Elizabeth walked the short distance from the saloon to the pond next to the church. Hope Valley nights had come to be quite chilled, often accompanied by an icy breeze. She pulled her white cape around her, as the pond finally came into view.

Her heart stopped as she spotted Lucas standing on the dock, his elbows propped on the rail. Should she do this? Could she do this?

In her heart she already knew the answer, but it only made her stomach flip harder. Drawing a fortifying breath, she slowly started toward him. Her footsteps sounded against the wooden dock, making him jump, as he turned to face her.

His eyes widened slightly at her presence, and she felt her chest swirl with a tornado of butterflies. She tried to flash him a smile, but it came out feeling very weak.

"Hi."

Lucas' stance seemed to stiffen, his lips moving but it wasn't quite a smile. "Hi."

Silence settled between them, and his eyes dropped to the ground before he turned back to face the pond again. Elizabeth sighed gently, cautiously coming to stand beside him. An icy breeze blew, and she pulled her cape tighter around her, leaning to rest her elbows on the rail next to him.

She looked out over the water, the full moon reflecting brightly over its surface. Sighing her breath clouded before her, followed by a sigh from Lucas.

"You're missing the social." His voice was low. Sad. She dared a glance toward his face, trying to read his expression.

"It's okay."

He looked to her, and for a moment his eyes locked on hers. She tried to read his face. To see what emotions laid beneath his quiet façade. A deep sadness creased his eyes, as he looked to her softly. No doubt there was pain hidden in those dark depths, but was that all? Was there also…. a longing?

His eyes then dropped suddenly, and he turned back to the water. Inside her twisted with confusion, as she wondered what had been behind that dark gaze.

"You look beautiful."

Her heart jumped at his sudden comment. He'd never taken his eyes off the water, his words barely a whisper. But she'd heard them.

Her face filled with heat at the unexpected compliment. Inside her chest fluttered, filling with emotion that seemed to cripple her voice. "Thank you." She couldn't seem to speak above a whisper, feeling a sudden sting of tears.

She needed to talk to him. To set everything straight. But how did she start?

How did she not only explain the fact that she hadn't chosen Nathan, but also try and voice the crazy feelings stirring inside her? Especially since she was still trying to come to terms with them herself.

There was only one way, she decided, and that was direct and honest. Lord, give me the words to say. She silently prayed, swallowing hard.

"Lucas," She tried to keep her voice even, not wanting her nerves to show. "I owe you an apology."

Lucas turned toward her, his brows raised in question. His brown eyes on her made her throat seem to close up, but she tried to push past it.

"I know how things looked…." Her voice seemed to wobble and she tried to summon moister back to her dry mouth. "But I assure you it wasn't what you thought it was."

Maybe not her most convincing choice of words, but she meant them. To be honest the entire dinner with Nathan had felt off to her. Like something just hadn't clicked. And she hadn't expected the café to be completely empty, creating such an intimate "date-like" setting.

Lucas shut his eyes, like the topic pained him. He sighed, shaking his head slowly. "Elizabeth, you don't have to explain yourself to me."

Elizabeth struggled, trying to find the words to say. Slowly she opened her mouth to speak when his words cut her short.

"About Jeanie…"

"She already explained everything." Elizabeth quickly cut in, trying to save him the pain of explaining.

Truthfully, she should have trusted him when it came to Jeanie. He'd never given her a reason to doubt his honor or intentions before. Just something about seeing him with another woman made her blood boil.

At her words he turned to her, his eyes wide. "She did?"

Elizabeth nodded, unsure why he was so surprised. He seemed to search her face for a moment, before looking away.

"I'm sorry." His hands gripped the railing. "I meant to tell you…"

At a sudden impulse she placed her hand gently on his arm. "Lucas, you don't have to explain." Turning her head, she tried to catch a glimpse of his face. Slowly his eyes raised to meet hers, stealing her breath. She gave him a gentle smile. "I believe you."

His gaze lingered on her, as he seemed to weigh her words. Suddenly Jeanie's comment from earlier replayed in Elizabeth's mind. Now didn't feel like the perfect time to bring it up, but she had to know the truth.

"Why didn't you tell me about the oil company shutting down?"

