I'm always hesitant to give Elizabeth much time in my story but there were questions asking about how she handled the news of Nathan and Sarah's engagement so I thought I'd give a little space to that. Hope you don't mind!

It didn't take long for the news of Sarah and Nathan's engagement to become known throughout Hope Valley. By the end of the week Sarah couldn't count how many times she'd been congratulated on both her engagement and the store. She had never experienced the happiness and support she felt from a community.

Nathan had received similar attention. In his case many in town had witnessed the relationship between he and Elizabeth develop and had expected them to start courting. Most were surprised when she started courting Lucas. Word had gotten out that the relationship didn't last and Elizabeth was rarely seen around town other than mercantile, the library and church. Many assumed she was busy writing another book. Some wondered if the stresses of the school were affecting her. As more families moved into town it was expected that the school would quickly become overcrowded. There had already been talk of building additional rooms on the existing structure and hiring more teachers before the following school year. Minnie Canfield was advocating for one of the teachers to be credentialed in teaching the blind since Elizabeth still hadn't finished the process.

Nathan was in his office reviewing some notes on an investigation when he heard the creak of the door. Looking up he saw Elizabeth walking in. He had a momentary flashback to many months ago when she'd last come to his office. He was reassured that he no longer felt the pain of that day. "Hello Elizabeth, how can I help you?"

"Nathan, I heard about your engagement." Elizabeth stood shuffling back and forth on her feet and she could feel her breaths coming more rapidly. She took a moment and several deep breaths to calm herself. Nathan could see she was distressed so he invited her to sit down. Elizabeth sat in the chair across from him. "Nathan, I'm not really sure where to start. First I want to apologize. I'm sorry for not facing my fears when you told me how you felt so many months ago. If I could go back to that day I would tell you that the thought of losing you the way I lost Jack was too much to bear. What I've realized is that losing you because I'm not with you is even more painful than if I lost you to death."

Nathan sat stone faced not sure how to react to Elizabeth's admission. There was a time he would have taken Elizabeth in his arms and assured her that they could get through her fears together. The pit in his stomach grew as she spoke.

Elizabeth watched Nathan to gauge his reaction to what she said. "I know you're engaged to Sarah but if I don't tell you how I feel I know I will regret it forever and I am already living with enough regrets. Nathan, I love you. I'm in love with you. I've known it since that day I thought you'd been shot during the prisoner transport. I just couldn't admit it. I lied when I told you I was looking for Jack in you. The truth is when I was with you I never thought about Jack."

Nathan was at a loss for words. He knew the pain of telling someone you love them and having them reject you. Even though Elizabeth was the one who had hurt him he knew he couldn't do that, even to her. "Thank you for your apology Elizabeth. It hurts to open your heart to someone and have it rejected but you have to understand and accept that I love Sarah, I'm in love with Sarah and she and I are going to be married. I know it's painful to hear and I'm not trying to hurt you but you have to understand that what passed between us is over. It was over the day you walked into this office and told me you weren't in love with me." Elizabeth's eyes darted back and for and she was taking slow breaths through her mouth trying to maintain her composure and keep herself from crying. "You told me a while back that you were happy for me and Sarah. I really hope that's true because we are very happy. "

"What about that day when you told me that love is always worth fighting for? Don't you believe that anymore?" Elizabeth was losing the battle of her emotions and her voice was quivering.

"Elizabeth, I fought so hard for you but I got beaten down repeatedly. You took all the fight out of me. When I met Sarah I realized that true love doesn't have to be so difficult or painful. She loves me unconditionally as I do her." Nathan was trying to be as gentle with his words but he knew it didn't matter. He watched the tears slip down Elizabeth's cheeks but didn't move from his chair. "Elizabeth, you probably don't want to hear this right now but you can get past this. I did. Give yourself time. Joseph Canfield gave me excellent counsel and helped me a great deal." Nathan had one more thing to say to Elizabeth. "I would ask that we never discuss that time again. I have put it in the past and moved forward and for my sake, your sake and especially for Sarah's sake I hope we can put the past in the past and leave it there."

Elizabeth raised her head and looked directly into Nathan's eyes. The sparkle she'd always seen when he looked at her was gone. It spoke volumes about the change in their relationship and how he felt about her. Elizabeth had been unsure what would come of telling Nathan she loved him but she had done it and now she knew. Nathan had been gracious which came as no surprise. "Thank you Nathan for your time and your honesty." Elizabeth turned and left the office.

Nathan bent over and braced his elbows on his knees and ran his fingers through his hair feeling anguished at the conversation he and Elizabeth just had. Nathan felt sad for Elizabeth but nothing else. Too much had transpired between them. Nathan had vowed early on in his relationship with Sarah that he would always be honest with her. He knew he needed to tell her about this conversation but he didn't want to her to have any doubts about where he stood on the subject. Nathan thought of Joseph and the counsel he'd given him in the past and thought he could use some of that now. He put on his hat and made his way to the Canfield home.

