Nathan strolled down Main Street, after grabbing a quick bite from the café. He could have sworn he saw Jeanie back in the kitchen, but after looking closer she was nowhere to be seen. Maybe it was just his imagination?
Breathing deeply, he took in the town around him. It was a wonderful, happy morning in Hope Valley. It seemed that all the chaos of the previous week had finally subsided and everything had returned to normal.
His gaze eventually landed on the saloon, and his stomach sank. The saloon represented Lucas…the man Elizabeth had chosen over him.
During the passing week, he had been actively searching the conflicting feelings in his heart. He'd been crushed by Elizabeth's rejection, and had avoided her ever since. And almost every time he did see her in passing, she was arm-in-arm with Lucas Bouchard.
His jaw clenched subconsciously, and he tried for the one thousandth time to make sense of it all. Inside he'd thought that maybe, just maybe Elizabeth felt more for him than Lucas. Then when she'd agreed to go to dinner with him, he'd dared to hope that perhaps she was falling for him.
Perhaps he should have paid more attention to her emphasis on it not being a date. But he couldn't help it. He truly cared about her, even believing that he was in love with her. She was beautiful, intelligent, kind, and caring. What man wouldn't fall for a woman like her?
Now he was left to wonder if he'd misread something. In her actions and his own heart.
Suddenly he found Lucas walking toward the Queen of Hearts. A stack of papers were under his arm, and the puppies Jeanie had rescued ran ahead of him into the saloon. Again, Nathan's jaw clenched knowing Lucas was returning from walking Elizabeth to school, something he'd seen him doing nearly every morning. And if he wasn't mistaken the papers were probably Elizabeth's latest chapters.
His stomach twisted. Why Lucas? Out of all the men Elizabeth could have chosen over him, why did she have to pick Lucas Bouchard? The gambling, risk-taking man, who'd put her life in danger twice. She could have died!
But even as the thought presented itself, he knew he had to dismiss it. After talking with Bill, he better understood the situation. And while he still fumed at the thought of anything relating to Lucas hurting Elizabeth, he realized Lucas had done the right thing and told Bill about Harvey. Even betraying his sister's trust to do so.
Still, he'd wished he hadn't been the man Elizabeth's heart had chosen. How did he know if he could trust him? The apparent beating Lucas had taken for her greatly relieved him, as he'd proven he was willing to protect her to the end.
Yet, something still stirred inside him. Something causing a sudden need to talk to the man.
Taking a calming breath, he started toward him. "Lucas." He called before Lucas walked into the saloon, causing him to stop and turn toward him.
"Nathan." His eyes revealed his surprise in seeing him. Cautiously he took a step toward him, raising a brow. "Can I help you with something?"
Nathan could sense his unease, and to be honest he didn't feel comfortable talking to him either. But he needed to say something. His heart just wouldn't rest until he did.
"I just…" He fought to unstick the words from his tongue. "I just hope you realize how lucky you are." He finally managed, each word bringing pain as he spoke it. "Elizabeth is a wonderful woman."
Lucas simply nodded, an unreadable expression crossing his face. "Believe me, I do."
"You know she's been through a lot." Nathan raised his hand to rub the back of his neck. How did he make him understand? "The last thing I'd want is to see her get hurt again."
He knew he was being harsh, but he needed to know that Elizabeth would be happy and cared for the way she deserved.
Lucas eyed him, his expression stiff. "I couldn't agree more." His tone told Nathan that he had received his message loud and clear.
Nathan breathed a slight sigh of relief. A moment then passed between them, the tension thick as they eyed each other. An understanding seemed to pass between them, each realizing where they now stood.
Finally, having said all that he'd set out to, he tipped his hat to Lucas, and started off toward the jail.
"Nathan." Lucas called behind him. He stopped quick and turned back, finding Lucas' face twisting nervously.
"I never had a chance to thank you." He finally managed.
Nathan's brows rose in question. "Thank me?"
Lucas shrugged, and took a step forward. "For saving my sister. She means the world to me, so…thank you."
Nathan nodded, understanding dawning on him. And with one look at Lucas' face he knew he meant it. Instantly Jeanie's violet eyes flashed before him, the rush of emotion they brought taking him by surprise.
He'd been shell-shocked to learn that she was in fact Lucas' little sister. But now he wasn't sure how he hadn't seen it before. They shared a few facial similarities, and both seemed intent on driving him crazy.
Yet, there was something about Jeanie. He wasn't sure what, but all he knew was that she'd been on his mind far too many times the past week than he cared to admit. Surely, he didn't have feelings for her….
No. Of course not. That would be ridiculous. Wouldn't it?
