The ride back was quiet, with only the sound of horse hooves trampling the leaf covered ground. Bill led the way since Lucas wasn't too familiar with this part of the woods. Traveling at night hadn't done him any favors.
Behind Bill four horses were strung together, each carrying one of the dirty criminals they'd just faced moments ago. Finally, him and Elizabeth rode together bringing up the rear. She sat in front of him, his one hand gripping the reins, while the other circled around her waist.
He wasn't sure how she'd feel about that, but he felt the need to keep her close right now. Thankfully she hadn't resisted. If anything, he wondered if she'd leaned into him.
Now they rode silently along through the trees. Before mounting he'd removed his coat and draped it over her, attempting to stop her violent shivering. She was still wearing her silvery white gown from the social that night, with only a long white cape to keep her warm. Although he figured that her shivers were more from shock than anything else.
The wind now whipped at him with a chilling bite, only aggravating his pain. However, her shivers had died down, and so he would endure the freezing night air.
His chest still burned like fire, the bumping of the horse only making it worse. But he bit it down. It was worth it, if it meant he could keep her close.
Eventually her head had come back to rest against his shoulder. Now it bobbed gently with the rhythm of the horse. Had she fallen asleep? He wouldn't blame her after everything she'd been through this week.
His stomach knotted just thinking about the danger him and Elizabeth had been in. By a miracle from God, he'd found the smallest end of a nail poking through the cabin's wooden wall. Using it he managed to saw the ropes around his wrists, and untie his ankles, without Johnny noticing. He'd then managed to knock the man out, before stealing his rifle.
By the time he'd made his way around the back, Spurlock had his pistol pointed at Elizabeth's head. Bile rose in his throat as he realized once again just how close he'd been to losing her. The thought was more than he could stand.
Never had he been so sure of his feelings for her. She was the one. Without question. Without doubt.
And now he knew that she felt something for him. First from that kiss, and then after she'd nearly popped his already broken ribs from that hug. He couldn't help the smile that tugged at his mouth remembering both events.
But how would she feel now after all they'd been through. They'd both come inches from death's door. Would she pull away now, or draw closer?
Gently he brushed a kiss to her cheek, praying it would be the later. He didn't even want to think about a life without her.
Finally, the small town of Hope Valley came in sight. Relief washed over him, a warmth filling his chest. He was home.
It was an odd yet, wonderful feeling. In all his travels he'd never found a place that felt so much like home, than Hope Valley did. It was a beautiful thing really.
Slowly the long train of horses walked past the water tower. In the distance he could make out the saloon. And all the town's folk that were gathered in front of it.
He should probably wake Elizabeth up.
He gave her arm a soft nudge. "Elizabeth." He whispered against her hair. Slowly she stirred, a yawn escaping her. Lucas smiled, his chest swelling.
He wished they could stay like this forever. But he knew she'd probably rather not be seen sleeping against his shoulder. He'd already made that mistake once.
Raising her head, she craned her neck so she could look at him. The sight of her sleepy face made his heart melt. She stared at him, her blue eyes shining in the moonlight. Her lips parted slightly, and he had to resist the temptation to take them in a kiss. Now wasn't the time, or the place.
Lucas reined his horse to a stop in front of the jail next to the others. A crowd of people rushed up behind them as he dismounted. He moved to help Elizabeth down, but raising his hands above his head sent a bolt of pain through his chest.
Instead, he raised his right hand, since it was his left side that burned like fire, and took her hand as she dismounted. She slid down next to him, surprising him by not immediately removing her hand from his. He looked to her, finding her eyes.
She stared back at him, an unreadable expression in her gaze. Slowly she then slid her hand from his.
Disappointment rose in his chest, but he pushed it aside. She'd been through a lot these past few days. There was no reason to push her beyond what she was ready for.
He could wait.
Suddenly a woman burst through the crowd, and threw herself into his arms. "Lucas!" Jeanie gasped, holding him tight.