His brows shot up, clearly shocked that she knew. "Who told you?"

Elizabeth shrugged, not wanting to get Jeanie in trouble. "Does it matter?"

He straightened, stuffing his hands into his coat pockets. "I was hoping it wouldn't have to." A sadness filled his gaze as he turned to look out over the shimmering water. "The truth is I was in over my head the day I bought the company from Henry."

His eyes shut for a moment, his lips pressed tight. "I tried to find an investor, but everyone said that it was too big of a risk. I don't blame them."

He took a breath, again gripping the dock's rail, as he slowly exhaled. "I guess I just didn't want to admit that I failed."

Elizabeth felt her heart twist, as his head dropped. His shoulders slumped and it seemed like the weight of the world rested there. She'd had no idea he'd been struggling with this. Yet he'd still managed to put a smile on his face, taking time to put on the movie night for the town.

He'd even spent all night out in the cold guarding her and her son from an unseen danger. Yet he'd never complained. He always was willing to lend a hand and be there for her no matter his situation.

Tears welled in her eyes, as pain formed in her chest. Cautiously she raised her hand and placed it over his. A spark ignited as her fingers rested over his.

Instantly his head came up as he turned to look at her. His eyes went from her hand on his, to her eyes. She looked into his dark gaze, her voice filled with the emotion flooding her heart.

"Lucas, you didn't fail." She spoke softly, willing him to believe her words. "You did everything you could to save the company."

He sighed, shaking his head. His eyes dropped to the dock beneath him. "Not enough."

She gripped his hand tighter, bringing his eyes back to her. Determination filled her, as she looked deeply into his eyes. "It's not your fault." Suddenly a new thought struck her, and the words flew out before she could stop herself. "I'm proud of you."

His head came up quick, his brows deeply furrowed. "Why?"

She tilted her head, eyeing him. How could he not see why? "You cared enough to buy out an entire company, one you knew nothing about, just to try and save your employees jobs."

Just saying it out loud made her chest swell. He truly cared about the people of Hope Valley and had given so much to try and save those men's jobs.

Suddenly Lucas' eyes dropped to his hands before looking back to her face. His voice dropped just above a whisper. "I did it for you."

Her eyes widened, as she tried to comprehend his words. "What?"

"It's true I did it to help." He replied. "I didn't want to watch all those men lose their jobs and not be able to provide for their families. It wasn't their fault things fell apart."

Elizabeth felt her breath catch, as he hesitated a moment before continuing.

"But…. you…" A gentle smile played across his face. "You were so worried and cared so much about the men and their families. Some of them people you barely know."

Elizabeth felt her face fill with heat at his praise. His eyes then darkened, his voice soft yet determined.

"You inspired me, Elizabeth. You made me think twice about what I was doing, and challenged me to do more than I was." His mouth quirked in a sad smile. "I wanted to save it for you."

Elizabeth's heart felt three times its normal size. "Lucas…" No words could express the emotions coursing through her at his act of love for her.

At sudden impulse she went to him, and wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you." She had no other words. Just a need to show him how deeply she felt.

Lucas stiffened at her touch, undoubtedly shocked by her actions. She was shocked herself by what she'd done, yet she wasn't ready to let go yet. Slowly he relaxed, his arms tentatively wrapping around her shoulders.

His chin came to sit on top of her head, before he turned his cheek down to rest against her hair. She breathed deeply, relishing the warmth and strength she felt nestled against his chest. Sighing he held her closer for a brief moment before he gently unwrapped her arms from around him, and pulled away.

She was confused that he'd drawn back, a spark of worry forming in her chest. Searching, she looked up into his face, the emotion she found there stealing her breath. A sadness filled his eyes, as he raised his hand to her cheek. His thumb just barely touched her skin as he traced down to her jaw, leaving fire everywhere he touched.

"You're missing the dance." The words came in a hoarse whisper. His thumb came back to stroke her cheek once more. Perhaps as a final indulgence? He then turned and began walking away.

Elizabeth felt tears sting her eyes, as she watched him leave. Her mind raced a hundred miles an hour, as a pain struck her heart. She couldn't let him go. Not yet.

"Lucas." She called after him softly, emotion choking her words.

