Chapter Six

"Grant seems like a nice enough guy," Tom admitted, drawing another card and raising his bet.

Lucas studied his own cards before raising the bet again. "He does seem to care for Elizabeth, doesn't he?"

"What do you mean by that?" Tom asked, their game forgotten.

Lucas shrugged, taking a sip of his drink. "It's just all very…convenient. He's struggling to raise a teenage niece, and there's this kind, compassionate teacher who just happens to be a single mother. It's almost too perfect, wouldn't you say?"

Tom finished his beer and put the glass down with a little more force than necessary. "So you're saying Grant is just using Elizabeth?"

"I'm not saying anything. I am just observing that Allie needs more care than Nathan can give her, and Elizabeth has a little boy who needs a father. I can see how she would interpret his attentions as love. Elizabeth isn't capable of seeing the bad in anyone, especially a Mountie. I just hope he's not taking advantage of that." Lucas smirked as Tom threw in his cards and ordered another beer. The seeds of doubt have been planted. And with impeccable timing, Nathan and Elizabeth walked in, joining their friends at a table across the room. Now to watch them grow.

"How are you this evening?" Lee hadn't said anything to his companions, but had seen Tom shooting dark looks across the room at Nathan. While they hadn't been instant friends, Tom and Nathan seemed cordial enough at the picnic yesterday, so Lee approached the younger man to see what had him so upset.

Tom scowled. "I've had better days."

"Anything I can help with?" Lee asked, genuinely concerned.

"Can you explain that to me?" he asked, gesturing towards Nathan and Elizabeth. They were sitting with Bill, Molly, and Rosemary, and Nathan had his arm across the back of Elizabeth's chair. She leaned into his shoulder as Rosemary said something that made them all laugh."

"Why don't you come over and join us?" Lee offered. "See for yourself."

Tom shook his head. "I'm not sure that's a good idea. I don't want to cause trouble for Elizabeth, but I'm not sure I can keep my thoughts to myself regarding the good Constable."

Lee was truly puzzled. "What about Nathan? I know he's not much of a talker, but I'm sure he'd welcome the chance to get to know Jack and Elizabeth's family a little bit."

"Well, there's the fact that he's trying to take my brother's place," Tom grumbled. He glanced towards the bar where Lucas was talking to Mike and Fiona. "And it's been suggested that he's using Elizabeth as a stand in mother figure for his niece. Makes me wonder about his interest in my nephew."

"Nathan loves Elizabeth," Lee quickly assured him. "He waited patiently while she found her way through her grief, and they've hit a few bumps in the road, but there is no question of his feelings for her. Ask anyone else in town. And he's already proven he can be devoted to a child that isn't biologically his—just look at how he's changed his life for Allie all these years. I have no doubt that he adores Little Jack just as much."

"So what Bouchard told me, about Nathan needing help with his niece? It's not true?"

Lee shook his head, understanding at last. "I think Lucas is more than a little biased. He was courting Elizabeth when she finally admitted she was in love with Nathan."

"He was courting Elizabeth?" Tom sputtered. "The saloon owner wanted to help raise my nephew?"

Lee shrugged. "I had trouble picturing it myself, but Elizabeth saw potential in him. You'll have to ask her to explain it." He stood, ready to get back to his wife and friends. "You should join us," he invited again. "You can see for yourself if Elizabeth and Nathan are well suited for each other."

Tom looked at Lucas behind the bar and then across the room at his sister-in-law and her friends. As another round of laughter rose from their table, Tom pushed his chair back and followed Lee. After everyone welcomed him, Tom sat back, watching and listening as they talked and relaxed. He realized Nathan wasn't saying much to the group, but he hung on to Elizabeth's every word and was always touching her hand or her shoulder, or tucking a loose curl behind her ear. He was the picture of a devoted suitor, and Elizabeth was clearly enjoying it.

"Mr. Thornton."

