Chapter 8: Being present

Nathan approached Jack Thornton Sr.'s grave as quietly as he could without disturbing Elizabeth's slumber. He took a seat on the grass across from where she lay, between the two graves. She seemed so peaceful lying there next to Jack's grave. He glanced over to the makeshift burial site that they had made for Lucas's memorial box. For a brief moment, it came to mind how he was surprised that it was next to Jack's grave that Elizabeth chose to lie and not next to Lucas's. As he looked back at Elizabeth, he noticed that the engagement ring that Lucas had just given her a couple months prior was no longer on her finger. Again, he was surprised. But, it was not his place to say anything. Elizabeth was his friend, and whatever she chose to share with him at this point, that was her choice. Nathan sat there for a few moments longer, simply taking in the beauty of the day as well as how peaceful it was here at the cemetery. He closed his eyes and said a prayer, asking God to give him wisdom about what to do or say next. He prayed that God would use him as an instrument for His glory to help Elizabeth and even Little Jack through this time of mourning. After all, that was one of the reasons he came to Hope Valley in the first place: to look after this little family. As Nathan concluded his prayer, he whispered an amen and opened his eyes once more. He could feel a soft breeze blow across his face and he felt at peace.

So Nathan reached out his hand and touched Elizabeth's shoulder, giving her a gentle nudge, and he called out her name in a voice slightly above a whisper. Elizabeth stirred but didn't really react otherwise, so once again, Nathan nudged her shoulder and called out her name, this time a little louder. Elizabeth opened her eyes and met Nathan's ice blue pools and simply stayed there in silence for the next few moments. Nathan gave her his best crooked smile and asked her if she had had a good nap. Before she answered, Elizabeth sat up and took in her surroundings, realizing where she was once again. And then, she remembered what had occurred before she dozed off. She looked back at Nathan and simply said, in a hushed voice, "I feel so lost and alone." Elizabeth deeply sighed, put her face in her hands, and once again, wept. Except, this time, she felt an arm come around her shoulders and draw her in close. Elizabeth clung to Nathan with a grip he hadn't felt since that one fateful day that he was almost shot almost two years prior. He didn't say a word; he simply put his chin on her head and rocked slowly back and forth, allowing Elizabeth to cry as she needed to.

They stayed that way for quite awhile, but Nathan noticed that it was getting late and the sun would be going down soon. Laura would need to get home and Little Jack would need to have some dinner as well. Elizabeth nodded quietly to Nathan. "We need to get going soon, my friend." It's going to be dark soon, and Laura will need to get home. Can I ride home with you?" In response, Elizabeth nodded and dried her tears with her handkerchief. She allowed Nathan to help her to her feet, and she smoothed her skirt. She kissed her hand, touching Jack's headstone, and whispered, "Goodbye my love, until next time." As she walked by, she simply touched Lucas's wooden marker. They walked to where both of the horses were tethered. Nathan made sure Elizabeth mounted Sergeant ok, and then he did the same with Newton. The two rode back to the row of houses silently. As Nathan helped her down from Sergeant, Nathan looked Elizabeth in the eyes and spoke, "Hey Lizbeth, why don't you join Allie and me for dinner tonight?" I'm sure Allie has made plenty and that it is just about ready. You both can come to our house and spend some time with Allie while I take the horses back to the livery. When I get back, we can eat. How does that sound? " Elizabeth sighed and looked up at her own rowhouse and then back to Nathan. She simply said back, "I'm sure Little Jack would enjoy that very much."

So, Nathan tethered the horses to the house and climbed the stairs with Elizabeth. Little Jack looked up from playing with his toys and smiled really big and joyfully exclaimed, "Hi Mountie Nathan!" In response, Nathan smiled back and said, "Hey there, Jack! Would you and your mom like to join Allie and me for dinner tonight at our house? Little Jack nodded excitedly and looked at his mother, who smiled and nodded back. Laura left to go home, and the other three walked to the Grant house down the road. As Nathan had said, Allie was just finishing up making a batch of spaghetti. When she saw Little Jack and Elizabeth walk in with her dad, she looked at each one of them. Then, Little Jack ran up to Allie and gave her a big hug and said, "Allie, we are having dinner with you tonight! Mountie Nathan said so! " Allie smiled big in response to that comment and said back, "Well, it's a good thing I made a lot of spaghetti." I hope you like it. " Little Jack shook his head enthusiastically and gleefully shouted, "I LOVE spaghetti!" With that, all of them chuckled.

Nathan explained to the room that he would take the horses back to the livery and then they could eat once he returned. Allie nodded to her father and then turned to Jack and asked if he would like to help her set the table, and he instantly agreed. Elizabeth may have been smiling, but she still wore a faraway look on her face. Allie saw this as well and looked at Nathan with a concerned look, but he simply nodded. "Mrs. Thornton, I have some hot water on the stove. Would you like some tea?" Allie asked her teacher. Nathan looked at Elizabeth and said, "You know what, Elizabeth, Allie's onto something there." "Let the kids set up the rest of dinner while I'm gone, and you sit and enjoy some tea on the sofa." Elizabeth focused on enough of what was said to grab Allie's hand and give it a slight squeeze, then said in response, "Allie, tea sounds lovely. Thank you."

Allie got Elizabeth some tea and served it to her on the sofa. As she walked away and back over to Little Jack at the table, she met eyes with Nathan, who was now at the door about to leave for the livery. He smiled and nodded at her, and Allie smiled back. She remembered the talk that they had earlier that day. She was going to "be there and love the Thorntons in the little things that she could do," as her dad had said. That's all she could do.

Nathan put his face mask on as he walked back to Elizabeth's house to pick up Sergeant and Newton to return to the livery. After he put them in their stalls, he gave both a good brush down.

As he walked out of the livery, he saw Dr. James McGuffin walking with Faith towards the cafe from a distance. It was good to see Faith with someone, even if it may have been only a colleague connection. He waved to both of them and started making his way back to his rowhouse for the evening.

Dinner with the Grants and Thorntons was a pleasant one. Allie, Nathan, and Little Jack did most of the talking. Elizabeth simply nodded and smiled in response most of the time that she was asked to contribute to the conversation. When dinner was over, it was obvious that Little Jack was ready for bed. Nathan offered to walk the two of them home, and Little Jack immediately went into Nathan's arms. During the walk back, Little Jack fell asleep on Nathan's shoulder. When Elizabeth opened the door, Nathan offered to take him upstairs to his bed, and Elizabeth nodded in agreement. As he came downstairs and was saying goodnight, Elizabeth quietly thanked him for the time at the cemetery and for the dinner and gave Nathan a hug.