Elizabeth was restless. She barely slept last night after seeing Nathan drunk and hearing his declaration of love. For that is what it had been. He might not have said the three words themselves, but his meaning had been clear. Even though his mind and body were impaired by the alcohol, there had been a conviction in his words that made her believe he was telling the truth.

She doubted he remembered any of it this morning.

Her emotions were a swirling mess inside. How was she supposed to act around him now? Should she pretend nothing happened? She had a feeling that wouldn't be the most prudent course of action. Gabe would probably tell Nathan everything, including his words of love.

My love…my Elizabeth.

Her heart fluttered inside as she remembered the sincerity in Nathan's eyes, the conviction in his voice. The flutter gave way to a warmth that spread through her entire body. Not too long after, the warmth gave way to a guilt that nagged her.

Six months. Jack had only been gone for six months. Despite the peace she'd felt in reading his letter and hearing his hope that she would be able to move on and find love again, she couldn't help feeling guilty for harboring feelings for another man. Another man who just happened to be one of Jack's friends and comrades in battle.

Perhaps that is where the guilt originated. Maybe it wasn't simply that she had feelings for another man. Maybe it was because Nathan had known and served with Jack. That somehow made her feelings for Nathan feel like a betrayal of Jack.

She knew it wasn't logical. Jack had thought highly of Nathan. Her mind told her that her late fiancé would be happy to know that one of his friends had caught her interest. Nathan was the kind of man Jack would approve of. She knew that.

The confusion built until she could no longer contain it. With a huff, Elizabeth left her house and headed into town.

She needed to talk to Abigail. If anyone could help her sort through her feelings, it was her dearest friend.

Elizabeth climbed the steps to the mayor's office, peeking in through the glass doors. Abigail was sitting at her desk, going through some papers. Elizabeth pushed the door open. Her friend looked up. She must have seen the distress on Elizabeth's face, because she stood and went to her immediately. "Elizabeth! What's the matter?"

A broken sob escaped Elizabeth's lips. She fell into Abigail's embrace, soaking in the motherly love the older woman embodied. After some time, Abigail led Elizabeth to a chair. "Sit," she instructed gently, taking the chair next to her. "Now, why don't you tell me what's going on?"

Elizabeth sighed. "I think I've developed feelings for Nathan," she said. Admitting the words out loud made them feel much more real.

Abigail didn't look surprised. "What kind of feelings?" she asked mildly.

Could she say the words out loud? "I…I think…I think I'm falling for him," she stammered. She repeated herself, a little more firmly. "I think I'm falling in love with Nathan."

Abigail smiled gently. "I'm not surprised," she said. "This has been developing for a while now."

Elizabeth laughed in surprise. "A while? Abigail, he's been in Hope Valley for all of two months!"

Abigail nodded. "This is true. But Elizabeth, the connection between you has been undeniable from the very beginning. There is something powerful between you and Nathan, something that goes beyond simple attraction. You've been building a friendship over these two months, but it's clear to anyone watching that you have feelings for each other. Both of you." She raised a brow. "If I were a betting woman, I'd put money on the fact that Nathan is falling for you as well."

Elizabeth bit her lip. She knew if she confided in Abigail, the information would stay between the two of them. "He does love me," she said quietly.

Abigail raised her brows. "Oh? Did he tell you?"

Elizabeth nodded. Abigail chuckled softly. "Well, that is a surprise," she said. "I thought he was fighting his feelings for you tooth and nail. I can't believe he actually admitted it."

"Uh…well…he was…drunk," Elizabeth stuttered.

Abigail blinked. "Drunk? Nathan? Really?" She frowned. "That doesn't sound like him."

"Gabe said that had never happened before," Elizabeth said, rushing to defend Nathan. "I believe him. Nathan had…" She hesitated. She couldn't tell Abigail about Sarah. That was Nathan's story to tell. "He had a very hard day," she said instead. "I don't know what exactly happened, but I'm guessing something pushed him over the edge. Gabe seemed distressed that Nathan was like that." She sighed. "And that's when he confessed that he loved me." Her cheeks turned pink. "I was so shocked, Abigail. But I also felt very warm inside. His words made me happy while his situation tore at my heart." She bit her lip. "And I can't help feeling guilty about these feelings I have for him."