Nathan paused next to Tom as he was leaving the café the next morning. "I'm glad I ran into you. I wanted to apologize." Tom looked up but didn't say anything. "When Elizabeth told me that your mother knew about our relationship, I assumed that meant you did as well. I'm sorry for the way you found out, just as you arrived in town. That's not how I would have planned it." When Tom still didn't respond, Nathan added, "My door's open if you want to talk. You can ask me anything." He turned to leave, his long strides quickly taking him to the door.

"Grant."

Nathan stopped, turning back.

"Did you know my brother?" Tom asked quietly. "Before you came here, did you know Jack?"

Nathan sank into the chair across from Tom, waving Clara away when she approached with the coffee pot. He had intended to grab a quick breakfast and start his rounds, but this conversation was more important. Thankfully, the morning rush was over and there was no one seated at the tables closest to them.

"I knew of him, but we never officially met," he explained. "I was stationed at Fort Clay when your brother arrived." Tom started and finally met his eyes. "We were never formally introduced, and I think I may have spoken to him once or twice in the mess hall, but everyone knew who Jack Thornton was. The legacy Mountie, newly wed and there on a special assignment, with his perfect Mountie bride, selflessly sacrificing her honeymoon to accompany him. And there was no missing their farewell kiss." Nathan smiled softly. "He was nearly reprimanded for 'action unbefitting an officer' because he wouldn't let her go."

"I'm not surprised," Tom chuckled. "I've never seen a man so deeply and recklessly in love."

Nathan was silent for a moment before he sighed and said quietly, "It was supposed to be me leading that training mission."

"You?" Tom asked, surprised. "What happened? What changed?"

"Politics," Nathan shrugged. "I did something that upset my superior officer, and as punishment, he had me reprimanded. My promotion and the prestigious assignment were given to someone else."

"Jack."

Nathan nodded. "When news of the landslide came in, I helped with the rescue and recovery mission. Your brother's quick thinking and brave actions saved a lot of lives that day. It's not fair that he lost his." He reached across the table to put a hand on Tom's arm. "From all the accounts I heard, he was killed instantly. He didn't suffer. I hope you can find some comfort in that."

"Is that why you came here?" Tom asked, his tone bitter again. "Because you felt guilty?"

"If I hadn't made Superintendent Hargraves mad, Jack never would have been at Fort Clay. He and Elizabeth would have gone to that ballgame in Chicago. He would have come back here to raise his son and watch over his town. I felt responsible for his death, so when I was up for a new assignment, I asked to be sent to Hope Valley. I couldn't save your brother, but I wanted to take care of his town and his family. I'd like to think he would have found a way to have Allie looked after if things had been reversed."

"So you came here for Elizabeth?"

"I came here to fulfill my duty, and to give my niece a more stable life." He paused, shaking his head. "The last thing I expected was to develop feelings for Elizabeth."

Despite his temper, Tom smirked. "Jack never planned on falling in love with her, either. He was so mad when he was sent here to watch over a 'spoiled Hamilton princess'. He put in for a new assignment right away but by the time they offered it to him, he was long gone, hat over boots for her."

"I know the feeling," Nathan admitted. "She and their little boy are impossible not to love."

Tom studied him silently for a moment. "You really love her? It's not just a duty to you now?"

Nathan looked Tom square in the eye as he said, "I came here out of responsibility. I stayed because I couldn't imagine a better place for Allie to grow up, and because I wanted Elizabeth in my life, even if it was just as friends. If she had chosen…"

"Lucas?" Tom interrupted, and they shared a look of disdain. "Did she really…?"

"I'll let her tell you about that," Nathan replied curtly. "I'm not sure I can be impartial."

Elizabeth glanced around, making one last check that everything was in its place. The house was as clean as it could be with a child living there, the pictures dusted, her desk organized, and the toys momentarily set aside. The table was ready to be set and lemonade to be poured. All that was missing was the company. Tom and Jack were off having some 'Thornton boy time', promising to be back in time for dinner and not to spoil their appetites. Nathan was finishing his rounds.

