Choose Love
Chapter 6
The Camping Trip
The day of the camping trip had finally arrived, and parents began arriving at the school to see their children off. The camping trip was set to begin immediately after school let out for the day. The children were all so excited that Mrs. Thornton could hardly get through the day's lessons! After a very long day that had seemed to drag on endlessly, Mrs. Thornton was finally able to announce that class was dismissed. All the children began to cry out in excitement as their teacher instructed them to go outside for a short recess before getting started on their adventure.
Elizabeth Thornton sat at her desk and took a deep breath, in an attempt to calm herself down. This trip was a very big deal. The school had never attempted anything like this before, and she would be responsible for all these precious children for an extended period of time. She prayed to the Lord that everything would go well. She didn't exactly have the best record when it came to field trips, she mused to herself. Elizabeth tried to shake the memory away, but it was hard not to think of that day and not think of Nathan. He saved her's and Emily's lives that day. At the time she wouldn't allow herself to acknowledge that fact. Now, however she knew it was true. Her foolish pride had kept her from recognizing her short comings that day. She and Nathan had argued over the actions, and choices she had made during the windstorm. He was so angry! Now, after much reflection she knew why. He loved her. She mattered to him. Most of all he had made a promise. A promise to a man he didn't even know. A promise he could not, and would not break!
Elizabeth didn't want to keep the children and parents waiting much longer. She went through the permission slips once more just to make sure everything was in order. She was pleased that Minnie had agreed to come along, and picked up the packet of papers that she had sent home with Cooper informing Minnie of what to bring and what she would need help with. Minnie had signed them and sent them back with Cooper. There was, however a little something that Elizabeth couldn't quite get out of her mind though. She had never really gotten to speak with Minnie in person about everything. It seemed that everyone had just been so busy lately. Elizabeth knew Minnie had been putting in a lot of hours at the cafe, and she herself was busy actually planning this trip, not to mention her wedding! But Elizabeth felt she could trust Minnie so, decided to put that small worry out of her mind.
Elizabeth gathered up the last of her things and headed out to the school yard, which she found abuzz with activity. Even the parents were wildly excited. It was like a holiday everyone was so excited. Everything they needed was packed and ready to go. Each child had brought their own bag, and bed roll for the trip. Some of the Dad's had volunteered to help get everything up to the campsite, and just yesterday some of them had went up to the campsite and gotten the base structures for the tee pee's set up. The children would finish the tee pees as part of their lessons. There would be a girl's tee pee, and boys tee pee.
Elizabeth stood in the school yard taking in all the excitement. It was so infectious, that a lot of her worries about this adventure were beginning to fade away, and she began to grow more excited herself.
"Hello Mrs. Thornton", Laura and Robert greeted, as they reported for duty.
"Hello!", Elizabeth returned with a huge smile. "Wow am I glad to see you two! Thank you for coming." Elizabeth breathed deep and looked at the pair with wild eyes. "Are you two ready for this?
It could be a lot to handle."
"Don't worry Mrs. Thornton, everything will be okay." Robert assured her.
"That's why we're here." Laura back Robert up.
"Yeah, this is gonna be fun!" Robert grinned, rubbing his hands together as he and Laura walked away, making Elizabeth laugh.
Elizabeth scanned the School yard , and could see that most of the parents had arrived. She didn't yet see the Canfields, and Elizabeth's stomach fluttered with fear. Despite her agitation, Elizabeth began to address the group. As she did so, she realized that there was still one other parent missing. And she didn't seem to see Allie either. Worried, Elizabeth interrupted herself and asked,
"Where is Allie Grant? Has anyone seen Allie, please?
"She went home to get something, Anna informed.
"Thank you, Anna, but Allie should have told me herself that she needed to go home and get something. Let's not let this happen again. Whenever you are leaving your group, please tell the adult in charge of you first.
As Elizabeth continued her speech, she noticed Joseph come into the school yard and join his children, alone. It wasn't long after Joseph's arrival that Allie and Nathan showed up too. It was curious why Minnie wasn't here, but then Nathan shows up to send Allie off, also carrying a bag and a bedroll.
What was going on, Elizabeth thought to herself, not liking what she was seeing. When Elizabeth finished her directive to the parents and students, she made her way over to where Joseph stood with his children.
