quiet house. Walking in and closing the door, she had wrapped her arms around herself and twirled about, not knowing how else she could express the overflowing feelings within her. Turning to her desk, she quickly sat and picked up her pen.

I will have more to write tomorrow but I couldn't let this magnificent day pass without a brief word.

I love Lucas. And Lucas loves me back. His kisses leave me breathless and impatient for the next one. While Jack was my first love and my heart was fully consumed, around Lucas I feel like a small boat in a hurricane. My feelings came slowly but crashed into my soul suddenly and violently on the bridge today. I am thrilled and terrified all at once and cannot wait to see where our love takes us…

Elizabeth thought for a moment before laying her pen down and climbing the stairs. Sleep didn't come immediately, but it did eventually come, and sweet dreams accompanied it. The bright sun streaming through the window awakened her, and she briefly wondered if yesterday had only been a wonderful fantasy. As she stirred, she realized that it had indeed happened and smiled as she stretched her muscles awake. Quickly finishing her toilette, she decided to ride out to where their relationship had truly been confirmed.

She dismounted and turned towards the bridge, a smile breaking out as she did so. The man who had stolen her heart stood right where she had been standing yesterday when he showed up. Only Lucas was not looking out over the water, he was facing her, his smile as bright as the sunlight that had roused her this morning.

"I didn't expect to find you here," Elizabeth said, paralleling what he had said yesterday when he arrived.

"I needed to think. And process," he replied as they walked towards each other, meeting near the end of the bridge.

"I could leave if you like," Elizabeth teased, her blue eyes twinkling as she stared up into his magnetic brown ones.

"If you do, I will come after you," he breathed out huskily, his face turning serious, only inches from hers. Reaching up, he gently placed his hand on her cheek searching her eyes for permission before leaning down and kissing her tenderly. When the kiss ended too soon, he took her in his arms, leaning down to whisper in her ear. "Am I dreaming?" he asked softly, his breath on her ear sending shivers down her spine. "Please don't wake me," he whispered.

Elizabeth leaned in, not able to get close enough and wrapped her arms around his back, catching a hint of the masculine scent he always wore so well. "If you are, then I must be too," she responded, closing her eyes to take it all in. She felt the touch of Lucas' hands slowly caressing her back, causing feelings she hadn't felt in a long time. Knowing she needed to get control, she stepped back and placed her hands on his chest, meeting his eyes once again.

A slight smile crossed his face as he touched her cheek for the second time. "I feel like my heart is going to explode. Like my feelings have nowhere to go," he said as his eyes danced back and forth over hers. "What worthy thing have I done in my life to deserve you?" His eyes welled as he spoke in earnest tones, not wanting the importance of this moment to go unnoticed.

Elizabeth placed her trembling hand on his cheek feeling the roughness of his beard on her soft skin, the contrast quite pleasant for both of them. "Lucas, I almost lost you…" she began, her gaze never leaving his. He gently placed his index finger on her lips, quieting her.

"No, you didn't. Once I was driving out of town, my heart wouldn't let me go. How could I believe you were my soulmate if I was willing to leave you? That's when I turned around and came to the bridge. Had you not been here, I planned to get my thoughts together before coming to see you. But you were here…"

"And the rest is history?" Elizabeth said, her hands drifting to his shoulders as she sweetly smiled.

Smiling in return, he ran his fingers through her hair and carefully pulled her to him. "You are my heartbeat," he softly said as their lips met once again after her soft gasp.

Melting into his embrace her mind completely comprehended what he had just said.

###

Buttoning his serge as he came down the stairs, Nathan stopped on the bottom step to watch Allie. His niece- his daughter now- was sitting on the sofa writing. There was nothing new about that except every time she would scribble something down, she would scrunch up her face as if she was thinking and tap her pencil against her cheek. Sometimes she would quickly shake her head no and mark through something she wrote, and others she would smile and nod her head. Curiosity got the best of him after observing her for a bit and he finally spoke.

"Good morning Allie."