He stopped at her voice, his back facing her. What could only be identified as desperation gripped her, and she worked to speak around the lump in her throat.

"Dance with me?"

Fighting hard to keep her tears at bay, she held her breath as she waited for his response.

She had no idea what she was doing. Didn't know what she expected. Inside her brain told her to keep quiet, and run home. To stop this feeling that threatened to consume her.

And yet she was powerless to stop it. All she knew was that she desperately wanted him to stay.

After what seemed like hours, he slowly turned to face her. At the look on his face her heart stopped. An ever so slight sheen of moister glazed over his eyes. The moon shone brightly, and she found a glimmer of what appeared to be hope resting in his gaze.

Something crossed his face, his brows furrowing. "I'd hate to think I was dancing with another man's girl."

She knew that was a question, not a statement. Her heart fluttered, as she shook her head softly. "You wouldn't be."

Realization seemed to wash over him at her words, a spark lighting in his eyes. Slowly he started toward her with a determination that made her breath catch in her throat. Her heart pounded as he came to stand in front of her.

Slowly he reached for her hand. His fingers wrapped around hers as he raised her hand into a waltz position. Gently his other hand came to rest lightly on her waist.

His eyes then found hers, an intensity there that made her pulse quicken. Slowly they began swaying back and forth in a gentle waltz.

It was hard to breath at his closeness, and she found herself unable to hold his gaze. He seemed to be looking deep inside her. Searching for something.

Tentatively she allowed her head to rest against his chest. She relished the warmth against his heavy winter coat. Gently she drew her raised hand to rest over his heart, his hand still covering hers.

His cheek came to rest against her temple, and she felt him sigh, his warm breath blowing against her hair. Inside her thoughts tumbled over each other, whispering things in her ear. Part of her said she was crazy to be in this man's arms, and to jerk away. Yet the other part told her this was absolutely perfect.

She hadn't realized how much she'd longed for this moment. To just be held by this handsome and gentle man, who's thoughtfulness and care made her heart swell. She felt so safe in his arms. So treasured.

They stayed like that for what felt like hours. Neither of them spoke, the intimacy of silence consuming them. Eventually their dance became slower and slower, until soon they'd stopped moving entirely. Still, they held each other in a silent embrace.

A moment passed before Lucas pulled his head back slightly, bringing their faces inches apart.

"Elizabeth…" His words came in a husky breath.

His already dark eyes deepened to the color of smooth dark chocolate, as they looked deeply into her own. Her eyes locked on his, which then lowered to her lips. Inside her heart pounded as his warm breath brushed over her face. She found her gaze dropping to his mouth, unable to stop herself.

Ever so slowly she leaned toward him. Her brain screamed at her to pull away. To run and never look back. Yet she found herself powerless to stop the magnetic draw he had on her. Never had she wanted him to kiss her so much, and the realization terrified her, yet drew her closer.

Cautiously he lowered his mouth to hers. Her eyelids drifted shut, as his lips tentatively brushed over hers. Electricity shot through her at his delicate touch, and she felt herself melting into him. How could a kiss consume her so completely?

Was he dreaming? A spark had ignited in Lucas the moment their lips had touched.

He forced himself to keep the kiss gentle, unsure how she'd react. Her kiss was so soft, yet filled with a surprising longing that brought him back for another taste.

He raised his hand to her face, cradling her cheek. She leaned into his touch, and he wrapped his other arm around her waist, pulling her closer. She came willingly, her hands coming to rest on his chest. He deepened the kiss, breathing her into all his senses. Everything about this woman exuded pure sweetness. It all felt like a dream he never wanted to end.

Yet, then it did. Suddenly with a gasp she jerked herself out of his arms. He blinked in shock, his breathing ragged. She stared back at him, eyes wide and gasping for breath. He felt his stomach twist.

Oh, no.

Absolute terror filled her gaze, her head shaking slowly. "I'm sorry." She started backing away, her eyes covered by a sheen of tears. "I can't…" Her lips quivered. The ones he'd just kissed.

It felt like someone was twisting a knife inside his heart. He knew what had made her jerk away. The look in her wide eyes told him everything.

She was terrified.

