AN: This story is part of the Common Starting Point Fanfic Challenge. As the name implies, all stories in this challenge will have the same beginning. This common beginning text is in bold. As such the text in bold will appear in others stories. The bold text is used with permission of the original author and the text following the bold is the work of the author posting this story.
Inspector Nathan Grant rubbed the back of his neck as he made his way through Mountie Headquarters in Union City to his office. He had spent the last hour inspecting freight coming through Union City by railroad for one of his current open cases. This particular case involved the smuggling of stolen jewelry from stores in big cities in Eastern Canada to points out west. The operation had been discovered when a shipping crate for Thatcher Shipping Company had accidentally been dropped while moving it from one train to another. Two small canvas bags with several precious gemstone rings had come dislodged from the lid of the shipping crate. Nathan had been called in by the railroad, and two other crates in the shipment had been found to have jewelry hidden in crates of dishes and utensils.
Today, jewelry from a reported robbery in Halifax had been discovered in crates of food bound for Cape Fullerton. Having no reason to believe that William Thatcher himself was party to the smuggling operation, Nathan had been in contact with the shipping tycoon. Confiding in only his right-hand man about the incident, William Thatcher had not been able to turn up any indication that the stolen jewelry was being added to the crates at their origination in Hamilton. Unfortunately, that still did not rule out involvement by someone in the Thatcher Shipping Company organization entirely. The inside man could also be associated with the railroad or a third party altogether.
Reaching his office, Nathan hung his hat up on the hook inside the door as he walked over to his desk. He had left the contraband in the crates today. Picking up the phone, Nathan called and alerted the Mounties that were near the trains next stop. His plan was to keep tabs on the contraband and see where they disappeared.
After making the call, Nathan leaned back in his chair. He reached out for the lone photograph on his desk. The photograph was of him and Allie taken at Abigail's café just before they had left Hope Valley. While Bill had stayed quiet about the promotion until after Christmas as he had asked, once the fact became common knowledge that he would be leaving Hope Valley for Union City, Bill had set about organizing a going away party for him and Allie.
The fact that the town that had been slow to accept him when he first took the posting was now sad to see him leave had been touching. However, he didn't regret his choice. The Inspector job had been one that he had wanted. He found his new job responsibilities challenging. As for Allie, his niece seemed to have adjusted to life in the city. Nathan placed the photograph back on his desk as the phone rang.
"Hello, this is Inspector Grant! How may I help you? "
"Hello, Inspector."
"Good afternoon Mr. Thatcher. I take it that you heard about the latest shipment?"
"Yes, Tom told me. So, this means the railroad is most likely involved?" he asked.
"That seems likely but doesn't mean that someone in your organization isn't involved." Nathan replied.
"We have been trying to figure out how things could be getting into our crates but haven't come up with anything." frustration evident in his voice.
"Are you still the only ones aware of this investigation?" Nathan asked.
"I am afraid not because Charles Kensington was asking me about it yesterday. He doesn't know about this morning's shipment being found or the monitoring. Charles must have overheard my conversation with Tom even though we were discreet though I can't be certain. I am sure that Tom is above reproach, and I have no reservations on that front."
"I agree with you about Tom, but is there something I should know about Kensington?" Nathan asked, noticing something in the other man's tone.
"Well, originally, he was my right-hand man, but when I put Tom in the position, he became resentful. I think he felt it belonged to him though I never said so. But I can see how he might have gotten that impression because of the long-standing friendship between our families." William said with a sigh of regret.
"I see," Nathan said, taking some notes.
"I also think it added insult to injury that Tom is Jack's brother."
"Why would that upset him?"
"Charles has always been in love with my daughter, and when Jack Thornton won her hand, it never sat well with him or my wife. I must admit I had once entertained the match too, not approving of Jack courting Elizabeth." Nathan sat in shock for a minute, quickly filing that away for contemplation later.
"I think, given the situation and the fact that we already had leaked information, I am going to turn this over to Tom. Would that be all right, Inspector?"
Nathan paused, unsure of how he felt about it but agreed.
"Excellent then, I will turn you over to him. Have a good day, Inspector."
"You as well, Sir."
"Hello, Inspector," Tom said as he came on the line.
"Hello, Mr. Thornton," Nathan replied a bit nervously. He wondered whether Tom knew about Fort Clay.
"Please just call me Tom." He said with a chuckle.
"Thanks, Tom, and please call me Nathan."
"Nathan, before we begin, I want to say that I know your history regarding my brother. Lizzie is correct; you aren't responsible for what happened to Jack. William knows it too, but I just wanted to get that out of the way to ease your mind." It was as if the man had read his thoughts.
"I appreciate that Tom; it does make it easier." His words completely erased any awkwardness that Nathan felt about Fort Clay. "Can you elaborate a bit more about Kensington?"
"Between you and me, Nathan, he is good at presenting a side that makes him look like the golden boy. However, as you can imagine, Jack and I saw a different side that is not as pretty. But I don't think Jack saw as much of that side as I have. It will not surprise me if he has some role in what is happening."
"Oh? Do you think he is capable of something like that?"
"Let us just say there have been a couple of things I have seen and a couple of conversations that I have heard bits of that make me wonder. Then adding his history with our families creates a strong motivation. But since I don't have any concrete proof, I have not said anything to anyone else. I have just been more watchful, trying to see if I can confirm anything. I am concerned, too, since Lizzie is coming for a visit. Based on some comments I have heard between him, Grace, and Viola, he may have ideas concerning her. Based on what she mentioned to Julie, Lizzie is worried about that too."
Nathan closed his eyes for a second, knowing that he had to ask but not sure he wanted to know. Since he figured she was still going out with Bouchard, he could not imagine what kind of plan she was concerned about.
"What kind of plans are you talking about, Tom?"
"I strongly believe Charles plans to try to romance Lizzie to gain control of the company. He has commented numerous times that I am only in the position because of Julie and that William thinks I can't support her. Her mother and sister, Viola, support him though I don't know why they keep trying. Lizzie seems aware of it, too, because she mentioned it to Julie, asking for help. They were unhappy that she is staying with us instead of at the Estate, but then the two of them are remarkably close."
"Well, I will let you keep an eye on that front, and then just let me or HQ know if there are any developments. I am sure that Lucas Bouchard will help watch over her." He said, hoping the bitterness was not reflected in his tone as he said that name.
"Oh, she is not with Lucas Bouchard. That was over before it began," Tom said.
"I see." he briefly paused before adding, "Well, I will update that information in the records about Kensington. Thanks, Tom."
"No problem. You know, Nathan, I used to work for the railroad before I became involved with Thatcher shipping. As I talk to you, I may know how the items are getting in the shipments."
"What did you do with the railroad?" Nathan asked, surprised at the other man's versatility.