He then realized that Lucas was waiting for his response. Nervously he cleared his throat, hoping Lucas couldn't read his thoughts. What would Lucas think of him considering if he had feelings for his baby sister?
"I'm just doing my job." He finally managed stiffly. "But you're welcome."
Lucas then shifted the papers under his arm, and Nathan caught him wince. "How's your rib?" He asked.
Lucas just shrugged. "I'll survive."
Suddenly a question presented itself, and Nathan found himself asking it before he could think twice. "How's…uh…how's Jeanie been?" He winced at how nervous he sounded. Come on. He chided himself. Pull it together!
Lucas seemed to eye him suspiciously for a moment, and Nathan felt his chest tighten. "She's fine." Lucas eventually answered, a bit stiffly. "A little more quiet than normal." His brows furrowed, as he took a step closer. "Why?"
Nathan felt his palms begin to sweat and instantly regretted asking the question. "I just…wondered is all." Why was he so uneasy?
"Is everything alright between you two?" Lucas then asked slowly, seeming to search his face.
Nathan felt like a rock dropped in his stomach, and instantly wanted to turn and run. He knew exactly what the look in Lucas' eyes meant. He'd given his own sister's suitor the same one years ago.
Suddenly he wondered what Jeanie had told Lucas about the…incidents they always seemed to find themselves in.
"Yeah." He coughed, unable to look him in the eye. "Why would you think something was wrong?" His voice cracked on the last word, and he cringed inside. He needed to leave. Now.
Lucas' eyes seemed like they were burning holes in him. "I just thought that maybe…"
"I'd better get to my rounds." Nathan quickly interjected, and without another word, spun on his heels and walked away. He could feel Lucas' eyes on him the whole way back to the jail.
Lucas watched as Nathan strode to the jail. Only once Nathan had closed the door, did he dare allow his lips to turn in a smirk. He wasn't sure exactly what had happened between that Mountie and his sister, but he was pretty sure about one thing.
That man had a terrible crush on his sister.
He wasn't sure how to feel about that. But the fact that Nathan had been as civil with him as he had, even asking about his broken rib was a good start. He knew that Nathan had been hurt by Elizabeth's rejection, and truly cared that she was safe and happy.
Although his stiff comments had been rather abrasive. But he knew that Nathan did not think very well of him. It probably had something to do with his past with his father.
Still seeing how much Nathan cared showed him that he had a good and caring heart. A very good quality to possess. Now if only he could figure out how his sister felt….
Jeanie stood at the edge of a small stream running through the woods. Her eyes were closed tight, and she breathed deeply of the cool afternoon air. In her hands she clutched her wedding ring, feeling the smooth, golden surface.
Once a symbol of her undying love and commitment to her husband, now hung about her neck like a ball and chain. She knew inside that she would always love her husband, but the truth was Scottie wasn't the man she'd thought he was.
She'd tried to be a patient wife, remembering her own parent's love story. But she knew that she had to let him go.
Tears pricked the back of her eyes, as she remembered her promise to him. To love, honor, and cherish him until death parted them. She'd meant every word, she just hadn't expected them to be parted so soon.
Yet no matter how much it had grieved her, maybe everything had worked out the way it was supposed to. She never could have stayed with him, knowing he was a murderer. And now she was reunited with her beloved brother, and had a beautiful new home in Hope Valley. She even had a few friends. Friends who liked her for the real Jeanie, despite knowing her past.
Again, she glanced down at the ring, knowing what she had to do. Which is why she'd taken the afternoon off, and had come out here to this stream. She had considered just locking the ring away as a memory, but couldn't do it.
No, so long as she had this ring, she felt she would be held back. Tethered to the past. A past she so desperately wanted to forget, and move on from. Raising her chin, she took a fortifying breath.
"I loved you, Scottie." She whispered, allowing the tears to flow. "But I can't hold onto you anymore." Her voice broke on the last words, as a sob racked her body. "Good bye, Scottie."
And after placing a gentle kiss to the ring, taking one last final glance at it, she raised her arm and threw it into the rushing water. Instantly it disappeared under the blue ripples, as the current carried it far away.
She stared into the water a long moment expecting to feel…. well, she wasn't quite sure what she was supposed to feel. Guilt she figured.
But suddenly a gentle peace seemed to sweep over her, filling her chest. Slowly the weight that had gripped her so long seeming to have vanished. It was like she could breathe again, a feeling she hadn't felt in so long.
A smile touched her lips, a fresh batch of tears filling her eyes. But this time they were happy tears. "Thank You, Lord." She breathed.