"Oh, hey Uncle Nathan," she responded absentmindedly, her eyes never leaving her paper.

"You seem quite absorbed in your schoolwork this morning. Anything you need help with?"

"It's not schoolwork," she answered, continuing to scrutinize what she had written so far.

Nathan walked around and sat down next to her. "Mind if I have a look?" he asked putting his hand out.

"Suit yourself," Allie replied, handing the piece over. As Nathan looked it over, he was puzzled.

"This is a list of names. What's it for?' he quizzed as he handed the paper back.

Quickly sitting up straight, Allie took the sheet back. "I decided to make a list of potential girlfriends for you," she said casually as she pored over her work again.

"You decided to what?" Nathan exclaimed, astonished by her reply.

Allie looked at him and smiled. "Let's face it, Uncle Nathan, you obviously need help. Look what I have so far. I named all the women that we know. Now of course I had to mark out Mrs. Yost because, well, she is married. Same for Mrs. Coulter, Mrs. Flynn, and Mrs. Canfield. Because we can't break up a marriage to find you a girlfriend…"

Nathan shook his head trying his best to look serious, although he was amused at her last statement. "Of course not," he responded, keeping his smile hidden.

Allie continued, "But here are all the ones that are left. Miss Miller, Dr. Carter…"

"Dr. Carter? She is in a relationship with Dr. Shepherd," Nathan interjected.

"But they aren't married, so she stays. Now where was I…oh yeah, Mrs. Sullivan…"

"Molly? Seriously? I think she kind of likes Judge Avery."

Allie looked up at her uncle with a serious face, tapping her pencil on her left ring finger. "No ring so she stays. And last but not least, Mrs. Thornton. I know she has been seeing Mr. Bouchard but she is still single, so I didn't mark her off."

Nathan reached over taking the paper from her hand. "May I?" he asked regarding her pencil which she handed to him as she rolled her eyes. He quickly scratched through Elizabeth's name, scanned the other three names and gave it back to Allie.

"I think we can safely say that Mrs. Thornton is taken. We had a talk, and she will continue to see Mr. Bouchard, not me. I'm sorry Allie. I know you had your hopes up."

Looking up at her uncle Allie spoke. "I've known for a while that she like-liked Mr. Bouchard. He's a nice man so I'm happy for them. I just want you to be happy too, Uncle Nathan."

Nathan was touched at his niece's compassion and reached over to tussle her hair. "Thank you, Allie. It just wasn't meant to be with us. But you and I are happy together, aren't we?"

Wrapping her arms around his neck, Allie squeezed him tight. "Of course, we are. But you need a lady in your life. And I'm going to help you find her," she said as she released him and looked down at her list again. "Now, what about Miss Miller..."

###

Lucas watched as Elizabeth mounted up and rode back towards town, turning to blow him a kiss as she did so. He pretended to catch it in the air and pulled his fist to his heart as he smiled at her.

They had stayed to talk for a bit on the bridge before heading to work, Lucas drinking in the sight of her as he held her hand and rubbed the back of it with his thumb. He knew he would never take Elizabeth for granted if he got the chance to spend the rest of his life with her. His patience and adoration had paid off and he hoped to make her the happiest wife on earth.

Someday.

As much as Lucas wanted to marry Elizabeth, he was enjoying the newness of their relationship right now. They had to get to know each other a bit more before a proposal, and he also wanted to develop a bond with Jack. He looked forward to spending time with the little guy, much as his own father did with him when he was small. Every boy needs a father around and he felt blessed that he might get the opportunity to help raise Jack Thornton's son.

Getting behind the wheel, Lucas started up his car, remembering yesterday fondly. His heart pricked him that he had thought about leaving the woman he loved without saying goodbye. When he had walked up to the bridge and saw the pain he had caused, regret shook him to the core. Nathan's words at the saloon had given him hope that perhaps Elizabeth might return his own strong feelings for her and when he contemplated them, he had to find out for sure. Once he spoke and she turned to face him, he was certain that she did. Their powerful first kiss removed any lingering doubt. Pleasure filled his soul knowing that his heart made him turn around instead of heading out of town.