"Well, my job was guarding the cargo during shipment. I have been wondering, what if the stolen items are added after loading." Tom said
"How would that be possible?" Nathan asked.
"When we accept items for shipping, the cargo is inspected by one of our agents and one from customs before being sealed and added to a manifest. If it is transported at any point by train, then an agent from the railroad is also present. We then take it to the train station and load it into the car. Once we put our cargo on a train, the railroad representative signs for its receipt and is responsible for it until it arrives at its destination."
"To recap, the shipping company brings the shipments already inspected and sealed. The cargo is turned over to a railroad custodian, who signs for it and supervises the loading of it by your men."
"Exactly," Tom replied.
"So, then what happens during transit?"
"Well, you might say there is a team, like partners. They take turns guarding the car and the cargo within it."
"You're suggesting the possibility that it happens when one of them is on guard alone?" Nathan asked, beginning to see where Tom was leading.
"Yes. Let us say that you knock off a jewelry store and know that I will be stopping in Winnipeg. You and I prearrange that when the train stops there, I will get off to stretch my legs, allowing you to hand the stolen jewels over to me. I get back on, and when I am on duty, I stash it in a crate, no one the wiser; it continues to the destination or until it needs to be transferred to another train."
"So, you're saying that the crates aren't checked once signed?" Nathan asked incredulously.
"That's right. You only found out because a crate was dropped during the shift to another car. Who knows how long this has been going on and how extensive it is?" Tom said.
Nathan had to agree. "It's almost foolproof and could explain the randomness of the items they're being stored in." Both men sat in silence, deep in thought, processing the information they had just discussed.
"Tom, let's say that this is true, then how would the person get the items from the crate unless it's to them." The other man did not answer immediately but began pondering the question and running through different scenarios.
Finally, he said, "There could be someone at the sorting yard who knows to expect it, or I can remove it before it gets loaded from the storage yard for delivery."
"So, it is even more likely we have someone at both ends and with the railroad. It sounds like this may be more of an organized operation than we thought it was." Nathan said.
"I think the only thing that might change is if there is a shift change in the cargo. For instance, something comes on at a different stop, or a car needs to be changed like the first time, but it is never reinspected. If there is a crate number that matches the manifest, then it just gets reloaded. So, I wonder if it might be possible to substitute a crate by labeling it with the same number during that shift. Because they only track the number, not the other information." Tom said.
"I see exactly what you are saying, Tom. You don't know how helpful this conversation has been. We have a lot of ground to cover, and it will not be easy."
They began forming a plan using undercover Mounties within various positions of Thatcher shipping. Tom would arrange for them to be placed on the areas along the route once Nathan gave him the names. They would report directly to Tom, and he would work with Nathan moving them around as necessary. Tom had also told him he would provide a list of men assigned to oversee those deliveries and their history with the company to headquarters so they could research those for connections to the railroad or any past criminal records.
"Maybe I can contact someone from the railroad who can give me a similar list to yours." Nathan mused. "Then we could compare them, and we might be able to uncover a few suspects."
"Let me know if you need help with the railroad side because I might have a contact, Nathan. I'll get started on our end and be in touch."
"Thanks so much, Tom." Nathan disconnected the call and sat back, mulling over everything they had discussed. It was surreal that he was partnered up with Tom Thornton on a case. Given his history with Jack and Elizabeth, he hoped things turned out better. Tom impressed him with how he put together all that he had. He was also reeling over the fact that, according to Tom, Elizabeth and Lucas were not a couple. He made a mental note to contact Bill later, then got up and went to fill Patrick in on what Tom had told him.
Later that evening, he sat in his study enjoying the quiet since Allie was at a sleepover. It brought up the memory of Allie's first one in Hope Valley, and Nathan was reminded of what Tom had said about Elizabeth. Nathan was startled out of his thoughts by the sound of the phone ringing, and as if summoned, it was Bill on the phone.
"Hey, Bill."
"Nathan, I just wanted to check on things and see if you would be up for a visit tomorrow. I must be there to preside over a case and thought I could take advantage of your hospitality. I'll cook our meals so that you won't be put out. What do you say?"
"Sounds good, Bill and I know that Allie would be thrilled. I'm glad you called because I have questions about someone we know."
"Would these people currently be away visiting in Hamilton at present?" Bill asked, trying to keep from getting too hopeful.
"They would. You know that case I am working on?"
"Yes."
"Well, I'm working with Tom Thornton, who gave me some information I want to confirm."
"Alright, shoot!"
"Did Elizabeth and Lucas ever officially court in your opinion?" trying to sound nonchalant.
"No, they didn't. I know that Lucas kept trying to pursue her, but I think Elizabeth felt like he was stalking her. I was with her a few times when she deliberately avoided him, and she ducked into my office a couple of times to avoid him seeing her."
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"Elizabeth told me not to because she had already put you through so much. She also said something about your conversation with Lucas, which was confusing. Anyway, he left two days after you did and has not returned. If they had courted, then it was very, very brief. She said she saw you a few months ago when she went for her certification tests. She was out to dinner with friends and saw you were also dining out with a friend."
"Oh, I see," he said, disappointed. But then began wondering who she was talking about.
"I can tell you that the Hope Valley Thornton's miss the Grants profoundly." Nathan felt a jolt of hope flow through him, but he quickly squashed it. He didn't want to get too excited that there was still hope for a blended family. There were still too many unanswered questions and critical discussions that needed to happen before he even thought of reopening his and Allie's hearts to her again. But he would be lying if he said he still didn't yearn for that blended family. He still loved her, so he asked Patrick to assign him to the case.
"Well, I had better go. I'll stop by your office when I get in. It will be around ten or so." Bill said.
"See you then, Bill," Nathan said before he hung up. He had some thinking to do, starting with that conversation he had with Lucas the last time they talked. Knowing the other man, he probably twisted Nathan's words to make himself look better. It was the usual tactic that he liked to employ.
Elizabeth had been in Hamilton for two weeks, and her mother and Viola constantly tried to drag her back into Hamilton society. She had explicitly told them that she was there to visit family, not people she barely knew. To make matters worse, Charles had been becoming increasingly aggressive in trying to gain her favor, reminding her of Lucas, she realized with a start. However, she was quickly coming to the end of her patience and wasn't looking forward to this evening.
When they arrived, everything went as Elizabeth had figured it would, including her mother inviting the Kensington's. Charles wouldn't leave her be and kept trying to draw her off alone, but thankfully Tom and Jack ran interference. The final straw was her mother announcing that she had accepted three invitations on Elizabeth's behalf to balls the next three evenings without asking and that Charles would be her escort. She whispered to her sister and Tom that it was time to go because she was done trying to be respectful. Though she loved her parents and family very much, she wouldn't tolerate any more of their interference. Tom simply nodded and excused himself from the table to get the car, taking Jack with him.