Abigail was quiet for a moment. When she spoke, her words were slow and cautious. "Elizabeth, are you sure Nathan meant what he said? Drunk men don't always speak the truth." She hesitated again. "Though more often than not they do speak truths they wouldn't otherwise. That might be the case here."

Elizabeth nodded, remembering the look in Nathan's eyes when he confessed his love. He might have been impaired, but he was sincere. "I know he meant it," she said softly.

Abigail smiled gently. "Alright, then." She reached out to take Elizabeth's hand. "And you're feeling guilty about returning those feelings?"

Elizabeth nodded again.

Abigail's grip on her hand tightened slightly. "You showed me Jack's letter," she said softly. "You know he wanted you to be open to love again."

Elizabeth shook her head. "I know that, but could he possibly have meant a man he knew? A man who is only in Hope Valley because Jack suggested he come here? Doesn't that seem…strange?"

"Not at all," Abigail replied firmly. "I think if Jack had to pick someone for you to love after he died, he would have chosen Nathan. We know they had a bond like brothers. I think Jack is looking down from heaven and smiling, Elizabeth. It has to make him happy to know that two people he loved in life have found their way to each other. He wouldn't want you to remain unhappy and uncertain. He would want you to embrace love." She tapped Elizabeth's arm. "He told you as much in his letter."

Some of the peace from yesterday returned to Elizabeth's heart, along with a sense of hope. "Do you really think so?" she breathed.

Abigail nodded, reaching out to take Elizabeth's hand. "Yes, I do," she said softly.

Elizabeth allowed herself to think of the possibilities. Nathan had proven to be a good friend, a shoulder to cry on, someone she could talk to. He was someone she was drawn to and deeply attracted to. She'd seen his loyalty to his friends and family. They had shared their hearts over the past two months. She had fallen for him unaware of what was happening. As she considered the past months, she realized she had begun falling soon after they met. The dinner they had together only a couple days after his arrival in town, the first night they had shared their hearts – Rosemary had noticed their connection then. Abigail noticed soon afterward. Elizabeth had simply been in denial. Her loss had been too fresh to even think about moving on with someone new. But now…now she could think about it. She had the blessing of her first love. Maybe her next love was right in front of her.

She drew in a breath as she envisioned a future with Nathan. With a start, she realized she could see it all. She could see them courting…engaged…married…Nathan with a child in his arms…their child…

She let out a gasp, a hand going to her heart. "Oh my," she said faintly.

Abigail's grip on her other hand tightened. "What is it?"

Breathing fast, Elizabeth stared at her friend, mouth open. "I can see a future with him," she said in amazement. "I can see it all." She blinked rapidly, stunned. "Abigail, how can this possibly be? It's too fast!"

Her friend smiled at her, looking directly into her eyes. "I've told you before, there's no timeline on love," she said, conviction ringing in her voice. "If you've fallen in love with Nathan, that's a gift, Elizabeth. You have been given a second chance at love. Some people don't even get one chance. Embrace this precious opportunity. Don't let preconceived notions keep you from the man who could be your lifetime love." Her smile grew gentle. "Let yourself be open. Don't run from what you've found. Hold onto it." She squeezed her hand. "This was Jack's final wish for you. In a way, you're honoring his love by embracing new love."

Elizabeth had to blink back tears. Abigail's words pierced her heart. She sat back, letting the truth wash over her without restraint.

She was in love with Nathan.

It was impossibly soon, but she couldn't remain in denial. Her heart had connected with his immediately, and as their friendship had grown, so had love. She knew he felt the same, though she had a feeling he would fight it even harder now that he had made an unconscious declaration.

"What if he pushes me away?" she asked, her voice trembling. "Nathan is so scared to fall in love again, Abigail. His first experience with love hurt him badly. I don't know if he will let himself fall a second time. I think he's going to run from me."

Abigail leaned forward. "Then you pursue him," she said simply. "You take the reins in this relationship."

Elizabeth let out a short laugh. "Me? I've never had to pursue anyone in my life."