"Is this everything, Miss Elizabeth?" Allie asked, looking over the large pan of shepherd's pie.

"That looks perfect, sweetheart," Elizabeth assured her, giving her a quick hug. "And thank you for all of your help today. I really want this dinner to be special."

Allie grinned. "Well, my dad is happy anywhere as long as you're there, and Jack doesn't care as long as there's food, so…Do you think Mr. Thornton will like it?"

Elizabeth sighed. "I hope so."

Allie was thoughtful for a moment before she asked, "Do you think he'll like me and my dad? He didn't seem very happy at the picnic the other day."

Elizabeth hugged her again. "I'm sure Tom likes you just fine. I think his displeasure is more about me and your dad as a couple than either of you individually."

"Why wouldn't he like you and my dad together?"

"Tom has only ever seen me in relation to Jack—his brother's sweetheart, his wife, his widow—so it's hard for him to see me with another man. I don't think he's actually angry with any of us, he's just struggling to see me making a life without Jack. He's still grieving, too, but he doesn't get to wake up to a living breathing piece of his brother every day like I do. Raising our son helped me put things with Jack in perspective. Tom is still getting there."

"It sure took you awhile to get things figured out," Allie commented dryly. "How much longer do you think it will take him?"

Elizabeth gave her a pointed look, but they were interrupted by the sound of feet on the front steps. Jack burst through the door and ran across the room.

"Mama! We saw ducks!"

Elizabeth hugged him, smiling over his head at Tom. "And did you feed them or chase them?"

"Both," Tom said, laughing. "They weren't taking the food fast enough, so he tried to bring it closer to them."

"Awwie!" Jack wiggled out of Elizabeth's arms and scrambled to show off his new toy. "Wook! Unca Tom got me more train!"

Allie got down on the floor with Jack, and the two were quickly lost in their own little world. Elizabeth turned to Tom. "Did you have fun with the ducks, too?"

Tom smiled, his eyes glowing as he watched his nephew play. "The ducks were fun. So were the boardwalk and the livery. Jack wanted to go see Sargent, so we brought him some treats. I hope that's okay."

Elizabeth nodded. "That horse gets lots of treats, especially from Jack. I'll make sure I take him out for a ride tomorrow."

"So is it just us for dinner or is your friend joining us?" Tom ask hesitantly.

"My dad should be here any minute. He's usually done with rounds by now, so he probably stopped home to get cleaned up for dinner," Allie informed him. "While we're waiting, maybe Jack and I can show you his garden out back? He helped dig the holes for the vegetables, and I help Miss Elizabeth with the weeding."

Jack grabbed his uncle's hand and pulled him to the back door. Elizabeth and Allie shared a look behind them, and then Elizabeth turned to finish setting the table. She was fiddling with the centerpiece when a familiar pair of arms wrapped around her, holding a bouquet of flowers.

"I think these would look good there."

Elizabeth sighed happily and leaned back, her arms covering his as Nathan pressed a kiss on the top of her head. "You're just in time. Dinner should be ready in a few minutes if you want to go out back with Allie, Jack, and Tom."

Nathan smiled, setting the flowers on the table and turning her to face him. "I haven't seen you all day, and you're sending me back outside?" he teased. Rather than waiting for an answer, he leaned down to kiss her gently.

"Ahem," Tom said awkwardly.

"Don't mind them," Allie said, rolling her eyes as she finished setting the table. "They get like this sometimes."

"Daddy Na-tan kiss Mama wots!"

Elizabeth stepped away, her cheeks flushed as she turned to get the shepherd's pie out of the oven. Nathan turned to Tom, offering a hand and asking, "So how are you liking Hope Valley?"