Elizabeth stood up, saying, "I'm sorry to disappoint you, Mother, but I won't be going. As I stated multiple times before arriving, and ever since I have been here in Hamilton, I have no desire to attend any social functions while I am here. I only came to visit my family, not socialize with people I barely know. Please feel free to give them whatever reason you like. Furthermore, Mother, let me make it clear to you now that I won't be attending anything, anytime, anywhere here in Hamilton unless I wish. I'm not the young woman that first went to Coal Valley, and you need to grasp that reality fully. I am a grown woman with a child of my own. A child that you barely acknowledged since we first arrived. But more than that, I am a young widow of a wonderful man who died saving others as a Mountie. I know the pain and reality of losing a husband you don't and pray you never do. I gave birth during a blizzard, in a hunting cabin, with only my two dearest friends with me. I'm raising my son as a single parent, working to provide for him, teaching school, and using the pension provided by my husband, all while still leaving my trust fund untouched. Besides missing my husband, I love my life in Hope Valley. I prepare my meals, wash my clothes, ride a horse to get around, and live simply without indoor plumbing!" She heard Julie and her aunt chuckle as she said that, and her mother gasped. "I can say that I am standing on my own two feet, and I take pride in it."
"Elizabeth, how dare you be so disrespectful to your father and me?" her mother said.
"Mother, I can't believe you are sitting there asking me about respect. Especially when you completely ignore my wishes, thinking you know what is best. I teach my students that respect goes both ways, and until you see that, I think I should refrain from visiting for now. I'm not saying that this life is a bad one; only that it's not the one I want to raise my child in, nor do I choose it for myself. I love my family very much and loved growing up here. What you may call disrespect, I call standing up for myself and my child. Please don't ever presume to know what is best because you don't even know me." She said sadly. Those words suddenly made her think of Nathan, and he said the same to her that day. The irony was not lost on her, and her heart ached with that realization.
Turning to her right, she said, "Charles, I am not interested in any type of relationship with you. I'm sorry to be so blunt about it, but it appears you haven't received that message yet, so I have no choice but to be direct. At this point, any chance of a friendship we might have had left is gone after your last visit to Hope Valley. Please don't approach me again because I can assure you that your attentions are most unwelcome."
Finally, she addressed her older sister. "Viola, you need to tend to your own affairs and stay out of mine." Elizabeth turned to go but suddenly realized that now was the perfect time to address something else. But before she could say anything, her mother interrupted her.
"Elizabeth Rose Thatcher, I will not allow you to talk to me this way." Grace Thatcher said.
"I am sorry, Mother, and though you don't like it, I am Lizzie Thornton and proud of that fact. I will not allow you to treat me as if I am 6 years old and make decisions for me." She knew her mother hated hearing that horrible nickname that Julie, Tom, and her aunt used. In Elizabeth's mind, her true self, the one where she was the happiest, was more like the woman who married Jack. On the other hand, Elizabeth Thatcher was the horrible woman she'd been this past year. A woman that had carelessly wounded the heart of a dear man and his daughter, recklessly, for selfish reasons. She had no desire ever to be that person again and preferred Lizzie over Elizabeth. By this time, she was walking to her father and said, "Father, for the remainder of my visit, if you would like to see Jack or me, please come to Julie's, as I will not be returning here."
"That sounds perfectly reasonable to me, Lizzie dear." Her father said with a wink using her nickname. She smiled at the gasp of outrage from her mother as she kissed his cheek.
"Thank you, Father. Before I leave, I have one last thing to say. I don't know what possessed any of you to think I would have ever chosen Charles over Jack. Having money or being from an influential family doesn't make someone a good person automatically. Jack and Tom Thornton are two of the best men I have ever known, and I was blessed to be Jack's wife. I'm telling all of you now that I know what is best for my son and me. It is I who will decide what that is. I won't tolerate any more of your interference because you aren't in charge of me or my life. If I am ever lucky enough to gain the love of a good man, no matter where he comes from or does for a living, you will treat him with respect, or you will remain out of my life. You may think you're better than the people of Hope Valley, but I can assure you that you aren't." Elizabeth added, thinking of Nathan, Bill, Rosemary, Lee, and the others.
She then went to her Aunt Agatha. "How was that for being scandalous?" she said with a grin as she kissed the woman's cheek.
"Brava! My dear girl, you remind me of myself in my younger days." She said with a laugh. "I've never enjoyed a dinner party more." looking at her two nieces with amusement. "I'll be by tomorrow so that we can discuss this delicious moment, "she paused before adding "at length."
"We will be looking forward to it," Julie said with a grin before turning to Elizabeth. "Let's go, Lizzie!" She put particular emphasis on the nickname. The sisters linked arms and walked out of the room giggling. They could hear raised voices but didn't care to stay and listen to what was said.
Meanwhile, William Thatcher couldn't get over how magnificent his two younger girls were and had a longing to walk out behind them. Looking over at his wife's sister, he knew that she felt the same, and they each raised a glass in a silent toast. Tom was waiting out in the car, and as he looked at the sisters laughing so hard, he couldn't wait to hear all about it.
When Elizabeth came downstairs after putting Jack to bed, she found Tom alone in the library. Julie had already gone to bed, tired from the day's events and the effects of her pregnancy. "Tom, what do you think about the three of us taking Jack and seeing your mother? I think I have had enough family time in Hamilton. I was already planning on going to visit your mother, but I think I would prefer that you are with me because as hard as it was for us, I worry about Charlotte. Do you think she would welcome me?"
"Lizzie, of course, she would welcome you. You and Jack are the only living link to Jack Sr. Let's get with Julie in the morning because I know she has wanted to go there too. This latest thing Mother pulled was the final straw. Why does she think I would ever want to move back to Hamilton or be interested in a relationship with Charles?" Elizabeth asked, in disgust, as she paced back and forth.
"Do you really need an answer, Lizzie?" Tom asked sarcastically.
"No, I don't suppose I do," Elizabeth said with a laugh.
"In my opinion, I think if Charles had never come back to Hope Valley, then Jack and I would have been married sooner and maybe would have had more children. He would have known the experience of being a father." She started tearing up, recalling how Tom had looked, as they announced Julie's pregnancy. At times, when that deep pain she hid was exposed, she was utterly unguarded in her feelings. He could see it in her eyes and knew that their announcement had been a trigger for her. He stood up and gathered her to him as she cried.
"We can't live by focusing on the what ifs, Lizzie, because those what ifs can destroy us if we do."
"Don't I know it, Tom." She said sadly. He had a feeling she was talking about Nathan Grant.