Abigail chuckled. "Most women don't. But sometimes the men we fall for need a little convincing. Nathan is one of those men. If he hadn't been hurt, I'm sure he would pursue you wholeheartedly. But if he's scared and running, as you think he is, you will have to be the one to convince him of your love." She smiled. "What is it you always tell me?"

Knowing immediately what she meant, Elizabeth felt a smile of her own pull at her lips. "Love is worth fighting for."

Abigail nodded. "Do you truly believe that, Elizabeth?"

"Absolutely," Elizabeth said, nodding firmly. "Always."

Abigail smiled. "Then fight. Fight for Nathan. Fight for his love."

Elizabeth inhaled deeply before letting out her breath slowly. It was a gamble. Her heart was in danger of being torn apart a second time. The stakes were high. Too high. She felt a shot of fear fill her at all the things that could go wrong. But she pushed them away, refusing to let them win.

She loved Nathan. And love was worth fighting for.

So she would fight.

Thwack!

Nathan swung an ax hard onto a block of wood, neatly splitting it in half. His muscles strained as he set another log on the stump and lifted the ax over his head again.

Thwack!

Sweat dripped down his face and his breaths came in short gasps. The physical activity was taxing, but at least it took his mind off recent events.

Thwack!

Colleen had been shocked when she heard what happened, but rather than read him the riot act, she simply told him she would be a listening ear if he needed anything.

Nathan appreciated his sister's support. He appreciated Gabe's support. His friend's words from that morning had given him some hope, but as the day wore on and Nathan's demons came crowding in, he quickly lost the ounce of courage and strength he'd found in the jail.

Thwack!

Gritting his teeth, ashamed of his own weakness, Nathan brought the ax down hard on another unsuspecting block of wood.

Thwack!

"You need some help?"

The casual question caught him off guard. He looked up to see Bill standing nearby, hands in his pockets, eyeing Nathan with a keen perception. Nathan fought the urge to squirm under the intense look.

"I'm fine," he said, turning his attention back to wood chopping. He didn't have the courage to face Bill's scrutiny. He knew the older man saw Elizabeth as a daughter, and Nathan had proclaimed his love for her in front of Bill. What must the man think of him?

Shame washed over Nathan. For the hundredth time that day, he fervently wished he hadn't accepted the whiskey Tom offered him. He should have eaten his chili and gone to talk to Gabe, rather than trying to drown his pain in drink.

That was something his father would do. Not him.

Nathan shuddered. The fact that he had done something Archie Grant always did made him sick inside. He'd vowed never to drink to the point of drunkenness in order to be nothing like his father. If he could break that vow, what other ones might someday be broken?

His mind went back to Gabe's words that morning. You are not your father and you never will be your father. The sentiment comforted him slightly, but he knew he had a long way to go before he could actually believe it. His worst fear was turning into his father. That wasn't something that would be gotten rid of quickly. Especially not with his behavior last night.

How was he going to face Elizabeth again?

A movement to the side caught his attention. His eyes widened as he took in Bill wielding the spare ax. He'd rolled up his shirt sleeves and was studying a block of wood with a mathematical eye.

"What are you doing?"

Bill grinned casually. "Chopping wood, of course."

"Yes, but why?" Nathan asked, a hint of exasperation in his tone. He simply wanted to be left alone with his thoughts and his labor.

"I simply had a sudden urge to chop wood," Bill said, sounding entirely too innocent. "And you clearly need help." He looked at the wood lining the side of the rowhouse. "Even if you've already chopped enough for two winters." His grin became impish. "In the middle of summer." He lifted the ax and came down with a powerful stroke, splitting the block of wood in half. He placed another block on the stump, glancing at Nathan. "You got something on your mind, son?"

The fact that Bill called him son made Nathan pause. Their relationship wasn't nearly at that level. He could see Bill using the term with Gabe, but for himself? It broke through his defenses in a way he hadn't foreseen. Tears sprang to his eyes, falling to his cheeks without his permission. He shook his head, unable to say anything.

Bill stepped forward, placing a hand on Nathan's shoulder. "Jack was like a son to me, Nathan," he said, his voice gruff yet compassionate. "The fact that you were his trusted friend speaks volumes of your character." His voice softened. "The fact that you have fallen in love with Elizabeth also speaks volumes. I've watched you over the past two months. It's been clear you were falling for her, yet you held yourself back. You were always respectful and attentive, but you built a friendship with her rather than taking advantage of her in any way. You've been fighting your feelings. That much is obvious. Last night, you were too impaired to keep your feelings to yourself."

