A/N THIS IS A HEART STORY FEB PROMPT SUBMISSION - This story is from one that takes place Pre S8
Elizabeth sat at her desk, looking at a poster for the upcoming Valentine's Day dance. Julie and Lucas were going all out for the dance this year as they had just gotten engaged and wanted to celebrate. To be honest, the whole town seemed to be caught up in a love frenzy. She sighed, thinking of the only person that she would ever want to celebrate Valentine's Day as a couple with. But unfortunately, he was in another town.
They had spent a wonderful time together when she and the others went to Union City. But for some reason, she and Nathan hadn't managed to break through the block to something more. Rosemary told her she should just come right out and ask him to court, but that wasn't her way.
She had an idea she had been toying with, and maybe it was time to put herself out there and let her feelings be known.
With that in mind, she took a copy of her book that she had been saving and wrote a little inscription, added a note, and then mailed it off before she could change her mind.
A FEW DAYS LATER IN UNION CITY
Nathan had been sorting through the mail when he came upon a package addressed to him from Elizabeth. It felt like a book, so he was curious as to what she sent. It was probably a book she had come across that Allie would like.
He was shocked to see a copy of her book that he had yet to read despite so many people telling him he needed to. He opened the cover and saw that she had written something on it.
NATHAN,
This is a copy that I have kept aside for the one that got away. Love E
He sat there in shock. Was she saying that he was the one that got away? Hope rose in him as he let the thought resonate. The rest of the mail was forgotten as he began to read the book, quickly becoming enthralled. By the time he finished, he knew all the answers to his questions. A slip of paper fell out as he was about to close the book.
Nathan,
If you and Allie aren't busy, would you care to join us for the Hope Valley Valentine's Day dance?"
He had already known about the dance since Rosemary and Lucas had both sent copies of the poster to him as a reminder of the dance, urging him to come.
Seeing it was after 1 in the morning, Nathan went to bed, making plans to go on a trip to Hope Valley for a few days.
Elizabeth was scared that she had misjudged Nathan's feelings and was beginning to regret what she had done. Rosemary urged her to call him after she told her what happened, but she couldn't bring herself to do it.
She had planned to stay home, but everyone insisted that she had to go and wouldn't accept excuses. She was finished getting dressed and had gone down to get her coat when there was a knock at her door.
Answering it, she was shocked to see that it was Nathan standing there looking handsome in his Green suit and light blue dress shirt.
"Nathan! Hi!" Elizabeth said her thoughts scrambled by seeing him on her doorstep.
"Hi! Lizbeth," he said, smiling his crooked smile that always got to her. It was actually her favorite because it always revealed he was relaxed and happy."
She stood there just looking at him, and he finally chuckled "May I come in?"
"Oh…yeah," She said with a giggle stepping back to allow it. "What are you doing here?"
He reached for one of her hands. "Well, I read your book and then got a lovely invitation that Allie and I didn't want to pass up. So we arrived on the evening train and are staying with Bill. I was hoping that you would allow me to be your escort?"
Her eyes softened. "You want to be my escort for the evening?"
He looked at her and just shook his head, pulling her closer to him. "I want to be your escort for the rest of your life," Nathan said. "But we can start with tonight."
"There's no one else I would rather have with me," Elizabeth said. "It's going to make things complicated, though. Are you ready for that?" Elizabeth said, her eyes drifting to his lips as his scent swirled around her.
"If I have you, I can face anything, Lizbeth, because I am in love with you. I have no intention of being the one who got away. I never realized your feelings were the same as mine."
"Well, let me be clear, Inspector. I am in love with you, too, and see a future with you and Allie." Elizabeth said. Then she stood on her toes and captured his lips with hers. The kiss quickly ignited as a love long held in secret was finally allowed the freedom of being openly stated, accepted, and fully reciprocated.
Finally, they pulled back so they could catch their breath. Nathan reached for her coat to help her put it on. As she turned around, she saw some lipstick still on his lips and tenderly wiped it off. He placed a kiss on her palm as he looked at her with fire in his eyes.
He offered her his arm, and she took it as they headed out her door. They hadn't gotten far when he asked. "When do we tell Allie we are officially courting?"
"Whenever you want to, Nathan. I'm ready for whatever you are, so I will let you lead from now on." Elizabeth said with a smile. They continued their walk until they arrived in silence, just enjoying being together, their love out in the open.
Elizabeth paused just before Nathan opened the door and said, "Though you know everyone's going to know as soon as they see us, right?"
"Well, just in case they have any questions," Nathan said before bending down and kissing her thoroughly.
The door opened unexpectedly, breaking them apart. Before Nathan or Elizabeth could do anything, they met Rosemary and Julie's knowing gaze.
"Well, it appears that Hope Valley's newest courting couple has arrived," Rosemary announced.
Elizabeth and Nathan blushed as the others laughed good-naturedly. As they walked in, Elizabeth saw that Nathan once again sported some of her lipstick, and she quickly motioned to him so he could clean it off. They noticed that the action hadn't gone unnoticed by anyone.
They spent a nice evening dancing with one another and were happy to finally be on the same path together. Though there would be things that would have to be discussed, for now, they just lived in the moment and let tomorrow's concerns worry about themselves. Little did they know it, but both of them were on the same page about having a short courtship.
The next two days were spent just enjoying each other privately, both as a couple and as a family. They were able to discuss a plan forward with a firm date for another trip for the group to come to Union City. As their time together ended and Nathan returned home, he couldn't help comparing his feelings now to the ones he had when he first left Hope Valley for the new position in Union City. Now his heart was full and there was joy and peace inside him instead of the feeling that he was leaving half of himself behind.