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Part Three – Possibilities
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In town, another telegram came through, this time for Rosemary at the Valley Voice office requesting a statement regarding an assassination attempt on Candidate Bouchard. Keeping the contents from the others, Rosemary quickly read the page. With immediate fear in her expression, Rosemary turned away, thanked Ned, then lifted Lee's desk telephone to call Bill for news. Not getting any answer, she quickly excused herself from the meeting between Mike, Elizabeth, Florence and Joseph, running to follow Ned into the Mercantile. "Ned! What do you know about this? This telegram is asking for a statement! What happened?"
"I'm sorry, but you need to ask Bill, Rosemary. You know I cannot reveal the content of telegrams except to those to whom they are addressed." Ned added, "I saw Bill heading towards the row houses a short time ago. Maybe he went to find Allie?" Ned shrugged knowing that was enough information for Rosemary to find Bill and get answers.
"Oh! A telegram to Bill? Why go find Allie? Unless…Ah… Has Nathan been away? Was he protecting Lucas? What happened? How long has he been with him? When will he return?" Rosemary's inquisitive questions were fired rapidly, however Ned just shrugged his shoulders again and pressed his lips together.
When Bill exited the row house, he could see Rosemary practically running towards him. Stopping in front of Bill, Rosemary bent over to catch her breath as Bill reached out to steady her. As a true journalist, she recovered quickly and began to thoroughly question him.
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Elizabeth stared at her best friend, horrified. "Did you say an assassination attempt on Lucas and Nathan was with him? Are they both alright? Has Nathan been assigned to protect him like he was protecting the Governor while here in Hope Valley?"
Along with Elizabeth, Rosemary addressed those in the planning meeting, "That's my understanding. Evidently Nathan pushed Lucas out of danger and fell on top of him to protect him. All I can say is that Nathan Grant is someone you want in your corner whenever there is danger. Evidently he has trained a few fellow Mounties and they've all accompanied Lucas as they visited various towns. I need to write this up immediately and get Bill's approval as we may publish a special edition today! Lee should be back soon, so are we finished with our Election Day plans?"
"Yes, the Ballot box will be in Bill's office and we have all the supplies organized." Mike replied. "I think we are all set to open for voting on Friday morning, at half-past seven. We have arranged a schedule for two volunteers to hand out the ballots and be present as each person votes. Are you willing to share a shift with Elizabeth after school?"
A sudden thought caused Elizabeth to gasp. "Does Allie know? She's at home with Jack so I should go tell her right away. Oh, poor girl, as if she hasn't already suffered enough." Elizabeth almost knocked over the chair, she rose with such haste. "I'll see everyone tomorrow."
"Elizabeth! Wait! Bill already told her," Rosemary called after her. "I guess Nathan sent a telegram and wanted Bill to tell her in person that he is fine and uninjured."
"Really? Well, I still think I will hurry home to her." Elizabeth had hardly finished her sentence before she was rushing out the door.
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"Oh Allie! Are you alright, Sweetheart?"
"I'm fine, Mrs. Thornton. Why wouldn't I be?"
"I heard about your father protecting Lucas from an assassination attempt. I was concerned for you!" Elizabeth opened her arms to hug Allie, finding she couldn't hide the tears that now overflowed.
"Dad is fine, Mrs. Thornton. He's done this before and is really good at his job. You don't need to worry about him." Allie pulled away and looked into her teacher's face, her heart warming, "You were worried for both of us, weren't you?"
Elizabeth could only nod when faced with this truth shared by a confident young woman who showed more poise than Elizabeth felt at that moment.
"Well, thank you, but Dad and I are used to things like this. You needn't worry."
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Having discussed a plan with Superintendent O'Reilly when Nathan called him with the news, Nathan completed his reports and sent them to Mountie Headquarters and to his supervisor. O'Reilly had shared his decision that, since Nathan was now known, he would be of less use to protect Lucas than the unknown Mounties who were on his security team. Nathan had gladly followed his orders to catch the morning train back to Hope Valley so he could arrive by Election Day.