After a while, she pulled back, grinning, and said, "I loved the look on their faces when you, Julie, and Aunt Agatha kept calling me Lizzie. I thought Mother would blow a gasket when Father did it too. I think that is what I prefer now because it reminds me of who I truly am. I'm not that same girl Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton that was a horrible, callous woman. I just want to be Lizzie Thornton, a widow of Jack Thornton Sr, Jack Thornton Jr's mama, and Mrs. Thornton, the schoolteacher in Hope Valley."
She added silently, and I would love to be Mrs. Nathan Grant and Allie's mother. But she knew she ruined that chance with how much she hurt them.
"You know something, Tom Thornton; I'm so glad you're my brother twice over. What is it about you Thornton boys, I wonder, that makes you so incredibly handsome and charming?" She teased. "Though your first impressions need some work." recalling the day that she met Jack, then Tom, for the first time.
"I'm glad you're my sister twice over too, Lizzie Thornton." he said with a laugh, "but from everything I've heard, I'm not the only one who needs to work on first impressions. But you and Julie are an irresistible pair; we never stood a chance withstanding your charms. There's just something about a beautiful, sassy woman with a heart of gold." He said, gathering her in his arms and laughing. "I still have to pinch myself when I walk in the office, and your dad is excited to see me, then refers to me as his son."
"Father mentioned a bit about what is going on and that you are working on it with Nathan Grant. I'm sure Julie has filled you in on what happened over the past year?" He was at a loss as to what to do because he didn't want to betray that confidence.
Thankfully she continued, "I mean, it's alright if she did, just like I would have shared everything with Jack. Secrets never work well in families, especially husbands and wives, Tom."
"Okay, she did." He answered with a sigh of relief.
"That certainly wasn't my finest hour." She said with a sad smile.
"Do you want to talk about it?
"I don't know, Tom. A part of me does, but then another part doesn't."
"Do you still have feelings for Bouchard?" Tom asked though he already knew the answer.
"Oh no. It was always Nathan, but I was running scared, and …." she let the sentence drift off. He could see that her eyes were glistening.
"And?" he prompted.
"I pushed him away because I was afraid to lose him as I did, Jack. He told me he loved me and knew I felt the same, but I couldn't say the words back. In the end, I just panicked and rode off on Sargent."
"So, you're saying you are in love with Nathan and return his feelings?"
"Yes, I do. The worst part is that it wasn't the only time he told me he loved me, and I ran. I badgered him all summer about Fort Clay confronting him in front of everyone more than once. I hurt Allie deeply, and I know that she sees my rejection of Nathan as rejecting her too. I realized the more Nathan showed me love and understanding, the more I became someone I hated. I became a lot like Viola."
Tom's eyebrows shot up in disbelief. "Sorry, Lizzie, I just can't picture that; you couldn't have been that bad." He said, laughing.
She laughed too and then said, "Oh, it was that bad, in fact, probably worse than I'm saying. For example, I criticized Nathan's parenting of Allie while I was neglecting my son. I was careless with the feelings of others and focused only on what I needed and felt. To make it worse, I ran around town flaunting an essentially dysfunctional relationship with Lucas in front of him. Jack would never have fallen in love with the person I had become. I realize now that what I had with Lucas wasn't even a relationship but more of a flirtation. It didn't matter and just seemed so easy since he didn't matter as Nathan did. Do you know what I'm saying?"
"You're saying that Lucas was a safe option since your heart wasn't engaged like it was with Nathan?"
She nodded. "I still see the tremendous pain on his face, after our conversation, in the jail that day. To make it worse, I asked him to tell Allie that I would always consider him an impeccable Mountie. I don't know why I said that since I was her teacher and would see her at school. It shows I wasn't in my right mind and was callous. I can't begin to express how much I regret that whole summer and wish I would have just focused on the school problems with Mr. Landis. Everything transpired this past year has shown me that I am not in any position for romantic entanglements. Because I need to fully grieve and let go of Jack and that dream of a family with him. I've saved the land we were going to build on for our son when he is older. I removed his rings, but I still think of myself as a wife, not a widow. Does that make sense to you, Tom?"
"You mean that you feel guilty moving on with someone because, in your heart, you are betraying Jack?" She just nodded. "But Lizzie, Jack wrote you that letter telling you to move on if he died, so he certainly wouldn't think that," Tom replied, confused.
"I know, but I don't know how to let him go. What if I never can? I don't even know why I'm holding on to him." She said as she cried. Tom pulled her to him and held her until her tears were eventually spent.
"I think you need to spend some time with Ma. I'll get with Julie in the morning, and maybe we can leave on Friday. That will give me a couple of days to let Ma know we are coming and arrange everything with your father."
"Thank you, Tom. I'd better go to bed because Jack likes getting up early." She said, standing up and heading to the stairs.
"I'll see you in the morning, Lizzie," Tom said.
He sat there for a while, thinking about everything she had told him. She was carrying a lot of pain and regrets buried deep inside her, and he wondered if Nathan had moved on. He suspected Bouchard had lied to her, but it wasn't his place to say anything. He had detected something in Nathan's tone when Tom spoke of her that gave him cause to believe the man still loved her. He made a mental note to tell his wife about this conversation and get her help.
As he thought about what Lizzie had told him, Tom wondered if his mom was still struggling with his father's death and her son's. Finally, realizing how late it was, he called it a night and decided to talk with Bill in the morning to let his mom know that she was about to have visitors. He smiled at the thought of her face when she saw Jack, knowing she would be overwhelmed with joy. Tom laid beside his wife, thinking of how Jack had stayed by his side the entire evening at the Thatcher's, not wanting to be passed around. He remembered the day he first met his nephew and couldn't help smiling at the memory.
Jack looked at him quietly and then squirmed to get down. Then with a big smile, he ran toward Tom, saying, "Uncle Tom, Uncle Tom! Hi! You're Papa's brother!"
Tom choked up, recalling the feeling of the little boy putting his arms around his neck. He grieved for his brother missing out on that. When he was able, he laughed and said, "I guess I am at that, Jack." Looking at his nephew, he could see Jack's features in the little boy. "You look so very much like your papa."
Jack looked sad and said, "I miss my papa!" as a tear dropped down his little cheek. Tom couldn't speak, so he held him close and whispered, "me too, little man." Tears welled up in his eyes. Having lost his father, he felt a special kinship with his nephew, and his heart broke for him.
Then as toddlers do, his nephew quickly changed the subject with "You have hair like me, Uncle Tom!" he said in wonder.
"I guess we are twins, huh, Jack! You know what else?"
"No, what?" he asked, giggling.
"We are special because we are the only Thorntons with this hair color!"
"Yay! We are special, Mama! Did you hear that?"
Elizabeth laughed, saying, "I did and agree that you two are very special." Her eyes were soft and full of love.