"Where is Minnie?" Elizabeth asked with quiet concern in her tone.
"Mrs. Thornton.", Joseph began. "Minnie sends her regrets; she just couldn't get away from the cafe this afternoon to send the kids off. It being Friday night and all. There's just too much prep for tonight's dinner crowd, is what she said."
Elizabeth, could just stand there. She tried to shake the confusion from her brain, but she was still baffled.
"Joseph, I don't understand. Minnie agreed to come with me on this trip! She agreed to chaperon this trip."
Joseph looked at Elizabeth wide eyed and just as baffled.
"She did what?" Joseph asked in a surprised voice. "Mrs. Thornton this is the first I'm hearing of all this. Minnie would have told me if she planned to do something like that. I'm really sorry for the confusion, but she never agreed to do that."
Elizabeth felt ill. What is happening? Elizabeth questioned in her mind. She reached down and grabbed the signed papers from Minnie, and handed them to Joseph.
"She signed this, Joseph." Joseph took the papers and looked over the document thoroughly. Not understanding himself, he handed the papers back to Elizabeth.
"Mrs. Thornton, I wish I could shed some light on this situation for you, but all I know is that is not Minnie's signature. Someone else signed those papers.
"Is everything alright over here?" Nathan asked as he and Allie joined the group. He had noticed the distressed look on Elizabeth's face and wondered if there was a problem. He knew this look, and it worried him.
"No, Nathan, everything is not alright. We have a very big problem, and I'm afraid that we are going have to cancel this camping trip!"
Nathan smiled at Elizabeth. He wanted so much to touch her. To reach out and put his hand on her shoulder in comfort. But he reluctantly refrained.
"Well, what is the problem exactly? Maybe I can help."
"Thank you, Nathan, but I don't think you can. You see I thought Minnie had volunteered to be my second chaperon and it turns out she knew nothing about it. I sent these papers home to her, but it seems they came back to me with a forged signature!
"Really?" Nathan questioned. "May I have a look at those?" Elizabeth handed the papers over to Nathan. Nathan began to look over the signature on the front page.
"I think that I can help, Mrs. Thornton." Nathan offered, as he handed the papers back to Elizabeth.
"I think you need to know; I came here today to go on this camping trip with you. I signed the parent volunteer paper you sent home with Allie. At first, I didn't want to, it seemed like a bad idea . The more I thought about it however, the more I realized I should be the one to go with you. I can protect you and the children. When I heard no objections from you, I foolishly believed you wanted me to go. Elizabeth stood there motionless as a statue. In shock, and not believing what she had just heard. When Allie returned the paper to her, she explained the reasons to her why it was not a good idea for her father come with them. Allie seemed to take the bad news well, so Elizabeth had put it out of her mind. Nathan could see how surprised Elizabeth was at this news, but it was the paler of her skin that had him concerned. Nathan reached over, and without reservation this time, lay a hand on Elizabeth's shoulder.
"Elizabeth, it's okay. Elizabeth, look at me." Elizabeth lifted her gaze from nowhere, and looked at Nathan. We are going to work all this out. We'll get to the bottom of what has happened here. Elizabeth, I don't want you to worry about not having another chaperon. I'm here and ready to go. You know I want to help you, in any way I can." Nathan's words seemed to bring Elizabeth out of her stupor, and she began to speak in a raised tone of voice.
"Nathan no! Absolutely not! You cannot come along on this camping trip. Do you realize how inappropriate that would be?! Elizabeth spit out angrily. "Can you imagine, me and you, alone in the woods with these children? Not to mention Lucas and how he would feel about that situation"
"Well Elizabeth I don't see Lucas here right now, do you? And quite frankly I really don't care how that would make Lucas feel. My main concern is the safety of my daughter, and as constable of this town, you and the rest of the children."
"No, Nathan, I can't allow it. You are not coming!"
Most of the parents assembled in the school yard had tried not to eavesdrop on Nathan and Elizabeth's conversation, but Elizabeth's raised voice was hard to ignore. The parents made their way over to Elizabeth, wanting an explanation to her comments.