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Staring out the window, Nathan watched the scenery pass by, lost in thought. He was tired but sipped coffee in an attempt to stay awake until he could catch the connecting train to Hope Valley. Once settled on that train he could relax and sleep. For now, Nathan mentally processed the past few weeks.
Out of nowhere came the possibility of Lucas challenging Governor Balfour and needing to campaign across the Province as much as possible. There had been only three weeks before the election. When Nathan had gotten wind of Elizabeth leaving Hope Valley to follow Lucas, Nathan's heart had ached with the regrets of both spoken and unspoken words.
Having finally reached a mutual friendship with Elizabeth, characterized by deep talks, teasing, and banter, Nathan had relaxed in their relationship. Elizabeth had also seemed more free and at ease, frequently seeking him out for a word here or there. In spite of the engagement ring on her finger, Nathan felt as though she was the old Elizabeth once again and he rejoiced. Maybe she had chosen Lucas, but the connection she shared with him was beautiful. He felt her support with Allie as a teenager now and was able to offer her advice and encouragement with raising young Jack.
That was until the news circulated of a possible move to Capital City. Nathan sipped the remainder of his mug of coffee and gulped as he considered his last words to Elizabeth in the schoolhouse. 'Did I say the right thing? It felt right at the time. She needed to know her own mind and make a decision for herself, not just follow along with the governorship and move without considering her calling as a teacher or the ramifications for her son.'
Nathan's uncertainty was exacerbated when he had received this assignment from Headquarters. Nathan's uniformed presence wouldn't draw suspicion while Nathan was shadowing Lucas, since he was known as being from Lucas's hometown, Hope Valley. While guarding the candidate, Nathan was to train and build a security team that would continue to protect Lucas if he won the Gubernatorial election. When Nathan had arrived to meet Lucas's campaign manager and arrangements were made for him to travel with Lucas, Nathan had been surprised that Elizabeth was not accompanying them. Last he knew she had intended to join Lucas for the whirlwind of speeches, dinners, and interviews over these three weeks.
Maybe another personality would have asked probing personal questions, but since Nathan's heart was involved, he chose to do his job without the distraction of Lucas's competition regarding Elizabeth. He assumed she had remained behind in Hope Valley to continue wedding preparations and begin to pack for relocating if Lucas should win.
Grateful to be on his way home to see Allie, Nathan was now hesitant to see Elizabeth and was hopeful that by arriving on Election Day, the hubbub and excitement of it all would distract him and everyone else from any other concerns.
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Having circulated throughout the town, rounding up those who had neglected to vote, Rosemary and Elizabeth returned to the Judge's office to take the final shift to poll watch and facilitate voting for the remaining hours until closing. At nearly half-past seven, the two women noted the time and Rosemary peeked out of the window blinds. The street appeared to be deserted, with the only lights on at the Saloon, the Mountie office and lights hung outside various businesses for safety.
As Rosemary glanced down, she pointed at the clipboard in her hand, exclaiming, "Elizabeth!"
"I know, I know, I still need to vote," Elizabeth responded. "You get home to Goldie. I'll stay and clean up."
"Okay. You know, we did everything we could," Rosemary turned to depart for the car Lee had left for her.
"We sure did."
Moments later, Elizabeth was startled as Nathan walked in the door, closing it behind him. She exclaimed, "Nathan! What are you doing here?"
"Voting." Nathan responded succinctly. He hadn't expected to see her here, and so late.
She handed the ballot to Nathan, getting a bit flustered. "Right. Looks like we're just under the wire, so…here you go…just…okay…" She hurried past the open curtain and circled back towards the desk as Nathan entered the voting booth.
From outside the curtain Elizabeth spoke quietly, "I was worried you weren't going to show."