As other memories flooded in, Tom grieved for his brother, who was missing out on raising the incredible little person he helped to create; but never knew about. From what he had observed in the boy, the best parts of Jack's legacy were preserved in his son. It made him even more grateful for the example that Jack had been that helped form Tom into the person he was today. With a deep sigh, he closed his eyes and fell asleep.
They told Julie about their discussion the following day, and she was entirely on board. William stopped by early enough to have breakfast and apologize for what transpired. William was very supportive when Elizabeth explained that they decided to see Charlotte for a bit so Jack could meet her.
"Father, I just wanted to apologize for my behavior last night. I didn't mean to be so descriptive and rude, but Mother and Viola have pushed my buttons for far too long. I was thinking about everything I said, and while I meant everything, I didn't mean to come off as prideful and disrespectful.
"You don't owe any apologies, in my opinion, but allow me to offer my own sweetheart. I assure you that I will love and fully accept whoever you choose to share your life with. I applaud your restraint, and I was so proud of you. When you return from Aberdeen, why don't I come for a time to Hope Valley? I want to spend more time with Jack and think it's time I truly get to know my daughter Liz…Beth."
Elizabeth's heart broke at hearing a name she hadn't heard in a while. Her father had started to say Lizzie but corrected it to his name for her. She tried to suppress the fierce longing it caused as she looked at the sweet sight of her father sitting with Jack on his lap. Jack was handing toast as if trying to help him eat. The sight only served to increase the longing as she saw Nathan and the times he interacted with her son in her mind's eye.
"Are you alright, dear?" her father asked, seeing her eyes glisten. It brought her out of her thoughts, knowing they were about to fall.
"I'm sorry, but I seem to have had some dust in my eye. Please excuse me, Father." She ran to her room, barely making it before the tears began pouring down.
"What am I missing," William demanded, knowing his daughter was hurting. "Is it still last night? Wait, it's Nathan Grant, isn't it? She is in love with him."
Julie debated whether to tell him but decided to answer. "Yes, she is, but she pushed him away because she's afraid to lose him like she did Jack. She hurt him pretty bad and his daughter too, though inadvertently when she rejected him. In Lizzie's mind, she hurt him too badly, and he wants nothing to do with her. It's hard because Jack adores him and Allie, and the feelings are mutual. But Elizabeth told Tom that she had seen for herself that Nathan had moved on. She got upset because it sounded like he was saying Lizbeth when Nathan said her name. That is why she got upset when you said her name."
"What do the two of you think?" William asked.
"Based on what I know of Nathan and what she told Tom, I don't think things are unrepairable between them at all," Julie said. "I think there's a lot of misunderstandings that, if cleared up, could allow them to begin to find their way back together," Julie said.
"I agree with Julie." Tom said, adding, "I found out from Bill that Nathan asked for the case, so that tells me he still cares."
"Seems to me then that at the very least, we need them to be together for a time where they can speak without interruptions or influence," William said. The two men looked over at Julie, who suddenly had a look in her eyes that said she was already formulating a plan to make it happen. When she looked at her husband, Tom knew exactly what she was thinking.
"You know the ranch is close to Cape Fullerton and easily accessible from Union City. I could easily make a case for Nathan and Bill to come to the ranch so we could sit down and examine everything simultaneously. It would also be easier to strategize and devise a trap to catch the smugglers without causing suspicion."
"Sounds like we have a plan but talk to Bill before we execute anything, alright?" William said.
"I plan to," Tom called his mother, telling her their plan to visit for a time. As expected, she was thrilled but a bit nervous about meeting Jack.
"Ma, you will love him, and I guarantee he is already looking forward to meeting you. He looks so much like his dad and acts like him too." Tom said with a laugh. "Julie and I have some news to share too. You're going to a grandmother again at the end of November."
"Oh, Tom, how wonderful." Charlotte said, "tell Julie I am so happy for you both. You'll be coming at the perfect time because a lot of work needs to be done while you are here."
"Sounds good, Ma. I'll be looking forward to it actually and I can't wait to see you." He said with a laugh. "I hope I still remember how to do everything. We will see you in a few days Ma."
"Tom?" She said softly "How is Lizzie?"
"She's struggling really bad right now and I'm worried." He briefly told her about what he knew along with the plan to bring Bill and Nathan to the ranch.
"Tell Lizzie I love her and can't wait to see them both." She said before disconnecting the call.
Two days later, they were on the train heading to Aberdeen. Elizabeth was nervous as the train drew closer. She looked over and saw her son sleeping peacefully in Tom's arms. In the short time they had been together, the two became inseparable. Elizabeth couldn't help wondering what would happen if Nathan were thrown into the mix. Somehow, she knew Tom would play second fiddle like all the other men in her son's life. When it came to Nathan, he won hands down with both her and Jack. Unbeknownst to her, the plan for Operation Blended Family was in place. The only ones that weren't aware of it were Elizabeth and Nathan.
Charlotte had been pacing most of the morning, trying to calm herself down. In a couple of hours, her son, Julie, and Jack's wife and their son would be here on her ranch, in her house. She was about to come face to face with a living, breathing part of her son that, by all accounts, resembled him. She was thrilled but nervous about how it would affect her. Rosie and Bill had kept her up to speed on how Lizzie had been faring over the past year, and she regretted not going to her. Now that she was faced with the prospect, she felt herself begin to relax and anticipate the joy of meeting her grandson. She had often thought about how it would feel one day to be a grandparent, and now she would soon have two. Alright, Charlotte, she told herself. 'It's time to let that go and deal with what is. No use crying over spilled milk, so pour another, enjoy that one to the last drop, and be grateful you have it.'
She looked at the clock and realized it was time to head to the train station. As if to remind her of that, she heard Frank knock on the door.
"Come on, Charlotte, it's time to leave. If we don't hurry, the train will already be here, and they will be standing around." He teased.
"Coming, Frank," she said. Frank was her foreman and had been her brother's best friend. She was grateful for his long-standing friendship.
With a deep sigh and mock glare, she put her hat on and mounted her horse for the ride to town. It was a quick, silent ride as he sensed her need to prepare herself for their visitors. However, nothing would have prepared her to come face to face with her grandson. She looked at Elizabeth and then the sleeping child she carried as Tom and Frank managed to get things quickly loaded. The two women exchanged glances with glistening eyes. A quiet seemed to enclose them, and both nodded instinctively, knowing they needed time and some privacy before any interaction. But neither woman doubted that they were loved and cherished by the other. Silently they all mounted up and headed to the ranch. When they got there, Elizabeth was taken aback by the simple beauty of the place, and Tom began explaining its history to his wife and sister-in-law. The memories took him back to the old days when he and his brother first came to live there. Charlotte quickly got everyone arranged though she couldn't take her eyes off her grandson. But her emotions were everywhere at the moment, and she was worried that she would spook him. Jack had woken up when Charlotte had stepped out and Julie held him as he slowly look around at everything. She also knew that her sister needed a bit of time to process all the emotions roiling in her.