"Excuse me Mrs. Thornton, but did you just say that Constable Grant will not be accompanying you on this trip?" Asked a concern Mother. "Because that is the whole reason, I agreed to let my little girl go!"
The rest of the group offered up their concerns as well, stating that they had agreed for the same reason.
Elizabeth didn't know what to say to these parents. She understood their confusion. She was just as confused. She did not understand what was happening, and was having trouble coming up with something to say. They deserved an answer, she just wished she knew what that answer was.
"Okay okay, everyone. There does seem to be a small misunderstanding here, but we're going to figure this all out. I think we all just need to take a moment, and collect ourselves. Let's say we meet in the school in five minutes. I know I need to speak with my daughter first."
Nathan turned from the crowd, and made his way over to the edge of the school yard where he found his daughter sitting on a large rock.
"Allie, what did you do?" Nathan asked in a sympathetic voice.
He knew his daughter had lied to him, but why? Allie knew this moment was coming, but now that it was here, how would she explain it all? She could hear the disappointment in her Father's voice, that's why she couldn't look at him.
"Allie, you lied to me, why?
Allie squeezed her eyes shut tightly for a moment, but she could feel her Dad lower himself down on the big rock beside her. With every ounce of bravery, she could muster she finally turned her gaze to him.
"I'm so sorry I lied to you. At first it didn't really seem like a real lie. The other kids and I, we just didn't want Mr. Bouchard to come along.
"Awe I see." Nathan exhaled, with a small grin creeping across his mouth. So, you lied to get me to sign the papers, you lied to Mrs. Thornton, and you lied when you forged Mrs. Canfield's name. Allie! Do you know how serious that is! I could actually arrest you for that. It's against the law!"
Allie hung her head in shame. "So, I guess our trip is canceled?"
"Well, I don't know, Allie. You and your classmates have a lot of explaining to do, that's for sure."
Nathan placed his hand on Allie's back and gave her a reassuring pat.
"Come on, let's get in there and get to the bottom of all this. We'll see if there's any way to salvage this trip.
One by one, each of the older children explained what they had done, their part in it, and why. Nathan couldn't help but feel somewhat flattered to hear that he was the school children's choice to come with them. Opal's memories of "Mountie Jack" had nearly brought tears to his eyes, and he felt honored that he had come to mean something to these children as well. But he could see that Elizabeth's feelings had been a little hurt by the children's lack of fondness for Lucas. He knew someday that could change though. What concerned him most was the hurt in Elizabeth's eyes. It was still true, he only wanted Elizabeth to be happy. He still loved her, and when she was sad, he was sad. He just wished he could stare down into those sad eyes, right now, and comfort her the best way he could.
After some deliberation between the parents and Mrs. Thornton, it was decided that the trip would be postponed just one night, as it was now getting late. Punishments would be decided later by both Mrs. Thornton and each child's parents. It was also decided that the dance would also move forward, as the whole town had now become involved. The matter of a chaperon and helper for the camping trip had also been decided. Elizabeth had agreed to what the children and the parents wanted. Nathan would be going.
Choose Love
Chapter 6 Part 2
Everyone gathered again at the school on Saturday morning. Although with a lot less excitement than before. Elizabeth took notice, as well as Nathan. Elizabeth's feelings had been a little hurt by what the children had done, but mostly she was proud of them. They had learned so much by planning this trip, and there would be so much more to learn in the days to follow. Elizabeth had also been proud of her students for taking the initiative and suggesting they do this. It meant they wanted to learn. It also wasn't lost on her that they also wanted to have some fun. But that was okay by her. Di-spite everything, she believed the children still deserved this outing. Nathan made his way over to where Elizabeth stood, welcoming the students and parents once again.
"Kids are a little quiet this morning."
"Nathan good morning. Yes, I've noticed that too, and I can certainly understand why. Elizabeth said with a knowing look. But I still want them to have a good time. I don't want what happened to over shadow everything they have learned, or the trip itself. They still have so much yet to learn. Not to mention they need this trip. They need to be kids, and in Hope Valley there isn't always a lot for the children to do for fun.