"Well, I was on duty but I always planned on making it back in time." Nathan lifted his head to listen carefully. "Bill and I were catching up after he collected me from the train station."
"Oh? I thought you were already back." She took a deep breath before continuing, "It just seemed like you were avoiding me."
Softly Nathan confessed, "I'm sorry that I overstepped. I… I… I had no right to question you like that."
"You were just trying to help," Elizabeth's voice trembled, "and it may have been hard for me to hear but I… I appreciate what you said."
"Elizabeth…" Nathan stepped out from behind the curtain.
Her expression of anticipation unnerved him. "Uh… Why are you here? Why didn't you join Lucas as you said you would. Because," Nathan swallowed hard, "if it was because of what I said, I am sorry. I shouldn…"
Elizabeth stepped closer and placed her hand on his forearm. "Nathan, don't you know? Lucas and I broke our engagement. It was wrong for so many reasons, but I am grateful you spoke to me when you did. I needed to face things…finally."
Glancing down at her hand, he immediately saw it was devoid of her diamond. 'Is this real? Did she say they aren't engaged?' His mind swirled with possibilities he wasn't sure he could even consider. Slowly returning her gaze, he spoke with his voice low, "What? When? Why?"
Elizabeth giggled softly, "You sound like a newspaper reporter!"
Her tone was so light and teasing, Nathan chuckled yet remained silent, waiting.
"We parted ways before Lucas departed for Union City and his campaign tour. As to why? That is a longer answer, Nathan. Would you mind walking me home? Bill should be here soon to secure the Ballot Box. I understand it will be collected in the morning, but voting is now closed."
Elizabeth had hardly finished speaking when footsteps crossed the porch and Bill opened his office door.
"Hey, you two. Did you vote, Nathan? I need to lock this box and secure it in my closet till tomorrow."
"I did, Bill. Thanks."
Bill proceeded to secure the Ballot Box, lock his closet door and hand the witness statement to Elizabeth to sign since she saw him secure the votes. "Your luggage is in the car, Nathan, would you both like a ride home?" Bill turned to take in the faces of his dear friends. Something was different but the significance didn't dawn on him until Nathan spoke up.
"Thanks, Bill, but could you just transport my luggage? Elizabeth and I are going to walk home." He smiled at Elizabeth although his response was directed at Bill.
"Ah ha. Sure. It's a beautiful night. I'll leave your baggage on your porch. 'Night you two!" With a knowing look, which was not reciprocated by either of his friends, Bill turned off the desk lamp and opened the door to usher them out. He wasn't surprised that neither of them responded.
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As they stepped onto the street and turned towards the row houses, Nathan took a deep breath. He missed the warmth of her hand on his arm and, wanting her close, he offered his elbow.
Readily slipping her hand into the crook of his arm, Elizabeth smiled. This felt so good, so right, so…
Once more, Nathan whispered his question, "Why?"
She pulled him to a stop. "Can we sit on the swing for a bit? It will make these things easier for me to say."
Nathan motioned with his other hand as they approached the swing but he noticed she was still gripping his arm. As they both sat, Elizabeth moved closer to Nathan's side and he began to slowly rock the swing with his foot as they looked over the moonlit pond.
Silently they enjoyed the rocking motion until Elizabeth cleared her throat. "Nathan, I am so sorry."
That wasn't what he expected to hear, so he waited quietly.
"I have been wrong for so long. I should never have said those things to you at the log, or in your office, or when I confronted you on the street about Fort Clay or… There are so many times I was unkind, and actually untruthful, to you, I cannot even count them. But I am sorry for them all. I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I ask for it?" Elizabeth paused, watching Nathan's profile in the moonlight. She saw his Adam's apple work and waited.
So soft she could hardly hear, Nathan whispered huskily, "I have been forgiving you all along, Lizabeth, and I forgive you now." He looked down, noticing her tears. Withdrawing a folded handkerchief from his pocket, Nathan wiped her cheeks as he had so often done for Allie. He didn't even think of the intimacy of the moment, yet Elizabeth Thornton did.
