A/N This is my submission for the Suspenders Unbuttoned One-Shot Challenge What DO You Want Challenge.
Nathan returned from rounds to see a grim Bill talking to an equally gloomy Henry Gowan standing there with a piece of paper the size of a telegram in his hand. Nathan ran up and quickly changed for the day since his Serge had gotten damp before going over. By the time he arrived, Henry was already walking away, and Bill was looking down at the paper.
As he drew close, he heard him mutter to himself, "Why didn't I see this was happening?"
"Bill? What's wrong?"
"Not here. Follow me." Bill replied quickly, turning towards his office.
Bill handed Nathan the paper he was holding as they settled in the chairs. Nathan took it and then looked up at Bill. "The missing telegraph. Where did you find this? I have been tearing the office up."
"I got it from Henry."
"Henry? How in the world did he get it?"
"From Elizabeth when she ran to the stables after thinking you were in danger," Bill said, waiting for Nathan to connect the dots.
"That explains a few things."
"He said she ran into Newton's stall talking about shots had been fired and a Mountie had been taken hostage, saying she couldn't do this again," Bill said. "He also said he tried to talk to her about it a few days later, but she was closed off with him after he suggested that she maybe needed to rethink her decision to marry given her reaction."
"I'm sure that went over well," Nathan said.
Bill didn't even respond. "Then it dawned on me that if Lucas wins, Elizabeth and Jack will leave Hope Valley. All indications are that he will win too since his campaign is gaining recognition and support."
Nathan knew that she didn't want to go. They had had a conversation about it just the day before when he saw her face when it was announced that Lucas was running. It looked like Lucas wasn't the only one running.
"Bill, I need to go find Elizabeth," Nathan called over his shoulder as he jumped up and headed for the door. On the way to the schoolhouse, he thought about what he wanted to say. Folding the telegram in his pocket, he decided he wouldn't mention it just yet. He needed to conquer one thing at a time, and his instincts told him to wait. But a conversation would be had at a later time. He was done letting her run from what was between them. It was only growing stronger with every interaction they had.
Approaching the schoolhouse, he saw that she was gathering her things and straightening her desk. Taking a deep, calming breath, he released it and opened the door.
"Nathan!" Elizabeth said, turning around to look at him. "What's wrong? What's going on?"
"That's what I would like to know. Rumor has it that you are leaving Hope Valley. You told me before that you never wanted to leave and wanted Jack to grow up here. That this is and was always going to be your home. Then, just yesterday on the boardwalk, you even mentioned it would be hard to find another place like it."
"Well, sometimes things have to change, and we don't always get what we want or turn out how we plan," Elizabeth said, tears welling up.
"So that's it? What about teaching? What about these kids? I mean, is this what you want?"
"Nathan, this is bigger than me," Elizabeth replied.
"Elizabeth! You make a difference here. I'm asking you to be honest with yourself. Is this what you want?"
"What other choice do I have?"
"Elizabeth, what do you want?"
"You don't understand, Nathan. It isn't that simple. I have other responsibilities and people …"
Nathan interrupted her, "Forget about everyone else for a moment."
"How can I?"
"Elizabeth, come have a seat. Talk to me." Nathan said, leading her to the pew. As they sat, she kept her eyes downcast on her tightly clasped hands.
"Why did you refuse to let me quit the Mounties for you? The truth."
She began wringing her hands and finally softly said, "For the same reason that I couldn't allow Jack. Being a Mountie was who he was and who you are. As hard as it was, I couldn't let you give that up for me. You would have resented me at some point, and it would have destroyed us."
Nathan held in a smile, knowing she didn't realize what she had revealed with her answer.
"So how is that different from giving up what you love? When did everyone else's dreams and expectations become more important than yours, and what you want for your son? Which, by your own admission, is Hope Valley and your students. How is this situation any different than mine and Jack's?"
"I….Uh….Well," Elizabeth stuttered, knowing that Nathan was right. It was exactly the same. The only difference is she couldn't talk to Lucas.
Nathan placed a comforting hand over hers. "Look, I'm not trying to push you one way or the other. I want only the best for you, but I don't think you have thought it through. What kind of friend would I be if I didn't speak up?"
"You don't understand, Nathan. People expect me to do it. I can't let them down." Elizabeth said as tears began to fall.
"What are you talking about?" Nathan replied, reaching for the handkerchief in his pocket. His hands brushed the telegram, reminding him of the other issue, but he held firm in his decision to bide his time.
"Rosemary keeps reminding me I am an honorable woman with a pure heart, and Bill has said I don't give up on people. I told Lucas I would be there beside him because what else can I do? My Aunt Agatha told me he was destined for a bigger stage and that I should hold on to my second chance at happiness. Lucas is our only chance to save Hope Valley, and I can't let everyone down." Elizabeth said as she dabbed her eyes.
He gently lifted her face to look up at him as he spoke. "Elizabeth, forget what everyone else has said or what you feel you should do. What is it that you want? What does Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton want? What is best for your son?"
Elizabeth looked at him, and he could see that his words were beginning to reach her. But she remained silent.
"When it boils down to it, all that really matters is what is best for you and your son. The people who know and love you will understand." Then, recalling that she was preparing to leave, Nathan offered to walk her home, which she quickly accepted.
During the walk home Elizabeth's mind processed all he had said. How is it he had a way of immediately getting to the problem and making it easy for her to see the solutions for herself? He never told her what to do but made her think about everything. In some ways, he reminded her of Abigail because her dear friend always did the same. She would gently call her out on her thoughts when needed. He was right in that Jack had to come first above everything. He would start school in the fall, and she wanted it to happen here. For her son to attend the school his daddy had built for him. Here in this town, he was connected to his daddy through shared memories. Here, Jack was surrounded by those who knew and loved his daddy and adored him. It also kept her connected to Jack Sr.
They reached her row house without another word needing to be spoken. As she walked up the steps, she paused. "Nathan?
He turned and looked at her with a brow raised. "Yeah, Lizbeth?"
She walked towards him and hugged him. "Thank you,"
When she pulled back, he could see a bit of the sparkle back in her eyes as she smiled at him. "You are welcome."
"Maybe I'll make some banana bread to show my appreciation after a long overdue conversation with Lucas. I did keep the pan back, just in case. I should put it to use."
Nathan grinned. "Well, as I said before, I know someone willing to take it off your hands. Muffins, too, if you ever have any extra lying around."
Elizabeth giggled and said with a knowing look in her eyes. "Newton has developed a sudden taste for baked goods, has he?"
Nathan laughed but didn't respond.
"Well, I'll definitely have to see what I can do. Maybe I'll throw in some for Scout, too."
"I think you should. I wouldn't want him to get jealous." Nathan replied with a wink, and then he continued on his way.
Nathan knew that everything wasn't settled yet between them, but he had no doubt they would get there eventually. He couldn't explain it, but he knew without a doubt she would be staying in Hope Valley even as Lucas went on his way. Then they would begin to find their way to opening their hearts and move on together.