After a few moments she eventually started back toward town, taking her time to enjoy the silence. Suddenly hoof beats sounded behind her, and she turned her head to find no one else than Nathan riding toward her. Her stomach twisted. Why did it have to be him?
She kept walking, hoping he'd ride on past her. He seemed to be pretty good at ignoring her anyway. And yet she soon found herself standing right next to his horse as he stopped beside her.
He looked down at her, tipping his Stetson. "Afternoon."
Inside her chest tightened, and she worked to keep her eyes from meeting his. "Afternoon, Constable." She answered, trying to sound light and casual despite her stiff lips.
She had avoided seeing, or speaking to Nathan ever since he'd saved her from Harvey. Inside she wasn't even sure why. Her emotions were such a mess. All she could remember was the way he'd took care of her. No one besides Lucas had ever shown her such genuine concern and care. And then his eyes had looked so deeply into hers as he'd draped his coat over her.
Her heart had sped at his closeness, and after analyzing her feelings she'd come to the conclusion that…maybe…just maybe she was attracted to him. But she was in no place right now to entertain those thoughts. And besides, maybe it was just because he was such a polar opposite of Scottie. She really wasn't sure.
Then she'd remembered that he was interested in Elizabeth. Not her. Her face twisted, the familiar shame causing her stomach to sink. An honorable man like him would never be interested in someone like her.
So, she just kept walking, forcing herself not to look at him. Maybe he'll ride away. She told herself, but instead he just followed her, keeping Newton at a slow walk.
"It's a bit chilly for a walk, don't you think?" He replied casually.
She just shrugged. "Not for me." Yet even as she said the words, she subconsciously pulled her coat around her tighter. Nervously she cleared her throat. "I'm actually on my way back so…" Her words trailed off, unsure what to say next.
"I can…give you a ride to town if you'd like." He answered, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
She bit her tongue against a retort, feeling quite certain he didn't actually want to give her a ride. "No thank you, Constable." She smiled stiffly, kicking a rock in front of her. "I enjoy walking."
She winced, feeling her big toe pulse with pain. She really needed better shoes for walking. Or at least for kicking rocks.
He shrugged. "Suit yourself." And she figured that was the end of it, breathing a sigh of relief. But suddenly she found him dismounting, and before she knew it, he was walking beside her.
Again, her chest constricted, and she worked to hide her emotional turmoil. An awkward tension filled the air between them, and she wondered if he felt it. They walked along silently for a moment, before his mouth moved as if he'd speak.
"I…haven't seen you around much lately." He finally replied quietly.
Her eyes snapped to him for a moment, before looking back to the road before them. "Yes well, I've been…. very busy." She winced inside at how nervous she sounded. What was wrong with her?
"Yeah." Nathan answered, his eyes not meeting hers. "Me too."
Again, they settled into silence. She racked her brain for something intelligent to say, but all she could come up with was a dozen reasons for her to run. Finally, she found one that didn't make her sound as uneasy as she really was.
"Well, don't let me keep you from your job." She worked to sound calm, and collected.
"Actually, I just finished my rounds." He answered, looking to his feet as he walked.
Her stomach sank. "Oh…" Inside her chest constricted, and suddenly the plan to hide her feelings went straight out the door. She needed to go. Now. "Well, I think I'll take the long way around…" She started.
"Jeanie…" Suddenly his hand grabbed her arm, gently bringing her to a stop. Her heart stilled at his forwardness, her eyes widening as she turned to look at him.
His face no longer held the calm façade it had before. Now he looked at her straight on, his eyes searching. "Have you been avoiding me?"
Her brows shot up. "What?" Her stomach started turning in knot after knot. "No." She answered far too quickly, starting down the path again. Her arms wrapped around herself, as she fought to regain control of her emotions. "Why would you think I'd be doing that?"
Nathan took a quick step forward to catch up with her. "I don't know." He shrugged. "Just a hunch I guess." She could feel his eyes on her as they walked, and she couldn't ever remember feeling this uncomfortable. What was it about this man that unnerved her so?
A moment passed before he spoke again. "You…turned down Allie's invitation to go fishing this week."
She winced, remembering how she regretfully rejected Allie. Honestly, she'd really wanted to go, but was just too emotionally unstable at the time. Allie seemed to understand, but now Jeanie was left to wonder if she actually had.
"I know." Jeanie sighed. "I'm just too…. too busy this week."
"I see." He nodded, before raising a brow at her. "What's keeping you so "busy?"
She blew out anxiously. "Lots of things…" Helplessly she looked up, trying to find something to say. "Bill's got me baking like there's no tomorrow." She quickly answered. "He's still trying to figure out my secret muffin recipe."