Nathan looked at Elizabeth with intense love beaming from his blue eyes. He could not be prouder of this woman. Her ability to forgive the children, and still want the best for them. Her strength to forgive what the kids had done, even though her own feelings had been hurt in the process. Why couldn't she shore it up, and use it to harness enough strength to be with him. He knew she had it within her to do so. Fear, it was the fear that kept her trapped in the past. He knew now that she did not mean it when she said she was trying to replace Jack with himself. "She knows me, she loves me", Nathan thought to himself.
Nathan reached out and lightly touched Elizabeth arm and smiled.
"Elizabeth, they will have fun. But you have to have fun too. If you are happy and having fun the kids will be too. I don't have to tell you that. You know better than me how children respond to your mood. So, don't worry, it's going to be a great time. The children will have lots fun. We are going to make sure that they do!
Elizabeth watched as he walked away from her to rejoin Allie and some of her friends. She was not at all happy with the way her heart just fluttered . This was not good. Not right now. "We are" she thought to herself. It's what Nathan had said to her. "We are going to make sure that they do!"
"Nathan Grant how dare you? How dare you be so wonderful right now." Elizabeth whispered quietly to herself.
Elizabeth, Nathan, Laura, Robert, and the school children all made it to the campsite with no problem.
It turned out to be a beautiful autumn day, and they all felt blessed to have such good weather. After a short rest from their hike to the campsite, Mrs. Thornton announced that it was time to get to work and proceeded to split the children into teams. They would work together in these teams throughout the entire trip. After a few hours of setting up camp they had lunch and Elizabeth conducted a short lesson on what they had learned so far. Nathan and Robert had helped the teams on the tee pees. They needed to finish getting them set up. While that was being done, Laura and Elizabeth took the other teams and they worked on getting the campsite set up. They would need a fire, so they set about hunting and gathering. Lunch had been a bagged lunch for each student, but they would need the fire for supper. Nathan was taking a group fishing.
The tee pees were ready for sleeping, the campsite was set up, and the first meal and lesson were done. Elizabeth had, under Laura and Robert's supervision allowed the children to take some free time to explore and play. That left herself and Nathan alone at the campsite. It was awkwardly pleasant to be here now with Nathan, Elizabeth had admitted to herself. She and the children had built a very homey campsite, with a fire in the center, and some old logs they had drug up and placed around the fire for seating. Just outside the tee pees the children had placed the largest log for the adults. It faced the fire straight on, and it made Elizabeth feel like she was back at the school, sitting at her desk. The other logs were placed alongside the fire, with another log at the end just opposite of the big one. Elizabeth sat down on the big log, and took in the beauty of the nature all around her. Nathan watched her for just a moment, before making his way over to where she sat. He lowered himself to the ground, and sat back against the log at Elizabeth's feet.
"You and the kids did a good job here. I think it's going to be really cozy here tonight, Mrs. Thornton." Nathan smiled up at Elizabeth. I do believe I will have the best spot tonight. With a clear sky, warm breezes, the stars, and a cozy fire. Yeah, this is perfect. Plus, I can keep a better watch here."
Elizabeth smiled down at Nathan, but when she spoke her voice took on a tone of seriousness.
"Nathan, I want you to know I do appreciate you being here. Although I'm not happy in the way you ended up here, I can see now why the children and the parents wanted you to come along. It does make sense. At the time I just couldn't see it. I couldn't imagine that it would be okay. I mean you and I, here alone with these children. But I realize now it's about more than you and I... and Lucas. It's about these children, and their safety. It's about the trust these parents have instilled in me. They trust me not only to teach their children, but to also keep them safe while in my care. If Jack were old enough to be on this trip, I would want you here Nathan. I trust you with Jack's life."
Nathan tried to swallow back the tears he felt beginning to well behind his eyes. If only she knew how much he loved both her and Jack. She would understand just how profound that statement was to him. Nathan was so moved he could not put his feelings into words. Nathan cleared his throat and lifted himself from the ground, declaring that he should go ahead and take some of the fishing gear down to the pond. Elizabeth could tell that her words had gotten to Nathan. She could see the burgeoning tears in his eyes, and hear the emotion in his voice. She was emotional too, as she thought about what she had just said to this man. It was true, she did trust Nathan with Jack's life. So, why hadn't she been able to trust Nathan with her life?
