Chapter 16

The next morning, Elizabeth was welcoming her students, by the front door, when she saw Nathan and Allie arrive at the school.

"Good morning, Mrs. Thornton," Allie said, enthusiastically, as she mounted the schoolhouse steps.

"Good morning, Allie!" Elizabeth responded back, before turning her attention to the handsome man in red.

"Hi Nathan," Elizabeth heard herself say, as a smile began to appear on her face.

"Hi 'Lizabeth," Nathan answered back, with a smile as big as hers.

"I'll never get tired of hearing him say my name like that," Elizabeth thought to herself. She absolutely loved it when he called her that.

"How'd your go rounds go yesterday?"

Climbing the steps until he was facing her, at eye level, Nathan responded.

"Very well, thank you! Nothing happened in my absence, so that was good to hear."

Starring in his eyes, Elizabeth said, "That's good! I'm really glad to hear that..."

Nathan nodded, before searching her eyes.

"So, how are you feeling this morning?"

Realizing that he was referring to her emotions, after her slip of the tongue yesterday, Elizabeth looked at him, with appreciation and sincerity in her eyes.

"I'm doing alright. Thank you! And, about what I said yesterday..."

Nathan cut her off, before she could finish what she was about to say.

"It's ok, Elizabeth. Really! As I said before, you don't have to explain yourself to me. I'm a mountie, so I do understand where you're coming from. That being said, however, I do think that it's important for us to have a discussion about these things. So, I wondering if maybe you'd be free to have a talk, after school today?"

Giving him a questioning, yet intrigued, look, Elizabeth nodded her head.

"Alright! How about we take a walk to the pond outside of town? The weather is much nicer today, and I think the fresh air would do us some good."

Smiling at her, approvingly, Nathan said, "That would be nice! I'll see you after school, then?"

"I'll be waiting," Elizabeth sent him an encouraging smile, although she was feeling a little nervous about the prospect of what he might want to discuss.

Sending her a smile back, Nathan responded.

"I hope your school day goes smoothly!"

"Thank you! I hope you have a safe and smooth day at work, as well" Elizabeth responded back.

Nodding his head, Nathan turned to leave and said "I'll see you later!"

"Yes, you will!"

With that, Nathan headed back into town, leaving Elizabeth alone by the door.

After standing there for a few minuets, Elizabeth realized what time it was, and she started ringing the bell. She needed to begin her classes for the day.

Although she was looking forward to their talk at the pond, it made Elizabeth nervous thinking about where their conversation might go.

There were so many emotions swirling around in her head, and she knew that the time had come for her to face them head on, with Nathan.

Praying silently, in her head, Elizabeth asked God for strength and guidance.

Only God could help her to face whatever laid ahead for her and Nathan.


Fiona arrived at the Gown Petroleum office, right on time.

She had woken up extra early that morning, in order to prepare herself for the day ahead. It had been such a long time since she had experienced this much excitement, at the prospect of a new job, and she had been to excited to sleep.

Fiona kept recalling her first day of working at the phone company, and how excited she was to have a job where she would get to help connect people, from a distance. Being the outgoing person that she was, it had excited her to know that she could play a key role in helping to take communication to a whole new level. The idea of working for an oil company and helping them to reestablish their place in the community, also had a similar appeal to her.

As long as she was working at a job where she could connect with other people, and make a difference, Fiona was happy.

As she reached the door of the oil office, Fiona was greeted right away by Lucas. He had seen her coming up the steps and had come to open the door for her.

"Good morning, Mr. Bouchard," Fiona said enthusiastically.

"Good morning, Ms. Miller! You're right on time I see," Lucas said approvingly, as he moved over to the side, allowing her space to step into the office.

Nodding her head, in appreciation, Fiona walked into the office, as Lucas closed the door behind her.

"I believe that punctuality is the key to doing any job right."

Looking at her, with surprise, Lucas smiled.

"I couldn't agree more! I've always believed that a person's ability to be on time says a lot about their character and capacity of performance, on the job. The fact that you're on time, Ms. Miller, tells me that your dedicated to getting the job done."

"I am! Thank you! And please, call me Fiona. I know you're my boss now, but Ms. Miller sounds too formal for my liking. Besides, we're friends, and I'm do recall you addressing me by my first name last night."

Smiling at her, with amusement, Lucas nodded in agreement.

"You're absolutely right! In that case, you may call me Lucas. There's no place for formality, on the job, when you're in the company of friends."

"I absolutely agree! Thank you, Lucas," Fiona said, as she took off her coat and placed it on the coat rack. "So, where do we begin?"

"Please," Lucas said, as he motioned towards the desk chair.

Taking her seat, across from him, Fiona listened intently while he explained what they would be doing.

"There's a whole stack of paperwork and books here, detailing the accounts and affairs of the company, over the last year. What I need you for you to do is to help me make sense of all this and look for any unusual patterns or holes."

"I can do that," Fiona answered, as she scanned the stacks of paper and books.

"I know it may seem like a lot to try to understand, right now... I don't even completely understand everything yet, but I'll try my best to fill you in, where I can."