As Elizabeth sat down on the bed that once belonged to Jack, memories began to close in, quickly drowning her. It was as if he was still standing next to her, and she almost expected him to say something. As she looked around, she recalled various conversations that they had regarding his childhood, and when she looked in a corner, there was a blue blanket with a worn teddy bear sitting in a weathered rocker. It reminded her of a similar one in her son's room. She wondered if the blanket was the infamous "Blankie" Charlotte once told her about.
She closed her eyes and would swear that she could smell that wonderful scent that was uniquely Jack's. Tom had carried her suitcase into the room and, seeing the look on her face, gently set the cases down. When he turned, he saw a similar look on his mother's face. Knowing they struggled, Tom gently stopped his wife as she started to come down the hall and whispered, "let's take Jack for a walk and leave them alone."
Elizabeth became aware that someone had entered the room, and though she fought it, the tears began falling unchecked as she laid down on the bed. Visions of a young Jack Thornton lying there at one time in her mind. She felt a weight behind her as loving arms went around her. At first, she thought it was Julie and just let the emotions go, but she was surprised at who held her.
"Oh, Lizzie, sweetheart. I know I feel him too!" Charlotte said, feeling her own grief surfacing. Elizabeth could feel the other woman's tears wetting her hair and turned over to embrace the older woman tightly. They cried together for the loss of a husband, a father, and a son and then sobbed for the child that would grow up not knowing the wonderful man that helped give him life. A father that would have been over the moon about it. That thought brought out the pent-up anger and deep sorrow in both women that had been held in for too long. Finding safety in each other, it would not be held back any longer. It was as if each woman held the key to unlocking the door where they had suppressed all those feelings. It had allowed them to survive to exist but left them unable to truly live.
"Charlotte, I never got to share it with him. He never knew that he was going to be a father. Julie got to see Tom's eyes light up when she told him. She gets to experience being pregnant with her husband, but I didn't. Why did he take that from me? Why did he have to go on that stupid Fort Clay thing when he had just gotten back from fighting. When we had just gotten married? What is it I lacked that he wasn't happy or satisfied? How could he leave me after he said it wasn't dangerous? It was just a stupid training mission, so why did they even send him. Why did he go instead of turning it down?" Elizabeth sobbed, the despair coming from deep within her. As she said the words, she knew Jack wasn't at fault and would have done everything he could to be there. But being able to voice them out loud seemed to empty her heart of all that pain that had filled it. Charlotte didn't say anything, just held her as it poured out.
After she quieted somewhat, Charlotte said, "Oh, Lizzie, I've asked myself that same questions about their father! We fought right before he went out on his last mission, and I don't even remember why other than he had just said that he would be home for a few weeks. We were due to leave the next day for a camping trip with the boys." By this time, the women were sobbing once again. "Then when Tom came home injured, he wasn't the same! He kept talking about wanting to get better so he could return to full duty again. I was so angry, and then when he died, I spent years being mad at him and not allowing anyone close after that. At first, I kept everyone at bay, but some snuck their way in." She said looking at Elizabeth fondly. "Then Jack died, and all that pain stirred up my anger at Tom because he was part of the reason that Jack joined. I realized then that deep down I blamed him for Jack's death. I keep others at a distance but I'm slowly learning to let them in. But the thought of being vulnerable to the kind of heartbreak losing a spouse brings?" She just shook her head. "I just haven't been able to do it and I just think it's safer to stay as I am. Besides I am a bit of a handful and I'm not sure there's another man out there who could handle me." She said with a laugh.
"Well, I can relate because I'm in the same situation," Elizabeth said. "Not to mention I feel so guilty being jealous of Julie and Tom's happiness, but I can't help but think of Jack and what he is missing and because of him, I have. I want that experience, Charlotte, more than I can ever explain. I want to know the joy of telling my husband he will be a father and experience the magic of pregnancy and raising a child that we created together. But then I feel horrible for being angry at Jack because it was an accident. It's all so confusing and I struggle with it now more than ever."
"You don't need to feel guilty, Lizzie, because those are all natural feelings. Being a Mountie wife is not for sissies and being a Mountie widow and trying to move on is even worse and at times feels like an impossible task. But maybe now that we are together, we can find a path to do that. As for your feelings about Julie's pregnancy, I know that she understands so maybe talk to her about it. Let her help you process it because it will probably be harder for you as things move along. Although from what I hear that isn't out of the realm of possibility for you. Julie told me all about Nathan Grant and didn't spare any details."
"Oh, how I wish that were true but if you know about Nathan then you know how bad I messed it up and it's beyond repair though I would give anything to go back and make different choices."
"I'm sorry for not coming to Hope Valley and being there for you."
"Oh, Charlotte, you have nothing to be sorry for because I understood. I regret I didn't come here sooner for you to meet him."
"It's like I can feel him here, Charlotte, and I can smell him in everything. I look at everything, and I ache for him so much."
"I see Jack in his son, and it reminds me of him! Like you, all the memories are crashing in." Charlotte replied.
"Charlotte, I know we both have regrets, but how about we just put them behind us and move forward like he would want us to?"
"Sounds good to me." Before she could say anything else, they heard, "Mama? Mama?"
"Come meet your grandson Charlotte," Elizabeth said.
"He looks so much like his father, Lizzie."
"I know." They entered the room, and he came over to his mother. "Hi, Mama! I love you!" She heard Charlotte gasp beside her. She then said, "Jack, this is your." She got no further because Jack immediately knew who he was seeing.
"Hi, Nana Charlie! I love you! Your Papa's mama."
Charlotte just embraced Jack, still too choked up to speak. "I've tried to get him to say Charlotte, but he refuses. He has pictures of all of you, so he recognizes you and your names.
"It's alright, Lizzie; I love it. I haven't been called that since his grandfather was alive. Coming now from my grandson is music to my ears."
"When I saw him with Tom, it's clear he resembles the Thornton side for the most part," Elizabeth said.
"This boy is definitely a Thornton, but I hope he isn't as mischievous as his father was," Charlotte said.
"Well, if he is, it would be hard to tell whether it's from Jack or his Mama." Julie piped up.
That evening Charlotte, Elizabeth, and Tom sat talking about things that needed to be done and just about memories of Jack. It was a wonderful experience as they dwelled on their times with Jack instead of the things he wasn't there for. Elizabeth felt for the first time that she was ready to completely let Jack go and be a widow, prepared to move on and find love again. A certain Mountie and his daughter briefly came to mind, but she knew that he was taken. Then she recalled the conversation he had with Lucas and her heart broke all over again. When Elizabeth had fallen silent the others glanced at Elizabeth and could see the brief pain before she shuttered it. They looked at each other, nodding, that it was time to clear up old misunderstandings. The following day saw Lizzie up early and helping where she could. She surprised Charlotte when she asked to borrow some clothes to fit in better so she could help. After the first day, she had Charlotte take her to town and bought some things of her own, loving the amazing freedom she found wearing them. Each day she spent on the ranch brought out the true beauty of who she was. Her eyes constantly sparkled and, at times, danced with mischief.