After the children had returned from their free time, everyone who wanted to go fishing with Nathan gathered in a group around him. Which was the majority of them. Only a few decided to stay back and help Mrs. Thornton and Laura ready the camp for Supper, lessons, and some good old-fashioned fun around the campfire later that evening.
Allie noticed Angela sitting on a log looking somewhat sad. Cooper sat beside his sister offering words of encouragement the best he knew how. Allie decided to join them before leaving to go fish. She sat down on the other side of Angela, and looked at Cooper. Cooper shrugged his shoulders and ran off to join the group going fishing.
"What's wrong Angela, are you okay? You look kind of sad all of a sudden."
"I guess I am a little sad. I am so happy and thankful I got to come, but I want the whole camping experience." Angela tried to explain.
"What do you mean?" Allie asked. "Do you think you haven't been getting the whole experience? You went exploring with us! Allie offered.
"Yes, I know." Angela whispered.
"Then what's the matter? Allie asked frankly.
In a stout voice Angela replied, "I really want to go fishing!"
The two girls began to laugh together.
"Then come with us!" Allie stated firmly. "You don't have to stay behind. So far you haven't let being blind stop you from doing anything on this trip. Come fishing with us, please." Allie pleaded. "My Dad will help you, we all will."
The two girls stood, arms entwined and made their way over to the rest of the group that was going fishing. Elizabeth could see that Angela had joined the group too. Elizabeth preferred that Angela stay at the campsite with her, rather than trying to go on the fishing trip. It had been hard enough persuading Minnie to let her go, and having Angela near open water did not sound safe to her. Nathan was giving his safety instructions to the group when he felt Elizabeth tap him on the shoulder.
"Excuse me Nathan, sorry to interrupt, but may I have a word?" The two stepped away from the group and out of ear shot.
"Nathan, why is Angela standing over there with your fishing group? You're not seriously thinking about taking her with you, are you?" Nathan shrugged, looking a little surprised.
"Um yes, she said she wants to go."
"Do you really think that's a good idea? You have a lot of children to look after, not just Angela.
Nathan stood arms crossed listening to what Elizabeth was saying. Waving a hand in confusion he asked Elizabeth, "But I thought you wanted her to have all the same experiences as everyone else? It will be fine. She wants to go fishing, let her go fishing."
" I don't know Nathan, I'm not sure it's a good idea. What if she falls in.?"
"Then I will jump in after her, and bring her back."
"You. You, Nathan Grant have an answer for everything.
"Nathan grinned the most charming of grins, but never said a word.
Reluctantly Elizabeth agreed to let her go. "Please, Nathan, I beg of you don't let any harm come to that child!"
Most of the children knew how to fish and already had their lines in the water. For those who didn't Nathan came around and helped each one to get their hook baited, or lure attached. He helped the younger ones to cast their line out. When it seemed everyone was settled, he made his way over to Angela, who had been waiting patiently for her turn. Nathan had decided to help her last so he could devote more time with her.
"Okay young lady, are you ready to catch some fish?" Nathan asked.
"Yes, Constable Grant. I'm ready.
"Okay let's get you all set up then."
Nathan picked up a pole and began to ready it for the water, adding a nice, fat, juicy night crawler to the hook at the end.
"Is something wrong Mrs. Thornton? You've been pacing almost since the fishing group left." Laura asked
"I'm fine Laura. I'm just very worried about Angela and her safety around the water."
"I'm sure everything is fine. You shouldn't worry. Constable Grant will make sure she stays safe."
"I know he will do his best. Um Laura, do you think you could handle things here by yourself for just a few minutes? I'd really like to...
"Yes, go Mrs. Thornton. I know you need to see for yourself how things are going. We'll be fine for a few minutes. Besides you're not going that far."
"Thank you, Laura. I promise I'll be back soon."
Elizabeth didn't want anyone to see her, or to know that she was checking up on them. Especially not Nathan. So, when she got close to the pond, she camouflaged herself behind some bushes and old brush. Elizabeth stood and watched, realizing everything seemed to be going just fine.
After Nathan finished baiting Angela's hook, he placed the pole in her hand securely.
"Now what do I do Constable Grant?" Angela asked, not sure how a person such as herself learned to fish.
"Now you are going to cast your line out into the water, and before you know it, you'll have caught your first fish Angela."