What else could she say? "And…and…" She stuttered. "And I'm taking care of Lucas. He's such a terrible patient." She rolled her eyes dramatically. Her brother was a sweetheart, but sometimes could be a pain in the rear.
She stole a glance at Nathan, who still didn't seem convinced. Why did she even think she could fool a Mountie? Still, she stammered on. "And…and I have puppy duty…"
His brows suddenly furrowed. "Puppy duty?"
"Lucas and me take turns looking after Sawyer and Annie." She explained quickly, letting out a tired huff. "They're such a handful and Gustave hates having them around, and they're not exactly house trained…" Oh, why did she have to go and say that? Now she was just rambling and making herself look like a fool.
She sighed helplessly, turning to find an escape through the trees. "Listen I really need to go. Bill's probably…."
"Jeanie…." At the sound of Nathan's voice, she stopped quick, daring a glance at his face. The emotion there took her by surprise. Suddenly she found herself feeling anxious, wondering what he might say next.
After a moment he sighed, removing his Stetson from his head. "I'm sorry."
Her eyes widened, her brow quirking. "Excuse me?"
He fidgeted uncomfortably, looking down the road ahead of them. "I came out here because I wanted to say…" Finally, his eyes came back to her. "That I'm sorry."
Well, she hadn't expected that. She tilted her head in confusion. "For what?"
His mouth opened, then shut as he seemed to be fighting for the words to say. "For…how I treated you. I…I didn't know…"
Slowly she sighed, rolling her eyes. "You've been talking to Bill, haven't you?"
His eyes widened. "No…" He spat out quickly. She just raised her brow at him, crossing her arms over her chest.
Finally, he shrugged, seeming to know he'd been caught. "Okay a little, but that's not why I'm here."
Her heart tensed. So, he'd come out here looking for her? Why would he do that?
"I understand why you did what you did…" He continued. "…. And I want you to know that I don't blame you for anything."
His words had the force to knock her off her feet. He didn't blame her? Her mind started racing. How could he, a man of the law no less, not blame her for the whole disaster? Women with less reason than he had, had blamed her to utter shame and rejection. Suddenly she realized that he was still talking.
"It took a lot of courage…coming out here like you did." He stumbled, and she wondered if she caught a hint of red in his ears. "Especially knowing what kind of a man you were dealing with."
Her eyes shot wide open now. Was he…complimenting her?
Suddenly his expression fell, his voice low. "I also know what it's like to…lose someone you love…" His final words came out near a whisper, and her heart pulled at the pain she saw in his eyes. A pain she knew all too well.
He'd lost someone too? She'd had no idea. Instantly she felt a kinship with this man, and a desire to help him.
She was then surprised to see his jaw then tighten, a determination filling his gaze. "And I know what it's like to love someone who's…not who you wanted them to be."
Tears welled in her eyes, as she caught a glaze over his own. There was so much more depth to this man than she'd realized. Instantly she scolded herself for her behavior towards him. She'd been being so selfish and only thinking about herself. She knew so much better than that.
A moment passed, as she fought for something to say. He then stopped walking, and she found his lips quirking into a lopsided smile.
"I guess what I'm trying to say is…" He stumbled. "Welcome to Hope Valley."
Her heart swelled inside her at the honesty she saw in his eyes. She'd had this man all wrong.
Suddenly feeling shy, she gave him a soft smile, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Thank you, Constable."
"It's Nathan." He answered, and her heart stirred inside her.
He wanted her to call him by his first name? She nodded, wanting to try it out. "Nathan." The name had a nice sound to it. It suited him well.
They walked on quietly, each seeming lost in thought. She couldn't help noticing how nice it was just taking a stroll with him. Even in compatible silence.
"Maybe…." She turned her head quick, as he started speaking. He hesitated, the words seeming stuck on his tongue. "Maybe…. you could come fishing with me and Allie sometime."
Her eyes widened, and she worked to hide her shock. Was he asking her out? "Maybe I could." She tried to sound witty, even as her stomach fluttered.
His eyes glanced to her, before he coughed nervously. "I mean, I know Allie would really like you to come."
Oh…Her heart sunk a little. He was either really nervous about asking her out, or was just doing this for Allie. But that was okay. She still wasn't ready for something like a date. Even a fishing date.
Raising her chin, she flashed him a smile. "I'd like to go with her too."
Nathan smirked shyly, a light chuckle escaping him. "Great."
She couldn't help but notice what a nice laugh he had. Quickly she shook her head. One step at a time. She cautioned herself.
Still, she was going to enjoy getting to know this man.