"Sounds good, Boss," Fiona answered with a smile, before she realized what she had just said. "Oops, I mean Lucas."

Chuckling softly, Lucas looked at her, with amusement.

"That's quite alright! In fact, I kind of like being called the "boss". It makes me feel like I have power and authority, even though I have no idea how to run an oil business."

"You'll learn," Fiona said matter-of-factly.

Lucas nodded and smiled.

"By the way, I forgot to mention that I have some other business to attend to this afternoon, so I'm thinking that we'll break around noon, and then get back to it around two o'clock. How does that sound?"

"That works for me," Fiona answered.

"Excellent," Lucas responded back.

With that, they dived right into the books.

It was going to be a long morning, but Fiona was excited to get started.


The morning dragged on, as Nathan sorted through paperwork, at his desk.

He couldn't help, but think about what he was going to say to Elizabeth, during their walk to the pond.

Nathan had so many feelings that he needed to get out in the open, and he still wasn't quite sure how he was going to express them. He had also noticed, this morning, that Elizabeth still seemed to be a little taken back, by her revelation yesterday, and he knew that he would need to ask her about it, directly.

Although he didn't want to pry, Nathan could tell that Elizabeth needed to share what was on her heart, instead of talking around it, by trying to explain herself to him. He already understood where she was coming from, but he wanted to know the full story.

If they were going to have any hope for a real relationship, then they both needed to be completely honest with each other. He needed to share his fears about being a mountie with her, while she needed to consider what that might mean for her and little Jack.

Turning his attention back to the present, Nathan looked at the clock and realized that it was almost lunchtime. He was feeling pretty hungry, and he remembered that he had forgotten to pack himself a lunch.

Instead of heading to the cafe, Nathan decided that he would head home, for some leftovers, before going out on his rounds.

As Nathan grabbed his hat and was about the leave the jail, Bill opened the door.

"Hi, Nathan!"

"Hi, Bill! How are you today? I was just about to head home for some lunch, before doing my rounds."

"I'm well, thanks! I just wanted to check in with you and see how you're doing, after the exciting weekend that you had."

Realizing what Bill was referring to, Nathan simply said, "It went very well, thank you!"

He didn't want to share too much, just yet, especially since he wasn't sure how his talk, with Elizabeth, that afternoon was going to go.

Bill nodded, in understanding.

"Well, I'm very pleased to hear that! From the little that I saw during your dinner to everything I saw at the church, yesterday, it looks very promising. I haven't seen Elizabeth look that happy, or content, in a very long time. You're good for her and little Jack."

"Thank you, Bill! I really needed to hear that..."

"It's the truth," Bill offered.

Nathan simply nodded.

"Well, I should probably start heading home for lunch, before heading out on my rounds..."

"I'll leave you to it then. I have some calls that I need to make and files to go over, so I might as well stay here until you get back."

"Suit yourself! I might be a while though..."

"That's fine by me! Enjoy your lunch," Bill said, as he took a seat in Nathan's chair.

Nathan chuckled, and shook his head, as he closed the door behind him. He knew how much Bill loved that desk. Ever since the first day that Nathan had came to town, his friend had tried just about everything to claim that desk for his own.

Even though Bill liked his job, as the judge, well enough, Nathan could sense that Bill missed being in his old position. Whenever Nathan would leave the office, Bill always seemed more than willing to step in for him.

Nonetheless, Nathan was grateful for Bill's friendship and his dedication to upholding the law.

If it weren't for Bill, Nathan wasn't sure where he'd be, and he thanked God for his friend's help and support.


It was a little passed noon, by the time that Lucas made his way over to the jail.

He had a very long morning, at the oil office, trying to make sense of the books, but Lucas was thankful for Fiona's help and company.

Although neither one of them had spent much time together, in the past, Lucas realized that Fiona was very pleasant to be around. He enjoyed talking with her and throwing around ideas about the company.

Fiona's presence had been a much needed distraction for him, all morning, as he mentally prepared himself for he was going to say to Nathan. Lucas was not looking forward to the visit, but he knew that it needed to be done. He had avoided Nathan long enough. The time had come for him to admit his true feelings and be totally honest with himself, and with Nathan.

Taking in a deep breath, Lucas stepped foot into the jail.

"Good afternoon, Lucas," Bill said, as he go up from the desk.

"Good afternoon, Bill," Lucas said, with surprise, as he scanned the jail for any sign of Nathan.

"Is there something I can help you with?" Bill asked him.

Nodding his head, Lucas asked, "Do you know where Constable Grant is? I have something that I need to discuss with him."

Looking intrigued, by that response, Bill raised his eyebrow.

"Yes, he just went home for lunch, before heading out on his rounds. Would you like to leave a message for him?"

"No, this is something I need to discuss with him in person, but thanks for the offer. Have a good day, Bill!" Lucas said, as he made his way out of the jail.

Lucas knew that he probably should have stayed and chatted with Bill a little longer, but his nerves got the better of him.