Despite his misgivings, Tom enjoyed the evening. It was a blessing to see his nephew growing up happy and healthy, and he could see how much Elizabeth cared for the Mountie and his daughter. More importantly, he could see how devoted Nathan was to Elizabeth and her son. Dinner was quite enjoyable. Allie was enthralled by Tom's descriptions of the big cities he'd seen in the course of business and wanted to know how they compared to Hamilton as Elizabeth remembered it. Nathan entertained them with a story about spending half the afternoon helping Mrs. Winston bring in her laundry.

"Last week it was her cat in a tree. The week before she needed more wood for her stove, even though her son had left a huge stack on her back porch a few days earlier."

"Should I be jealous?" Elizabeth teased. "You giving another woman so much attention?"

Nathan squeezed her hand. "You have nothing to worry about." He turned to Tom to explain. "Mrs. Winston could be my grandmother. She's actually quite strong and healthy for a woman of her age, but I think she's lonely. Her husband passed last year, and she refuses to move closer to town or in with either of her children. I can spare a few minutes from my rounds to keep her company."

"Maybe I could ride out with you next time and see if she needs help around the house," Allie volunteered.

Nathan couldn't disguise the pride in his voice as he replied, "I'm sure she'd love that. Even if you just sit and have tea with her, I think that would really help."

Elizabeth smiled, equally proud. "You can borrow Sargent."

Elizabeth started clearing the table while Allie got dessert ready and Jack told Nathan about his afternoon in town. He went into great detail about taking his uncle to the pond and to see his horse. When they were finished eating, Jack pulled Nathan and Allie into the living room to play, while Tom helped Elizabeth with the dishes.

"Maybe it's none of my business," Tom said hesitantly as he handed a plate to her to be dried. "But I heard something surprising about you the other day. You and the saloon owner were courting?"

Elizabeth turned to put the plate away and gather her thoughts before she answered. "Yes, I was seeing Lucas for a few weeks."

"Can I ask….why?" Tom wondered. "I'm not judging, I swear. It's just…he doesn't really seem like a family kind of guy. How did he get along with Jack?"

Elizabeth shrugged. "They actually didn't spend much time together. Lucas is more interested in fine dining and romantic picnics. It was always just the two of us."

"And that didn't bother you?"

"It did after a while. At first, the candlelight and roses were a nice escape from everyday life. It felt good to be pampered a bit after spending all day every day taking care of a child or twenty. I thought things would progress to having Jack join us, but Lucas never asked and I didn't push. I should have. I wouldn't have hurt Nathan and Allie so much, and perhaps Lucas wouldn't be so angry with me if I'd listened to my heart from the start."

"How did you hurt Nathan and Allie?"

"I knew Nathan was in love with me. He told me, twice, and he showed me over and over again, but I ran away. I was afraid of loving another Mountie, afraid of losing him like I did Jack. Lucas was safe. I cared about him, but I didn't need him the way I did Jack and Nathan."

Tom stopped washing. "So you had two men falling in love with you?"

Elizabeth picked up a dish and started scrubbing it herself, not meeting his eyes. "No, I had one man who loved me and my child, who put us ahead of his own heart and well-being time and time again. The other man loved the idea of being with me, and perhaps the woman he wanted me to be, but not who I am."

Tom was about to ask another question when Allie interrupted. "Do you need help with those?"

Elizabeth smiled, shaking her head. "No, you did enough by helping with dinner and making dessert. You can go play with your dad and Jack. Tom and I will join you shortly."

"I think my dad and Jack are about done for the day." She nodded towards the other room. Tom chuckled and Elizabeth's heart melted.

Nathan dozed on the sofa, his long legs propped on the ottoman in front of him and Jack asleep on his chest. The book they had been reading lay forgotten on the cushion beside them. Jack's cheek lay over Nathan's heart, and Nathan's face was pressed to the top of the boy's head. As they watched, Jack started to turn in his sleep, and even unconscious Nathan tightened his hold, hugging him closer and keeping his safe.