"But I don't know how to cast. I won't be able to see where I am casting to."
Nathan came around and stood behind her. "Don't worry, I'm going to show how. I will guide you, Angela."
With that Nathan reached around her and guided the hand holding her pole.
"Okay are you ready? I am going to lift your arm up and back now, then we will throw the pole and line out in front of us and into the water. Just try and feel the movements we are making together, and in no time who won't need anyone's help."
Nathan explained every step to Angela, and soon she had her line in the water just like everyone else. Elizabeth stepped back, not believing what she was seeing, or could she? She was so overwhelmed with emotion as she watched Nathan help this child. The kindness he showed to her was remarkable.
"Constable Grant," Angela called out. "I think I feel something. Nathan turned and made his way over to Angela. "It feels like something is tugging my line."
"Good Job Angela, you have a nibble."
" This feels like more than a nibble."
"Do you think so? Nathan asked. "Okay keep reeling in your line.
"Whoa! My line feels tight." Angela cried. Just then everyone saw it, it was huge! The fish jumped and broke the surface of the water. Nathan, not believing his eyes positioned himself to help the girl reel in the behemoth. When they got the beast to shore everyone cheered and clapped for Angela.
"That is defiantly the biggest fish caught today, and one of biggest bass I've ever seen! Good job Angela. I knew you could do it." Nathan praised. Nathan removed the hook from the fishes lip, and tossed it into a basket.
Angela put out her hand, searching for Nathan. "Constable Grant?" Nathan stepped forward a bit, and took Angela's hand into his. Angela placed her other hand on Nathan's shoulder and pulled him into a hug. "Thank you." Angela whispered "Thank you for teaching me how to fish.
Elizabeth could barely hold back the sobs. She had to though, if she didn't want to get caught. But what she just witnessed was kindness and love in its purest form. It was profound and unlike any act of kindness she had ever witnessed. A bible verse she once learned in Sunday School came to mind. She was surprised she had remembered it after all these years, as she no longer called upon it the way that she should. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians4:32ESV
Back at Camp the fishing lesson continued as Nathan, with Allie's help, showed everyone how to gut and scale the fish. Even Angela learned how. With Nathan's help she got her hands just as dirty as everyone else. It was a raucous activity, with laughing and squealing, and pranks. Soon enough the fish were dressed out and ready for the pan. They were handed over to the group assigned to cooking duties that evening. The smell of the frying fish wafting on the breeze had everyone's stomach's grumbling. They could hardly wait to eat the sizzling fish. They had been lucky today and caught more than enough to feed everyone. While the fishing group was away Elizabeth and Laura, and the others prepared some fall root vegetables to go with the fish. Elizabeth was trying out a recipe that Rosemary had told her about. Rosemary had read about it in one of her woman's magazines and thought it would be a good idea for the trip. Elizabeth took the parsnips, sweet potatoes, carrots, and regular potatoes, along with some onion and a few seasonings and wrapped them in some aluminum foil. She made one of these for each person there. She was lucky that Ned had the aluminum foil in stock, as he hadn't been carrying the product for very long.
The fish had turned out succulent, the root vegetables roasted to perfection. Everyone sat back with satisfaction and full bellies. Elizabeth's announced they could have a small recess. Everyone cheered and ran off to play and enjoy the last rays of the sun. Elizabeth also promised them a surprise when recess was over. Nathan and Laura stayed back to help Elizabeth clean up.
"Mrs. Thornton, you should go and enjoy the sunset. You need a break too. Besides I can clean up the rest of this."
"That does sound lovely Laura. Are you sure you don't mind?"
"Of course not. Besides there's not that much left to clean up anyway. You should go."
"You know what I think I'm going to take you up on that offer. Thank you, Laura."
Nathan smiled as he watched her walk away, wishing he could share this moment with Elizabeth. Elizabeth didn't have to walk far to find the perfect spot. The view over the mountains was beautiful. There was even a large fallen log, so she sat down. So far, the trip had gone off without any further glitches, and she thanked the Lord for his mercy, and blessings. She was still thinking about Nathan, and how he took such care and time with Angela. Her heart felt so full whenever her mind's eye took back to the scene.
"Like some company? Nathan asked, as he walked up behind her.