Charlotte realized that Lizzie was a natural poker player, and they enjoyed playing against each other. Tom, Frank, and a couple of the other boys joined on occasion, and everyone was content and happy to be together. Charlotte embraced being a grandma, and Jack was most often tagging along after her wherever she went. After the first few nights, he even began insisting on sleeping with Charlotte, who happily agreed.
Two weeks after they had been at the ranch, Tom found his mother and told her that Nathan was due to arrive later that day and asked if he should tell Elizabeth or not. She had only been told that Bill was coming.
"I'm leaving that up to you, Tom, because this whole thing was your plan. Maybe you should ask Julie what she thinks, although it's too late to worry about it since he is already on the way here. So I'll let her know there will be two extra for dinner. He shook his head at his mom as he went to do a couple of chores before heading to the station to pick up Bill, Nathan, and Gabe.
The train was a bit early, so they were already waiting for him when he showed up. They quickly gathered everything and headed to the ranch. Nathan still couldn't believe that he let himself be talked into coming to Aberdeen and the Thornton's ranch. Allie had gone to Hope Valley to visit Opal, and he would pick her up on his way home.
"I don't think this is a good idea, Tom," Nathan said.
"Why? It will give us plenty of time to examine what we know and form a trap. Plus, maybe you and Lizzie can figure things out or at least find peace between you."
"I think it's a great idea because neither of you can run," Gabe said with a smirk, "and will have no choice but to talk."
"Relax, Nathan. We're arriving at the perfect time because the evening meal will be ready. I can't wait to see what Lizzie prepared this evening." Bill said. At the men's questioning look, he explained. "Lizzie is the only one of the three that knows how to cook."
"Our regular cook was badly injured, so can't do anything a. Lizzie stepped up in his place since she would be here over the summer. I think the boys will be missing her when she returns home."
"Hey, boys. You're just in time for some dinner." Charlotte said before turning to greet Bill.
"Julie, come meet Nathan and Gabe." She turned around, and they saw she had Jack in her arms.
"Well, hello, Nathan! I remember you from Jack's christening, and you must be Gabe."
"Daddy," Jack said, running over to Nathan.
"Uh, Hey, little man." Everyone was shocked by the address and just stood silently waiting.
"I missed you, Daddy. Where is Allie?" He asked as he put his arms around Nathan's neck. Nathan could not respond as his arms closed around the boy he loved. He was choked up just by having him in his arms again and how he addressed him. Those watching the reunion did not doubt that Nathan Grant deeply loved Jack, and it was clear how much the little boy loved the Mountie. But suddenly, as if everyone accepted what Jack declared, things went back to normal, and everyone returned to their conversations. At that time, Gabe spotted Elizabeth, and he knew Nathan was about to get the shock of his life. He knew Nathan had been looking for a woman in a skirt, but she was dressed just like her mother-in-law and seemed happy and relaxed.
"Jack, why don't we let your Mounties eat, and then you can visit with them. Would that be alright?" Julie said, reaching for his hand. Jack seemed reluctant, though, to let him go.
"You're staying, right?" Jack asked Nathan.
"I'll be here for a while, buddy," Nathan replied. Jack, satisfied, finally allowed his aunt to lead him away.
"Come on and grab some food before they eat it all," Tom said, looking over at Gabe with a smile. They both were looking forward to Nathan seeing Elizabeth.
"Lizzie, we need a couple more plates," Tom shouted.
"Sure." She replied, finally stepping out of the house laughing. She stopped in her tracks and realized who was next to him.
"Nathan, Gabe!" she said. "What? I mean, Uh! Welcome."
Nathan was speechless, for instead of the Hope Valley schoolteacher Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton there was Lizzie Thornton! His eyes traveled down her slender form, accented by her clothing. Her hair fell down her back, and he had to say he liked it. There was also something different about her that he couldn't put his finger on whatever it was made her look even more beautiful than when he last saw her.
Quickly coming to herself, she said, "you must be hungry after traveling." Nathan's stomach growled as he smelled the savory aroma, causing everyone to laugh, breaking the tension.
As they walked over to the table, she whispered, "I'm sure you are shocked to see me dressed like this, huh?".
"I am, but pleasantly so…." Nathan replied, "Lizzie." Then he winked at her and saw the blush on her cheeks darken.
She laughed, her eyes dancing, "Well, I'd better get back to work, but we can catch up later." Then she walked off to find her sister still in shock. After getting a drink, he quickly filled a plate and sat at an empty table where he could watch Elizabeth.
"WOW!" Gabe said. "Tom and Bill were right, but Lizzie can cook, but she seems happy right here on the ranch. Be careful with the cider because I think someone spiked it." Then they fell silent and dug in, ravenous from the trip.
It hadn't taken long for Elizabeth to find her sister. "Julie Thatcher Thornton, I can't believe that you did this," trying to keep her voice at a whisper. Before she could say anything else, Bill walked over to greet her.
"Hello, sweet girl."
Tuning, she said, "Bill Avery don't you try to sweet talk me because I'm not letting you off the hook so easy. Why would you guys do this? What do I say to him? How should I act? Oh, what he must think of me?"
"Have some cider; it will help take the edge off your nerves," he said. Elizabeth took the cup and drained it and had to admit she did feel a bit better. Her sister noticed too and quickly went to fill it back up and handed it to her. Bill caught the mischievous look in the other woman's eyes. Oh boy, he thought things were going to get interesting.
"Elizabeth, now is your chance to clear the air," Bill said, encouraging her to sip the next cup. "After talking with you and Nathan, many false assumptions have been made. Maybe this is your chance to make it up to him and mend fences. If not for yourself, then for your son who adores him." Recalling an earlier conversation they had recently.
"That's not fair, Bill." She warned.
"Maybe not, but it's the truth." He replied. Just then, they heard Jack laugh in a way that only Nathan could bring out in him.
"I'll think about it." She said, emptying the cup and heading into the house, clearly flustered at seeing Nathan
As they started toward the food table, Julie asked. "Should we say something to Lizzie about Jack calling Nathan Daddy?" Julie said.
"No," Charlotte said, having come up behind them. "We have done enough. Now it's time to let the pieces fall where they will. Oh, and Julie, be careful how much of that Cider you're giving your sister because while you want to lower inhibitions a bit, she can't talk if she's passed out." She finished with a wink at her daughter-in-law. Bill just nodded, grabbed a plate of food and a drink and joined Nathan and Gabe.