Lucas sucked in a breath, unable to hold back a groan. Oh, how he hurt! And yet a powerful wave of relief washed over him.
During him and Elizabeth's entire ordeal worry for his little sister had consumed him. He'd had no idea whether or not she was being tortured by some merciless brute. But here she was. Safe and sound.
Thank you, Lord. He silently prayed.
At his sudden intake of breath, she pulled back. Her hands flung to her face as she took in his disheveled state.
"Oh, my goodness!" She looked from him to Elizabeth, tears immediately springing to her eyes. "What happened? Are you two alright?"
He attempted to give her a reassuring smile, gently gripping her arm. "I'm fine."
"No." Elizabeth answered softly as she looked to him, her eyes filled with concern. "You're not."
Quickly She turned to the crowd, searching for someone. "Carson." She finally called, and the doctor came running over. Carson's eyes scanned over Elizabeth, and then him, as if he could see every bone and muscle in their bodies.
His face then tensed, apparently not liking what he saw. Lucas then remembered the place on his forehead where Johnny had smashed that piece of kindling. That must be the reason his head was pounding.
Finally, Carson nodded stiffly. "Let's get you over to the infirmary."
At the sound of a door opening, Lucas turned to find Nathan bounding out of the jail door. His eyes landed on the one person he didn't want them too, his gaze widening.
"Elizabeth!" He nearly jumped down the stairs, running toward her. Then it was Lucas' eyes that widened, as Nathan suddenly engulfed her in a tight embrace. Lucas caught Jeanie rolling her eyes, and felt like doing the same.
Elizabeth seemed shocked herself at Nathan's action, her body going stiff. Her arms stayed in place, just barely tapping his arms. Lucas couldn't help the smile that pulled at his lips, relief pouring through him.
She's not interested in him. He silently comforted himself.
"Thank God you're safe." He heard Nathan whisper, and he couldn't help the spark of fire that his words ignited. Just because she didn't care for Nathan that way, didn't mean he was okay seeing her in the man's arms.
Finally, Elizabeth pulled back, her eyes refusing to meet Nathan's. Nathan still seemed to be examining her, looking for any injuries. "Are you hurt?" He breathed.
"No." She shook her head, pulling Lucas' coat tighter around her shoulders. Suddenly her head came up, her eyes wide. "Where's Jack?"
Nathan motioned backward with his head. "He's with Lee and Rosemary back at their place."
Quickly Lucas stepped forward, not giving Nathan a chance to offer anything. "I'll take you."
Nathan's eyes darted to him, a fire burning there. "You've done enough." He snapped, and Lucas couldn't say he was surprised at his anger. Nathan probably blamed him for the whole ordeal. Even he blamed himself.
Suddenly Bill walked up beside them. "You've both done enough." His voice was firm, but not quite angry. "Henry already volunteered to drive Elizabeth home. He's getting his car as we speak."
He then turned to Nathan. "I need you back in the office."
Nathan was taken back, his face tense. "Surely that can wait for just a…"
"Now." Bill ordered, and his face left no room for argument. Nathan's brows furrowed, his mouth opening and closing before he started back toward the jail.
Bill then turned to Lucas, his eyes going to his head. "You'd better let Carson have a look at that."
Lucas nodded, praying Carson would have something to take the throbbing away. "Thank you, Bill." He hoped the older man saw just how deeply he meant it. Without Bill, things would have turned out a whole lot worse.
Bill nodded back, his mouth turning in what almost looked like a smile. "Don't mention it." He clapped him on the shoulder, before starting up the jail steps.
Lucas then turned back to Elizabeth. She looked up at him, her expression unreadable. "I'll walk you over." She replied softly.
Warmth filled him, and he nodded, a smile spreading across his face.
Jeanie took his hand giving it a squeeze. "I'll go make you something nice and warm." And after a quick hug, she darted off toward the saloon.