Elizabeth put the dishrag down and turned to face Tom. "Do you still need to ask what made me change my mind about being with Nathan?"

Tom waited while Lucas totaled the tab for his room and meals at the saloon. It was still fairly early, and since most people went to the café for breakfast, there wasn't anyone else around. "Funny how you never mentioned that you and Elizabeth had courted. You don't think that might be clouding your judgement of Nathan just a bit?"

Lucas shrugged as he gave Tom his change. "She'll come around," he said with certainty. "I had hoped you would help her see how unreasonable it is to get herself and her child involved with another Mountie, but if you're not going to look after her…"

"I will always look out for her—my brother would expect nothing less—but I don't think Nathan is the one they need protected from. How long are you planning to hold a grudge?"

Lucas smiled coldly and turned away, going back into his office, so Tom gathered his things and went outside. Elizabeth and Nathan waited next to his car, while Jack sat in the driver's seat making engine noises and playing with the steering wheel.

"Are you going to drive me home, little man?" Tom teased, stowing his bags and coming around to the door.

"Me drive!" Jack answered gleefully. "Car go fast!"

"I think you need to wait a couple of years before you hit the open road," Elizabeth laughed as she scooped up her giggling child.

Tom reached a hand out to Nathan. "Thank you."

Nathan shook it firmly. "For what?"

"For taking care of my brother's family and his town. I'm sure it wasn't easy for you to come here, and I know I didn't exactly make things better…"

Nathan smiled. "It has been my honor to pick up where Jack left off in this town, and a privilege to look after his family. You have my word, I would do anything for them."

Elizabeth held Jack up to say good-bye to his uncle, and the boy cheerfully hugged him and waved. She passed him to Nathan so she could embrace Tom.

"I will never forget about Jack. You know that, right?"

"I do," Tom admitted as he held her close. "He would want you to be happy, and I can see that you are. Just give me some time before you ask me to walk you down the aisle, okay?"

Elizabeth laughed as she stepped back, wiping tears from her eyes. "We're not there yet."

Tom looked back at Nathan, holding Jack up to wave good-bye and his gaze on Elizabeth, then leaned in give her a quick kiss on the cheek. "You might not be, but he is."

He got in the car and closed the door, then leaned out the window. "Both of you, watch out for that Bouchard guy. I don't think he's done with you yet."

Nathan had one arm firmly around Elizabeth and held Jack with the other. "We will. Thanks."

Tom started the car and pulled away, tooting the horn as he turned the corner.

"So what did Tom say that has you so flustered?" Rosemary asked as she watched her friend aimlessly stir her tea. "He's not causing more trouble, is he? I thought he made peace with you and Nathan being together."

Elizabeth looked up, still dazed. "He said…he thinks…"

"He thinks what?" Rosemary asked impatiently,

"He thinks Nathan is ready for marriage."

"And you don't?" Rosemary replied, baffled. "Elizabeth, that man is absolutely ready to marry you. He'd have you in front of Bill or the pastor this minute if you suggested it."

"But he hasn't….we've never talked about…we've only been courting for a few weeks!"

Rosemary smiled and placed her hand over Elizabeth's. "Of course he hasn't said anything, Nathan would never do anything to pressure you. But while you've only been courting a few weeks, he has been in love with you for almost two years! I'm not saying you get married tomorrow, but I don't think you should wait an eternity this time." When Elizabeth didn't argue, Rosemary continued. "You said that when you had your little epiphany about Nathan, you told him you wanted to spend the rest of your life with him, right? You love him. Your son loves him. Your in-laws approve of him. I know the verdict is still out as far as your parents' opinion of him, but would their disapproval change your mind?"

"No," Elizabeth admitted. "I love Nathan. Nothing they say is going to change that."

"You want to be a family with Nathan and Allie, so be a family. You spend all your time together as it is. You might as well make it official."