"So how is the food, boys," Charlotte said, sitting beside them.
"It's delicious, Mrs. Thornton," Nathan said.
"Oh no! There will be none of that, boys, because as I see it, there are three Mrs. Thornton's on this ranch. Since you call the other two Julie and Lizzie, I'm Charlotte, and I'll call you Nate and Gabe! Deal?" she said with a smirk.
"Deal!" they said, grinning.
"My hands will be sorry when Lizzie goes home because Frank doesn't feed them half as good. Not to mention he's not as pretty as my girls!" She laughed as they watched the two women clean up and interact with the men. "Honestly, if you would have told me that my boys would marry into one of the wealthiest families in Hamilton, I would have called you crazy."
"I want to say that I'm honored to meet you, Nathan, and you too, Gabe. Lizzie has told me all about your prior relationships with Jack. I have to say I agree that you both are impeccable Mounties. Enjoy your dinner, and Tom can show you where you'll be bedding down. Then with a wink, she was gone.
"Nathan, I think one of your biggest hurdles has been eliminated," Gabe said as they watched her leave.
"You think she would support us being together?"
"Oh yeah. I mean, you're here, aren't you? She was there when Jack called you Daddy too." Nathan's eyes glistened at the mention of what Jack had called him. He had no problem picturing Jack as his son because he had already considered him one. He fell in love with the boy the first time he saw him. If there was one regret he had about leaving Hope Valley it was leaving Jack and Elizabeth. But with everything that had happened between them he had to put Allie first. It wasn't healthy for either of them and maybe the distance had been needed but only time would tell."
Nathan, Gabe, and Tom had been sitting when suddenly Elizabeth and Julie joined them. He noticed that Julie had given another cup of cider and she was already listing a bit. He saw though that Elizabeth had sat it down untouched. As he looked over at her sitting across from him, he had never seen a more beautiful sight. He was excited to see she was looking over at him. Nathan was floored when she suddenly said, "Nathan. You're the most handsome man I know." He blushed and was speechless for a time.
Of course, Julie had to protest in fun with that. "I have to disagree, Sister, because I think Tom fits that description. No offense, Nathan." She added with a grin.
He chuckled. "None was taken, Julie." Though the blush deepened in color, reaching even the tips of his ears. Gabe and Tom sat watching in amusement.
Tom leaned over. "You get used to being shocked when those two get together. My brother told me that Julie got them kidnapped by the Tolliver gang when she first came to Coal Valley. However, Lizzie doesn't always need help in finding trouble."
Nathan tried to keep focused on Tom and his conversation, but he just couldn't. All he could focus on was the look of desire in Elizabeth's eyes as she watched him. Tom, seeing the undercurrents, quickly grabbed Julie and walked over to Bill and his mother with Gabe following. With her guard down, Nathan decided to see if he could get some answers.
"So, you think I'm handsome, Lizbeth? He said softly moving over to sit next to her.
She nodded and said "I can't tell you how often I would change my route from school. Just so I would pass by your office hoping to see you leaning up against the rail, all tall, dark and handsome. I remember when I first saw you, I felt an instant attraction. It shocked me at first and I felt guilty because of thoughts I had." She said with a giggle.
"You did?" clearly surprised but pleased at the prospect. "Well, if we are being honest then I should tell you that you weren't the only one feeling guilty about their thoughts." He said with a chuckle.
She sighed and just looked at him quietly. It was an intense look like she was trying to solve a puzzle.
"What is about you that just draws me in like a moth to a flame." She asked.
"What do you mean?" Nathan said.
"Your eyes draw me in, and I feel like you can see into my soul. It's like you see things in me that nobody else can. Your hair makes me think of nothing but running my fingers through it. Because it always looks so soft and like it needs to be tamed. Do you know I've always wanted to.…" She stopped midsentence and reached over and began to run her fingers through his hair. "This piece here always seems like it just wants to fly free." She said, giggling trying to fix that one curl in the front. Nathan had never felt anything so good in his life. Elizabeth had been enjoying it as well if the purr she made was an indication. He struggled a bit in talking to her about things when she was clearly feeling the effects of the cider.
But Elizabeth's guard was down, and she willingly answered his questions instead of running away.
"Elizabeth, how do you feel about me?" Nathan asked softly. Though it was probably not a fair question, considering that she wasn't quite herself, he couldn't help himself. Since he had bared his soul so many times to her and she ran away, he needed answers.
She must have seen the reservations in his eyes because she said, "It's alright Nathan."
"Remember that day at the pond, Nathan when you said that you knew I felt the same?" She leaned against his arm and looked up at him.
"You were right, Nathan. I did feel the same way you did, and I still do. But I had hurt you and Allie so much and figured I had burned that bridge, so I stayed away. After I left the jail, I went home and cried. The thought of continuing a charade with Lucas was too much. I didn't want you to feel like you were a second choice. Then Lucas came and told me about your conversation the next day. Nathan, I lied to you because I knew that I couldn't give you what you deserved, and I couldn't allow you to give up what you loved. But I grew desperate, and the jail conversation was a result though there is no excuse for my behavior at any time. I totally disrespected you and Allie after everything you did. Then you got the promotion, and left Hope Valley, and that was that." By this point she had straightened and kept her eyes looking down. I don't even know why I'm telling you all this stuff."
Nathan saw a few tears fall on her hands and lifted her eyes gently back to his. "The truth is Nathan; I would marry you tomorrow. Her vulnerability was showing in her eyes as well as something else that took his breath away.
"You know, maybe I should ... Uh…I think I need to go to bed." She said suddenly standing up as the full impact of everything she had just said hit her.
Nathan stood trying to steady her. "Elizabeth, I think you should…" He saw a soft fire enter her eyes as she looked at his lips.
"Oh, and your lips, those lips that haunt my dreams every night wondering how they would feel on mine. Sometimes when we have had conversations, it was all I could do to stay focused as you talked. it made all our parent-teacher conferences a bit difficult." Then she surprised him once again and stood on tiptoe and made their dreams a reality. He was in heaven and felt the fire in him ignite causing him to deepen the kiss. Just after he did, she went slack and sagged in his arms. He quickly caught her and gathered her into him.
"Lizbeth? Lizbeth?" He looked down at her, still trying to make sense of everything his thoughts swirling. "What just happened?"
They had completely forgotten where they were or that they had an audience nearby who had quietly watched the entire interaction between them. But he quickly came aware when he heard someone answer his question.
"Well, if I had to guess, either you're an excellent kisser Nate, or Lizzie finally passed out," Charlotte said with an amused smile and a wink. "Or both."
As he carried Elizabeth to the house Charlotte said "I can't wait to see how this all turns out."
"Neither can I," Nathan said softly with a smile.