He sighed as he watched her go, again relived filling him that she was safe. Carson then put a hand to his shoulder. "Let's get you checked out."
The three of them, Carson, Elizabeth, and him then started off toward the infirmary. Glancing back Lucas found Nathan staring after them, his mouth hanging open slightly.
He felt sympathy for the man, and continued to feel his eyes following them until they entered the infirmary. A single lantern lit the otherwise dark room, and Carson immediately went about lighting another.
Suddenly he then turned to his medicine cabinet. After looking through it he sighed deeply, turning toward them.
"My medical shipment was late, but I think Ned may have the pills I need." Without even slipping his coat back on, he headed for the door. "Just sit there, and I'll be back in just a second." And just like that he darted off for the mercantile.
An awkward silence fell as Lucas and Elizabeth's eyes met. It was the first time they'd really been alone since earlier that night at the pond. Somehow that seemed a lifetime ago after all they'd been through. And yet the memory of that kiss burned bright in his memory.
Feeling the need to distract himself, he slid his jacket off, and walked toward the other lantern Carson had lit. Turning his upper arm toward it, he attempted to see the damage that bullet had caused. Dry blood crusted over the spot, a dark gash larger than he'd like in the center of his arm.
Shuffling sounded behind him, and soon Elizabeth appeared next to him. Her one hand held a bottle of cleaning alcohol, while the other held a roll of gaze. His heart swelled at her concern, but she had been through enough for one night. She didn't need to nurse his injuries on top of everything else.
Quickly he twisted his arm away, trying to shield her from the ugly sight.
Her brows then furrowed, her nose scrunching. "Lucas."
He worked to hold back a smirk, not quite succeeding, before he relented. She was quite the determined one. Her face twisted at the bloody gash, and she set the medical supplies aside. His eyes then widened, from pain and shock, as she grabbed his arm, turning it toward the light.
They now stood inches apart, and he couldn't help but stare.
She was so beautiful. Her hair had come loose from its fancy half-updo, and now hung around her face in soft curls. Her dress, now dirt-stained, shimmered in the soft light of the lantern. Blinking to see his arm better, her long lashes fluttered, her nose wrinkling in the cutest way.
He really was a goner.
She then looked up and caught him staring. Her eyes widened as they locked on his. Her cheeks were flushed in a light red, whether from the cold or a blush he couldn't tell.
Her lips parted slightly, drawing his eyes to them. Tempting. So, tempting.
His head told him he shouldn't, but he couldn't seem to help himself. Slowly he leaned toward her, brushing his lips over hers.
She pulled back, her voice a whisper. "Lucas…"
He should have listened to his head.
He looked to her face, finding her eyes lowered to the ground. Her face was withdrawn, and it appeared a battle raged inside her. His stomach twisted, a mixture of fear and concern swirling there.
"Elizabeth?"
Finally, she looked to him, her voice soft. "It's not you. It's me." Her eyes seemed to implore him to understand. And he did.
She winced, seeming to try and find the right words. "I just…. I just need…"
"Time?" He finished for her softly.
A sense of relief seemed to fill her, as she nodded. "I hope you understand."
"I do." He answered, trying to make her see that he truly did. So much had happened in such a short amount of time, even he was struggling to comprehend it all.
In response she smiled softly. "Thank you."
Silence fell for a moment, bringing an awkward tension with it. There was so much he wanted to say. So many things he needed to tell her.
Suddenly Carson walked in, a bottle in his hand. He looked to Elizabeth, motioning behind him. "Elizabeth, Henry just pulled up."
She nodded, and Lucas felt his heart sink realizing she had to leave. Her face seemed to say the same thing. Or he at least hoped it did anyway.
She looked to him, her expression unreadable. "Thank you." She replied softly.
Lucas' brows furrowed. "For what?"
Her eyes shone as they looked deeply into his. "Everything."
And with a final glance, she disappeared out the door.