If he was going to talk to Nathan, then he needed to do it right now.

Lucas also didn't want to risk Bill asking him anymore questions. It had already raised enough suspicion when he admitted that he needed to talk to Nathan personally. He had seen the wheels turning in Bill's head, at that response, and he needed to get out of there, before he shared something, with Bill, that he'd regret.

Heading towards Nathan's row house, Lucas continued to prep himself for the encounter.

There really was no easy way for him to start the conversion.

Lucas had never been much of a real communicator. Although he was good at making small talk, and putting on a show, Lucas had never good at sharing his true feelings with anyone. Even with Elizabeth, he had mostly talked in metaphors and generalizations. He'd never actually shared his true feelings with her. Instead, he only shared what he thought would make him sound more appealing, in her eyes.

Once Lucas got to Nathan's row house, he walked up the stairs and began knocking on the door.

When he got no reply, Lucas began to wonder if Nathan had left for his rounds already. Checking his watch, he realized that not much time had passed, so he decided to sit down and wait for a few minuets.

If Nathan didn't show up soon, then he would go.

As much as he wanted to leave, Lucas knew that he needed stay.

He'd come this far, and there was no turning back now.


Nathan got sidetracked, at the livery, on his way home.

He was going to pick up Newton, when he stopped to have a conversation with some townsfolk.

Although he enjoyed making small talk, Nathan was ready to get home and have some lunch, so he kindly excused himself. After tacking up Newton, he headed straight home.

As he rode up the path, to his house, Nathan noticed a man sitting on his front porch.

It wasn't until he got a little closer that he realized it was Lucas.

"What is Lucas doing here?" Nathan thought to himself, as he rode up to the house.

Dismounting his horse, and the tying the reigns to the porch post, Nathan acknowledged his visitor, with a nod.

"Lucas! I didn't expect to see you here... is there something I can do for you?"

Getting up from the chair, Lucas stood and faced him.

"I need to talk to you, Grant. I ran into Bill, at the jail, and he said that you were headed here."

Removing his hat, before scratching his head, Nathan responded.

"Alright... follow me," Nathan said, as he mounted the stairs and opened his front door.

Stepping into the living room, Nathan felt his mind racing. He couldn't figure out why Lucas would need to talk to him, or why it was so urgent that he needed to come there.

It felt so weird for him to invite Lucas into his home, but he didn't think it would be right for them to talk outside.

As soon as they were both inside, Lucas shut the door behind him.

"I'm going to be straight with you, Grant," Lucas said, as he turned to face Nathan.

"When you came by the saloon, the other day, and confessed your feelings for Elizabeth, I was very taken back... Not only did it surprise me that you would share all of that, with me, but it also threw me for a loop when you talked about taking her out to dinner, and how that wasn't any different than what I'd done with her. I had no idea that she hadn't yet shared our conversation with you, and I think I was in denial about it, until you brought it up. In all honestly, I almost didn't even tell you the truth about it, because I wanted to save face. It made me very angry knowing that she chose you over me... and then when I realized how much you actually cared for her..."

Lucas's voice trailed off, as he pondered his next words carefully.

"Well, lets just say that your words put me in my place... I now realize that Elizabeth made the right choice. She deserves nothing but happiness, and I can tell that you make her very happy. All that being said, I want to apologize to you for walking off, the other day. That wasn't fair of me, and for that I apologize."

Nathan couldn't believe what he was hearing. Not only was Lucas apologizing to him, but he also admitting that Elizabeth made the right choice, by not choosing him.

Clearing his mind, before finding his words, Nathan responded.

"Thank you for saying that, Lucas! While I have to admit that I'm bit surprised to hear you say that, I'm very grateful that you did."

"That makes two of us," Lucas responded back, before continuing. "Nathan, I must ask you to please not say a word of this to Elizabeth. I'm planning to talk to her about it, at some point, as well, and I need her to hear it from me."

Nathan nodded.

"I understand! It means a lot to me that you would include her in this... she deserves to hear it from you."

Not knowing what else to say, Lucas stood there for a few seconds, before responding.

"Well, I guess I've said all that needs to be said... so I'll get out of your hair now."

At that comment, Nathan took a step forward and extended his hand out to Lucas.

"Thank you, Bouchard!" Nathan said, sincerely.

Taking his hand, and shaking it firmly, Lucas simply nodded. Then he turned and walked out the door.

Still standing there, Nathan just stared, in disbelief, at the closed door.

He couldn't believe all that had just taken place between him and Lucas.

After nearly two years of unspoken rivalry, between the two of them, it had finally ended with Lucas admitting that he was wrong. Nathan certainly hadn't expected that, and he thanked God for the timing of that overruling.

Although him and Elizabeth still a lot to discuss, Nathan was grateful that he wouldn't need to worry about Lucas anymore. They had an understanding, and that's all Nathan needed to know.

He was one step closer to a possible relationship, with Elizabeth, and that thought couldn't make him any happier.

Now all he had left to do was to admit his true feelings to Elizabeth. Once he did that, the rest would be up to her.