Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 5, Part 1, Page 21

There was a small knock on her door. Elizabeth opened it and saw Rosemary waiting. "Please, come in."

With a hug, Rosemary asked "Elizabeth, I've been worried about you. You haven't hardly peeked outside for awhile. I know you're hurting, so what can I do?"

"Rosemary, I just feel so lost now. School is out and with Lucas gone, I feel so lonely. I can't stop wondering what happened between us. I go over and over the past and try as I might, I don't understand how Lucas could just up and leave me." Elizabeth explained with tears filling her eyes."

"Okay, you need to fill me in as to what you said to Nathan first."

"It wasn't easy Rosemary, I told him that I loved him, and that it would be hard for anyone not to. The look on his face at first was happy," Elizabeth started. "Then when I told him I wasn't in love with him, his face just paled and his eyes had a stony expression."

"Oh my", was all Rosemary could say which was unusual for her.

"I tried to explain to him that I realized I was looking for Jack in him." she continued.

"Wait, Elizabeth, you didn't!" Rosemary looked at her best friend in disbelief.

"That was not a way to break off any relationship, he didn't

need to hear that you were thinking of Jack when you were with him."

"Rosemary, I needed to tell him the truth." Elizabeth stammered.

"Sometimes, my dear, things are better left unsaid. I'm afraid, that you need to ask him for forgiveness in order to heal your relationship, even as friends" Rosemary wisely suggested.

"Now I know how he must feel since Lucas left me. I finally was ready to allow myself to court again. I am at a loss and don't know how to go forward." Elizabeth moaned.

"Did Lucas ever tell you he loved you?" inquired Rosemary.

"No, but I thought he did Rosemary, with all his romantic gestures, encouraging me to pursue my writing, opening a library for me, he made me believe he did." Elizabeth answered.

"These are all wonderful and kind, but he never told you he loved you. I would think after all this time he would have told you", Rosemary hesitated, and then added, "Nathan did," she took her time and continued, "Nathan not only told you he loved you but he was willing to put you first before his career. He was planning on buying land and building a home for you, LJ and Allie. He was so in love with you – you were his lifetime!"

With that realization Elizabeth began to sob. "I thought I was looking for Jack in him".

"That is not fair Elizabeth, Nathan is a loving, devoted man of integrity and bravery. He is not just a job title. He is much more than that. You need to look past the uniform and see the man." Rosemary advised.

"Oh Rosemary, I made a mess of things didn't I? LJ loves Nathan and Allie. What did I do?" she whimpered.

"First things first, go dry off those tears. Then you take a deep breath, ask the good Lord for strength, maybe talk to Pastor Canfield. Nathan is gone for the week up to visit his mother with Allie. When he gets back you need to have a heart to heart talk with him." Rosemary consoled.

It was then that they both heard LJ calling from his bed for his mama. Saved by this, Elizabeth ran up and got him and brought him down to Rosemary's delight.

"How's my little man?" Rosemary grabbed LJ in her arms and with lots of kisses and giggles waltzed around the room with him. "C'mon Elizabeth, let's go for a walk outside. It's a beautiful day. Maybe we can head over to the Canfields."

Outside, the sun was shining and the kids were playing ball and jumping rope as usual. Most of the neighbors were either in town working or doing errands, but luckily Pastor Canfield was home. Fortunately for Elizabeth, he took her hand and walked inside so she could tell him her story.

With that Rosemary took LJ home to eat. They enjoyed their time together so much that Rosemary couldn't help but think how wonderful it would be for her and Lee to have their own baby. They had prayed she'd get pregnant, but so far, no luck. They had really enjoyed being Guardians for LJ, but it made them desire their own precious child even more. It was very difficult for Rosemary especially seeing all the little ones around. Deep down inside she felt she wasn't as 'good' as the others because she was childless. That really hurt and Rosemary had to have a good cry from time to time. But right now, she had LJ to play with and it made her happy. For now, that would have to do.

When Elizabeth came back home, she hugged Rosemary and thanked her. Then she gave her big boy a huge hug and told him, "Everything is going to be fine now Jack, you are my number one love!"

Lee and Bill put Sam to work right away. First thing he worked on was the bar. It had to be torn down and replaced with a buffet table. Soon the lumber would be here and they would start building a stage. Actually having Sam here turned out to be a blessing. He stayed upstairs so was always there to get to work. Fiona gave Sam a well needed haircut, on the house, which showed off just how handsome he was.

Meanwhile, the ladies of the sewing circle were busy finishing up the tablecloths and the curtains for the dining hall. The colors and floral patterns definitely cheered up the atmosphere. Lee had purchased a new invention, the radio. He was able to pick up transmission for all to listen to while working in the hall. Yes indeed, Billee's Place was coming along!