Elizabeth jumped slightly; she was so caught up in her memories from earlier today.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you."
"No, you didn't frighten me. I was just lost in my thoughts is all. So, what brings you over here?"
"Laura," Nathan chuckled. She practically kicked me out of camp. She said I deserved a break too."
"She did, uh?" Elizabeth stated, and they both laughed together. They sat for a moment, together, without saying a word. Elizabeth turned her gaze from the setting sun and looked at Nathan's profile. So handsome against the light of the fading sunlight and the rocky terrain of the mountains in front of them.
"Nathan", she said. Nathan turned and looked at her. She tried to speak. She was about to tell him that see saw him with Angela, and how it made her feel. But she couldn't seem to find the words. Instead, she just stared into eyes, leaned in and placed one small sweet kiss upon his rugged check. She couldn't bear to look into his eyes again. Standing, she could only manage to stammer out something about it getting dark and how it was time to bring everyone in from recess. Elizabeth walked away, leaving Nathan by himself. Nathan sat without moving, the shock of what just happened pinning him to the log he was sitting on. He knew she wanted to say something. If only she could have stayed.
Everyone had taken their places around the fire when Elizabeth brought out their surprise. She had brought along some sweet treats for everyone to enjoy. She asked them all to pick up the branches that she had instructed them to bring back from recess. Elizabeth and Laura began passing out the sweet, fluffy, white treats.
"Marshmallows!" they all yelled. And began placing them onto their sticks and into the fire. Nathan smiled and laughed at their excitement. The children were all so happy and he was glad to see it, and to be a part of it. After that Elizabeth handed out another decadent treat. Chocolate bars that Mr. Bouchard had bought for everyone! Elizabeth explained how Lucas had wanted to do something special for them. She also told them how Lucas had heard of French chefs combing the two ingredients for many delicious results. He thought the children should do the same. Allie stood and asked Mrs. Thornton to thank Mr. Bouchard for the gift, and the other children agreed. Nathan smiled. He was so proud of his daughter. She was a good kid. She made mistakes, but everyone makes mistakes growing up. However, the humility she showed right now made him feel especially proud.
After everyone was cleaned up from their delicious snack it was time for a short talk on everything, they had learned so far. The lesson was short, but the stories were abundant. They laughed and talked about all the fun that they had had. Everyone seemed to have had a funny story told about themselves. Elizabeth asked if anyone had a scary story like to tell. But asked that it not be too scary for the younger one's sakes. They were having so much fun taking turns telling stories that Elizabeth didn't even notice when Nathan had slipped away from the group. Robert was telling a very scary story, and coming up to the climax, when something, or someone popped up between Laura and Elizabeth, who were sitting next to each other. They both jumped up screaming, and clawing at each other, then holding one another. The creature had glowing eyes and a gaping mouth, and looked weirdly aquatic. The ladies continued to cling to one another, both breathing heavily. Then they heard the laughter. By then everyone, except Laura and Elizabeth, had realized the creature was really Nathan! Nathan, Angela's fish's large head and a candle. When they realized who was behind this prank, Elizabeth without hesitation took out after the laughing man. When she caught up to him, she began punching his arm.
"Nathan Grant, you almost gave us a heart attack!" she admonished the prankster, and resumed her assault.
Ow, OW, that actually hurt, Nathan whined as he reached across his chest to rub his now throbbing arm.
"GOOD!" Elizabeth stated proudly, and walked back to her place at the fire.
The children had all been in stitches when Elizabeth returned, and even gave her a round of applause for taking down the Mountie! But now they were all snug in their tee pees. Exhausted by the day's events most of them had went right off to sleep. Even Laura had went out like a light, and she heard no sounds from the boys at all. Although exhausted herself, Elizabeth was finding it hard drift off. She was so happy things had gone so well, but there were just two things that she could not keep her mind from wandering to. Seeing Nathan with Angela had gotten to her in a way she never would have expected. She knew what kind of man Nathan was. Why should she have been surprised? Yet she was moved by this man's actions in a way she had never felt before. She had wanted to tell him she saw. She wanted to tell him how much she admired him and his actions today, but she could not find sufficient words to relay her sentiments. Instead, she had kissed him! "Why had she kissed him?" Elizabeth scolded herself.
