May prompt from the heart challenge. Rewrite of Union City episode.
As Nathan was walking up the stairs, Lucas was coming down the stairs. He smirked at Nathan.
"Constable." Lucas said lowly, passed Nathan and headed toward town.
Nathan took the apple out of his pocket to give to Elizabeth.
"An apple for Allie's favorite teacher." Nathan said.
"Bribing a public official, Constable." Elizabeth playfully asked.
"If you eat the evidence then no one will know." Nathan playfully said. He handed Elizabeth the apple.
"What was Lucas doing here?" Nathan asked.
"He came in here with two tickets for a Virgina Woolfe book reading in Union City." Elizabeth said.
"Oh. Are you going to go?" Nathan asked.
"First off, it would be inappropriate to go to Union City overnight with a man I am not married with. But I was thinking of taking Allie." Elizabeth said.
"Really?" Nathan asked.
"It would be a unique opportunity for Allie. I'm sure Lucas will have plenty of opportunities to see her readings, but Allie may not." Elizabeth said.
Nathan nodded his head in agreement.
"Do you mind if I take her on an overnight trip to Union City?" Elizabeth asked.
"I don't mind and I'm sure Allie won't mind either. I'm heading to Buxton for a trial." Nathan said.
"Sounds exciting." Elizabeth said.
"Not really." Nathan said making a face.
Elizabeth laughed.
"How will you two be getting to Union City?" Nathan asked.
"I heard Lee and Rosemary talking about spending a night in Union City tonight. I'm sure they would us come along." Elizabeth said.
"Do you need any money?" Nathan asked starting to look in his pockets.
"No, No. This is my treat." Elizabeth said.
"Are you sure?" Nathan asked.
"Yes." Elizabeth said.
"I'll let Opal's parents know that she will be spending the night with you." Nathan said.
Elizabeth nodded.
"Thank you, Elizabeth." Nathan said.
"My pleasure." Elizabeth said.
Nathan went outside and talked to Allie. When he told her what was happening her eyes got larger and larger.
Elizabeth laughed at her expression. Allie ran up the stairs of the school house and gave Elizabeth a hug.
Lucas saw Elizabeth come in looking for him. Good, Lucas thought. He'll be able to have the whole trip to himself without an annoying Constable in the way.
"Elizabeth, hello." Lucas said.
"Hello Lucas." Elizabeth said.
"Have you thought about the book reading?" Lucas asked.
"Yes. I would like to go." Elizabeth said.
Lucas smiled.
"It will be exciting." Lucas said.
"Yes, it will be exciting for Allie and I." Elizabeth said.
"Allie?" Lucas said confusingly.
"Yes. I have decided to take Allie." Elizabeth said.
"Oh. I just thought." Lucas stammered.
"Did you think I would go on an overnight trip with a man I am not married with?" Elizabeth asked.
Lucas turned red from embarrassment.
"Of course not. You two have fun." Lucas said. He pulled the tickets out from his pocket.
Elizabeth took the tickets.
"Thank you." Elizabeth said and walked away. Lucas went back to his office with his tail between his legs.
After the reading, Nathan was waiting for everyone to get home. Elizabeth walked Allie home. When Allie saw Nathan, she ran for a hug.
"How was it?" Nathan said as he hugged her back.
"So much fun. Ms. Woolfe is interesting. And Mrs. Thornton bought me books and a few dresses. I'm going to go try them on and show you." Allie said.
"Okay." Nathan said.
Allie ran over to Elizabeth for a quick hug.
"Thank you so much for everything Mrs. Thornton.
"My pleasure." Elizabeth hugged back.
Allie ran in the house.
"I think you made her year." Nathan said.
Elizabeth beamed.
Elizabeth started to turn to walk back home.
"Would you like to stay for the fashion show?" Nathan asked.
"That does sound fun." Elizabeth said.
"Why don't you go bring Jack over and I can make us dinner. I have some corn on the cob and a couple of fish on the pan." Nathan said.
"Sounds fun. I'll go get Jack." Elizabeth said.
"And thank you again for taking Allie." Nathan said.
"For you and Allie? Anytime." Elizabeth said with a wink.
Nathan smiled and went back into the house to get ready for dinner.
THE END