Nathan flushed hotly at the reminder. Bill held up a hand. "I'm not here to judge you," he said. "I've been in your shoes more times than I care to remember. I also know something is holding you back from Elizabeth. I don't know what it is, but I'm guessing it's something you need to work through before you can freely offer your heart." He leaned against the rowhouse wall, his eyes serious. "I want you to know that I approve of you, Nathan. I think you and Elizabeth would make a good match." He smiled, his face softening. "I think Jack would approve too."

Throat working, Nathan looked at the ground. "That means a lot coming from you, Bill," he said, his voice choked. "But I don't think I have anything to offer Elizabeth. I wish I could. I even told Gabe this morning I would try to be open to love." He sighed, passing a hand over his face. "I just can't shake the feeling that she would be better off without me."

Bill raised a brow. "Shouldn't you let her decide that?"

Nathan barked out a short laugh. "Now you really sound like Gabe," he muttered.

Bill laughed. "Good. Sounds like that young man has a solid head on his shoulders." He quickly became serious again. "Nathan, I like you. I have a sneaking suspicion Elizabeth is falling for you. I want her to be happy. She deserves to find love again. Her first love was snatched away from her before his time. It was a tragedy I wouldn't wish on anyone, but we can't change the fact that Jack is gone." He gripped Nathan's shoulder. "You could be her next great love. You could give her the lifetime she's dreamed about."

"Lifetime?" Nathan asked, gasping. "Bill, how can you be talking about lifetimes? Elizabeth and I have only known each other a short while."

There was a wise look in Bill's eyes. "Maybe so. But there's something between you two that defies logic and rationality. I don't know how to explain it, but I sense that if you're both open to it, you'll find a love that will see you through all the storms and joys life has to offer."

"I wish I could believe that," Nathan said. The words slipped out before he could stop them.

Bill faced him squarely. "Are you in love with Elizabeth?" he asked, the words pointed and direct.

Nathan couldn't lie, no matter how much he wanted to. He'd been falling hard and fast, despite his best efforts to the contrary. "Yes," he whispered. "I love her."

Bill nodded, having known the answer all along. "So what are you going to do about it?"

The familiar insecurity and resistance welled up inside. "Nothing," Nathan said. He spread his arms in supplication. "I've spent the past two years believing I would never fall in love again, Bill. There are things I need to work through before I can even consider a relationship." He sighed. "If I consider a relationship. I'm not convinced that would be the best course of action. It might be better if I keep my resolve never to marry."

Bill snorted. "Better for whom?" he asked, a brow raised sardonically. He shook his head, suddenly looking weary. "Take it from an old man who has made more mistakes than he likes to admit," he said, pointing to himself. "I took the road of rejecting love when it was offered, Nathan. I didn't think I was worthy of that love." He was quiet for a moment. "It's a lonely existence. Believe me. You are young and still have the chance to find love. You've fallen for a good woman. Love doesn't come around everyday, my friend. Embrace it while you still have the chance. Don't make the same mistakes I did."

Fear took hold of Nathan, unworthiness slamming into him like a hammer. "I don't know if I'm strong enough, Bill," he said, echoing what he'd told Gabe in the jail. Despite his friend's kind words, the fears still lingered. Nathan was too afraid he would fail Elizabeth. He was afraid of loving too deeply and losing again. He wasn't sure his heart could handle another blow like it had when he lost Sarah.

It was better to close himself off and only offer friendship. Not love.

As if reading his thoughts, Bill spoke again. "Don't let fear keep you from happiness. You'll end up living in the land of what ifs."

"I'll think about it," Nathan said, the answer automatic. It also served the purpose of bringing the topic to an end.

Bill studied him, looking at him in such a way that Nathan sensed he could see straight through him. But the older man let the matter drop and picked up his ax again. "Why don't we see who can split the most wood in the next five minutes?" he asked.

Nathan almost sagged with relief. He could handle a competition. In fact, it would help take his mind off things. Grateful, he smiled.

"You're on."