And I wish that I had called you up in the December sun
You would have come
And the words they would have raised themselves up from my heart to tongue
I think we're done
Pressing on our bruise just to feel something
-With Confidence "Bruise"
Spotting Elizabeth talking with Lucas, he felt the familiar pain. If he were honest with himself, there was probably a little bit a jealousy there as well. Not that it was justified. He didn't have any claim on Elizabeth. She could talk to who she wanted to. He didn't even no how she felt about him.
He hadn't even gotten up the courage to tell her how he felt about her.
It wasn't from lack of trying. He had tried, multiple times. Every time he attempted to tell her how he felt though he got interrupted, changed his mind, or just said something stupid. He hadn't missed her amused expression on many of occasion. Who could blame her? If he wasn't the one doing these things he would probably be amused himself.
But if he didn't tell her how he felt, then he could hardly be upset if she enjoyed Lucas' company. He had a feeling the saloon owner had no problem telling Elizabeth how he felt about her.
In some ways, perhaps Elizabeth would be better off with Lucas. His job was quite a bit safer. He appeared to be more affluent than most people in their little town. More affluent then he would ever be as a Mountie. Lucas would be able to provide her with things that he never would.
Perhaps the honorable thing to do would be just to step aside. To stop feeling sorry for himself when he saw her with Lucas and happy for Elizabeth instead. After all, he wanted her to be happy. From the smile on her face right then, Lucas could clearly do that.
What would he be but a constant reminder of the husband she had lost.
Turning, he headed into the Mounted Police Office. His mind might think that Elizabeth was better off with Lucas, but he knew it would be quite awhile, if ever, for his heart to follow suit.