Turning over on her bed roll, Elizabeth tried counting sheep, but sleep never came. Feeling a bit warm, Elizabeth grabbed her shawl and wrapped it around herself, and emerged from the tee pee. She took a deep breath of the cool mountain air. It felt so good on her face, she thought to herself. She opened her eyes and saw Nathan. He was resting by the fire, sitting on his bedroll, back against the large log facing the campfire. Quietly Elizabeth joined him. He threw his extra blanket down beside him, and instinctively Elizabeth lowered herself down to it.
"Can't sleep?" Nathan asked in a quiet but husky tone.
"Afraid not." Elizabeth answered.
"What's keeping you up?"
"Oh, I don't know. Nothing, everything. I guess I'm just thinking about everything that's happened today. How lucky I am that so far this trip has been wonderful. It has been great for the children. I'm really so proud of them."
"You're a good teacher Mrs. Thornton. So does that mean you forgive the kids for what they did?'
"Of course, I forgive them. I mean what they did was wrong. They lied, and they will be punished for that." Elizabeth lowered her head and giggled. "But I can see where they were coming from. I can't really imagine Lucas up here camping. She looked at Nathan and laughed. "Can you?" She asked.
Nathan laughed in return. "No, not really. Elizabeth," Nathan's tone turned more serious. "Where was Lucas when we left? He wasn't there to send you off either day.
He had out of town business. It seemed important so I didn't bother him by asking all the details. He came to the school Friday afternoon. We had lunch and said our goodbyes then."
" I see. Well, I cannot think of any business important enough to send me away at such a critical time. I would never send my fiancé off on a trip like this and not be close enough to help if something went wrong!"
"Nathan, please. I respect how you feel, but you're thinking like a Mountie right now. Just waiting for there to be some reason for you to swoop in and save everyone. Waiting for there to be something wrong."
"That's not fair Elizabeth. You know there's more to it than that."
Elizabeth bowed her head and remained silent for a moment, not really knowing what to say to Nathan. After a moment of reflection Elizabeth asked if they could just not talk about Lucas anymore. Nathan agreed. Although he brought the subject up, he didn't really want to talk about Lucas either. They sat in awkward silence for a while. Elizabeth reasoned she should probably just go back to bed, but the cool night air was so refreshing compared to the stuffy tee pee.
"Elizabeth, there is something I never got to say to you. I just wanted you to know how happy I am for you. That you were able to keep the Jack Thornton school out of the Valley district system. I know how important that was to you."
"Thank you, Nathan, but I don't think anyone could imagine what that school means to me." Unexpected tears formed in Elizabeth eyes, as she looked earnestly at Nathan. Memories of Jack flooding her mind now.
"I think I can imagine. I know Jack built that building for you."
"It was built for the community."
"He built it for you Elizabeth. The community too, yes. But for you Elizabeth. That's how much he loved you. I know because that's how much I love you! I love you even more. Elizabeth Thornton I would build cathedrals for you if I knew that would make you happy. I would do anything for you. Even let you marry another man if that's what makes you happy."
Nathan reached over and wiped the escaping tears from her sad eyes. Overwhelmed with emotion and not knowing what else to do, Elizabeth stood, but Nathan refused to let her run again. He grabbed her hand and pulled himself up beside her. Elizabeth could only stare into his handsome face, mesmerized by the glow the flickering light cast there. She again attempted to flee, but her legs would not move. Nathan released her hand and pulled her into his arms. His embrace was strong, but soothing. Gentle, yet fierce. His hot breath on her ear made Elizabeth tremble, and the more she trembled, the harder he held onto her, whispering I love you, and other endearments only she would ever hear. He released her from his arms, but he refused to let go of her completely. He brought his strong hands to her face, thumbs caressing each sweet cheek. Fingers secured around her neck. Again, his hot breath assailed her, as he lowered his lips just above hers. Without ever letting their lips fully touch, Nathan spoke.
"You kissed me."
"Elizabeth was shocked by both his bravado, and his words. Elizabeth opened her eyes, and he released her. Looking deep into her eyes Nathan said the words again, "I know that you feel the same way that I do."
"I can't." she once again returned.