Nathan knocked on their door and Cooper answered seeing the red uniform immediately saluted Nathan. Smiling, Nathan made some adjustments to the position of Cooper's fingers and then returned the salute. "Hi Cooper, is your dad at home?" Cooper ran to get Joseph who welcomed Nathan into their home. "Actually Joseph I was wondering if you might have time to go for a walk with me." Joseph told Cooper to stay in the house and get his homework done and he would be back soon.

Nathan and Joseph walked down the road that took them past their row houses. Joseph was patient with Nathan as they walked for a while before he was able to speak. "Elizabeth came to see me today. She heard about my engagement to Sarah. Joseph, she told me that all those months ago she was wrong to tell me she didn't love me. She told me she's in love with me. I don't even know what to think about that."

Joseph contemplated what Nathan said. "Do you still love Elizabeth?"

Nathan looked at Joseph. "I care about Elizabeth and Little Jack and their well-being but no, I don't love her like that anymore. Sarah has my heart. I do know the pain Elizabeth is feeling right now and I'm hoping you might be able to counsel her as you've counseled me."

"I would be more than happy to offer myself to Elizabeth if she wants to talk but I can't force her." Nathan knew you couldn't help someone who didn't want to be helped.

Nathan was obviously struggling. "What do I say to Sarah? How do you tell your fiancée that another woman just professed her love to? The last thing I want is for her to doubt our relationship."

On this subject Joseph definitely had some advice. "Nathan, honesty in a relationship is always best. You know that. I would also encourage you not to put it off. The longer you do the harder the conversation becomes."

Nathan nodded understanding what Joseph was saying. "I'm just not sure what to say or how to approach it."

"Nathan, I know you're a man of few words but you'll find the right ones. She knows you love her. Just reassure her and be patient with her."

"Thank you Joseph." They walked back to Joseph's house and Nathan thanked him again for his time.

"Nathan you let me know if I can be of any more help. I'll reach out to Elizabeth and see if I can do anything for her."

As he walked Nathan went through in his head what he would say. Nathan started questioning the time Elizabeth had offered her friendship to Sarah. It seemed hollow now. Was she sincere or just trying to get between the two of them? Checking the time he thought he would still be able to find Sarah at the dress shop.

By the time he arrived the door was locked but he saw the light on in the back. Knocking, he waited for Sarah to let him in. "Nathan, what brings you here?" Sarah could see the serious look on his face. "What is it? It's not Allie or Archie is it?"

"No, no, they're both fine. Allie is getting excited about going to Brookfield for the wedding next weekend." Nathan stood twirling his hat in his hand, a sign of nervousness Sarah had picked up on early in their relationship. "Are you almost done here? I was wondering if we could talk upstairs, somewhere private."

His voice had a flatness to it and Sarah wondered what could be causing him such obvious distress. "Of course, let me just grab my things." They headed up the back stairs that took them to her apartment. Seated together Sarah waited expectantly for Nathan to speak. She took his hand and held it in hers hoping to provide him some encouragement. "Nathan, please just tell me what is bothering you."

Nathan took a deep breath and let out a long sigh. "Elizabeth came to see me today at my office. She heard about our engagement. She told me she regretted the decisions she made all those months ago." Nathan was trying to phrase it as gently as he could.

"Is she in love with you?" Sarah was blunt in her question.

"That's what she says." Nathan admitted. "How did you know?"

"Nathan, every time she's anywhere near you she doesn't take her eyes off you and from the look in her eyes it's obvious that her feelings for you run deep." Sarah wasn't angry but she was annoyed. Why did Elizabeth keep trying to push herself between them? "What did you say to her?"

Nathan straightened up, framed Sarah's face in his hands and looking into Sarah's eyes he told her "I told her that I love you, that I'm in love with you, and we're going to spend the rest of our lives together." Nathan kissed Sarah sweetly wanting her to know he meant every word of it. "Sarah, you are my life now. Nothing Elizabeth says or does will ever change that."

"Thank you Nathan. I know that. I just wonder how long she's going to be a cloud hanging over us." Sarah was frustrated. "What are you going to do about her?" Sarah was struggling to eve say her name.

"I talked to Joseph Canfield and asked him to call on Elizabeth hoping that he might be able to counsel her. There's nothing else for me to do. I was very clear with her that my heart is with you. I'm sorry if this is stressful for you. You have so much going on with the store and you don't need this added on."

Sarah looked at Nathan's always kind face. "Nathan, I am fine. We are fine. As long as we have each other and are honest with each other we can get through these rough patches. Now, go home to Allie and Archie. I'm sure they're waiting for you."

"Why don't you come with me and have dinner with us? I know they would love to see you." Sarah would have loved to but she had work she needed to do and she needed time to get Elizabeth out of her head.