The evening in the library impressed him. It was the first time that Elizabeth had taken control of their relationship, and it proved that she was all in. No more non-dates would be occurring, they were most definitely courting.

Lucas admitted to himself that her kisses made him weak in the knees. In fact, he had never kissed a woman the way he had Elizabeth. Now that he had tasted her lips, he couldn't stop thinking about it.

But I better figure out how to focus on work, for now, he thought as he pulled up to the saloon and exited the car.

###

Abigail sat at the edge of the bed, gently spooning broth into her mother's mouth. I am so blessed to still have her, she thought as she went back for another spoonful. She's eating well today. Coming here from Hope Valley three years prior had been difficult- especially leaving her closest friends. But she really didn't have any other choice- her mother needed her, so she came.

As hard as the move had been on her, Cody was the one who really felt the strain. But Abigail had been so busy, she didn't grasp that until recently.

Cody. Her adopted son. They had had a bond from the beginning, and she loved him as much as she would love a child born of her own womb. Nothing would ever change that. Even what happened last week.

Abigail wiped her mother's mouth and smiled as she watched the woman quickly fall back into slumber. Then she softly rose to take her dishes to the kitchen. Being as silent as possible, she washed and wiped the bowl and spoon, setting them quietly in the cupboard. Walking into the living room she sat in her favorite comfy chair to enjoy the tranquility for a few moments. Sadness overcame her as a tear escaped her eye and rolled undisturbed down her left cheek.

Her mother's health was failing.

Abigail furrowed her brow as she thought of the last few months. As hard as she had tried, the strokes were taking their toll. Her mother could no longer speak and at times didn't recognize her daughter. Abigail knew it was only a matter of time and dreaded that soon-coming day. But for now, she remained grateful to be able to care for her. And would for as long as she had left.

Leaning her head back against the chair, she thought about last week. The phone call from the police had come as a jolt. Abigail had felt Cody withdrawing but pushed it aside as part of being a teenager. Caretaking took so much of her time and when the call came, she realized she hadn't seen the signs until it was too late.

Cody had fallen in with a bad crowd and was arrested for breaking and entering.

When Abigail arrived at the station, silence from Cody had greeted her. The explosion came after they walked outside.

"Cody, what were you thinking?"

The glare she received was enough to tell her that things had changed a lot more than she realized.

"Cody," she repeated a bit more calmly while placing her hands on his arms. The boy erupted in anger as he threw her hands from him.

"It's a little late for concern, don't you think, MOM?!" he yelled as he flew into a rage. The way he slurred the name Mom surprised and forewarned her that more was coming. Her hand flew to her mouth as Cody continued his rant- right there in front of God and everyone.

"How could you not know what I was doing? You are my MOM for goodness' sake!" There was that slur again and Abigail visibly flinched. She tried to calm the situation.

"Cody," she said gently touching his shoulder, "let's go someplace quiet and talk about this."

The response came from someone that didn't at all resemble her son. "I hate you for bringing me here. You took me from my home and my friends. You never have time for me. Is it really a shock that I would find someone to spend time with? Just…leave me alone. I'll walk home by myself."

Abigail trembled as she watched her son storm down the street. Tears filled her eyes as she saw the faces of her neighbors quickly lower their heads when she looked their way. Quickly wiping away the tears, she straightened her shoulders, held her head high and began her difficult walk home.

As she sat there remembering the scene, another tear fell. Things had been silent between them since that day and Abigail was still trying to figure out what to do about the situation.

I need your help, Lord, she prayed quietly as she sat. Can you fix this for me, please?

Abigail is back! She isn't playing a huge role in my fic, but it was necessary to include her in my Cody story. Regardless of your feelings for the character, please keep reading.

I haven't decided yet if this fic will end at Christmas or continue until the next season starts- maybe somewhere in between. Let's see where the story takes us…