He dared a step toward her, begging her with his eyes to stay. "Elizabeth…." He didn't know what to say, or rather he didn't know if he should say what was really in his heart. She probably wasn't ready to hear it, even though his feelings consumed him so.

She almost leapt backward at his advance, holding up a hand to ward him off. Her blue eyes glistened in the moonlight, as she again shook her head. "I'm so sorry."

Again, she backed away, and began to turn toward the road behind them. Lucas' heart pounded violently, his emotions swirling recklessly inside him. He couldn't hold it in anymore.

He stepped toward her. His words came spilling out of him, breaking through the silence. "I'm in love with you."

Even as the words left his mouth, he doubted whether he should have spoken them. Elizabeth stopped dead in her tracks, her back facing him. Her body stiffened, and he held his breath as he waited for her response. What had he done?

Slowly she turned toward him, and he saw the streams of tears running freely down her cheeks.

His chest ached inside him to run to her. To take her in his arms, and press her tight to his chest. He could see the pain in her eyes, and almost feel the torment she was battling. She looked back at him over the short distance that laid between them.

An array of emotions crossed her face within mere seconds. Shock perhaps over realizing the words he'd just spoken, followed by something that almost looked like longing. A glimmer of hope fluttered inside him at the prospect.

Could she love him with even a tenth of the love he felt for her?

But all too soon fear once again filled her gaze. Her mouth opened to speak, but no words followed. Her bottom lip quivered, as a fresh stream of tears flowed down her face.

"I…. I can't…." Her voice broke, as she took a step back. "I'm sorry, Lucas." And with a sob she ran.

Lucas stood, his heart breaking inside him as he watched her run toward the row houses. His emotions were in such a frantic, tangled mess.

He'd gone from despair thinking she'd chosen Nathan, to shock over learning she hadn't, to elation that he'd actually kissed her. His heart still raced inside him remembering the moment from only seconds earlier.

Had she chosen him? Did she actually feel something for him? She'd said she wasn't taken, and then she'd kissed him with a passion that had made his head spin.

His pulse quickened as the realization hit him. She'd chosen him. That kiss had proved it. His heart sped, realizing the fact.

Now he watched her running as fast as she could away from him. Panic seized his chest. He couldn't lose her.

Quickly he darted after her. The frozen air burned his lungs, as he ran as fast as he could. "Elizabeth!"

She kept running, refusing to glance back. He could hear her crying while she ran, and he pumped his legs faster. Quickly he closed the gap between them.

"Elizabeth wait." Finally, he caught up to her, and nearly slid to a stop, grabbing her arms. He breathed hard, his chest feeling like it was on fire from the freezing night air. "Please."

She tried to pull back, but he held her gently. Shaking her head, she breathed hard, raising her hands to cover her face. "Please just leave me alone."

It pained him so much to see her like this, and knew he should let her go. Yet he was so scared she'd never come back if he did.

"I can't lose you." He couldn't help the emotion that choked his voice. "Elizabeth, please just talk to me."

Slowly her eyes found his, tears spilling down her cheeks. "I…I can't…"

She was crying bitterly now, her face flooded with tears. Sobs racked her body, and he tightened his grip on her arms to steady her. Again, she shook her head.

"I can't do this."

Moister stung his own eyes, as he lifted a hand to cradle her face. "I know."

Lovingly he lifted her head until he found her eyes, a hard lump forming in his throat. "I know you're scared." He whispered, wiping her tears with his thumb.

"You've been through more than I could ever imagine. And I know I'll never be Jack, and that I can never replace him. All I know is how I feel about you."

His voice caught on the last word. Elizabeth sniffed, her eyes glistening. "Lucas…"

His heart swelled with the love he felt for this woman. "I can't make you any guaranties. But I promise you…" He raised his other hand to cup her face. "I'm not going anywhere."

Her eyes locked on his, her sobs softening. He felt her gaze, trying to will her to see the truth in his words.

Suddenly a chill ran down Lucas' back, as footsteps sounded behind him. The deep voice of a man sliced through the night.

"You shouldn't make promises you can't keep."

Elizabeth gasped, and he felt her jump in surprise. His stomach sank as he watched her eyes widen, her mouth dropping open.

"Mr. Spurlock?"