She leaned her head against his strong shoulder, "Thank you, Nathan. You are an honorable, patient man… Thank you."
Moments later she continued, keeping her face hidden against his shoulder. "I have so many regrets. I hurt you so often and I am sorry, dear Nathan. I was wrong and I need to make it right tonight, just like Henry said."
She paused long enough for Nathan to interject, "Henry?"
Laughing softly, she explained, "Henry has been a true friend. He saw me at my worst a few weeks back when I saw the telegram and you went to Rock Creek. I was crying in the Livery and he followed me in to ask what was wrong."
Nathan interrupted, "The telegram? How did you see the telegram?"
"I heard there was a Mountie being held hostage and I panicked. I went searching for you in your office and found the telegram on your desk."
"Ah ha! I wondered where that disappeared to," Nathan chuckled lightly.
Undeterred, Elizabeth continued, "I ran to the Livery and Newton was gone and I just knew… I knew it was you, Nathan, and I couldn't be strong a moment longer, Henry followed me in to find out if I was okay." Elizabeth sniffed at the recollection. "I sobbed and blurted out that I couldn't do this again…"
Nathan whispered when she didn't continue, "Do what again?"
After some moments Elizabeth confessed, "Love a man so deeply that I would be devastated if I lost him."
Her voice was low and hesitant, yet Nathan heard words that were a balm to his broken heart. 'I was right. She did care…'
"That's what I said to you when you first declared your love so long ago. I…was so afraid that I couldn't…" A sob escaped and Elizabeth held Nathan's handkerchief to her face. "I'm so sorry… I was so wrong… I was in love with you… from the first day we met in the Jail. I…" She looked up to find Nathan watching her with the most tender gaze she had ever seen. Taken aback, she inhaled quickly.
"You've loved me?" Nathan's voice was low and incredulous at her admission.
"I've loved you, I was in love with you, I loved you then, Nathan, and I," she gathered her courage and admitted, "…and I love you now, Nathan. You've been in my heart, you've owned my heart since we first met. I was too afraid to admit it… to admit how deeply I loved you, so I pushed you away and ran to Lucas."
"So, I need to understand, Lizabeth. Why did you break your engagement?" His voice was clam, steady and quiet.
"I couldn't marry one man when I am in love with another."
"And that man is?" Nathan needed reassurance he was hearing all this correctly.
"You, Nathan. I want you. You are in my heart, I lov…" She stopped mid-sentence as Nathan shifted on the seat, reached his arm around her shoulders and lifted his hand to caress her soft cheek.
Slowly he lowered his gaze from her eyes to her lips and back, with a questioning look.
Realizing he was asking permission, Elizabeth reached her hand to cover his and ever so slightly nodded.
Nathan lowered his face to Elizabeth's, slowly moving closer until their lips met. Their kiss was soft, sweet, and gentle, almost hesitant, yet sparks ignited between them. When Nathan pulled back, Elizabeth saw tears in his eyes and she lifted her hand to his face. Nathan leaned into her palm then, turning his face, he gently kissed the soft folds of her hand.
Together they sighed as peace and joy and love enveloped them. Nathan whispered a prayer, "Oh Lord, Thank you for sweet Lizbeth. I love her beyond what I can express at this moment and I am so grateful for her love. Bless our tomorrow's from this day forward…"
Elizabeth spoke her "Amen," while moving towards him again. She initiated another kiss, only this time with a passion Nathan had never known. When they parted, she leaned her head on his shoulder and he placed his resting on her hair, inhaling the fragrance of lilies-of-the-valley and willing his heartbeats to slow. This was his Elizabeth.
They sat in communion, rocking gently as they looked into the starry night.
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As they walked home, hand-in-hand, Nathan asked, "Are we going to be open about this with people in town? When should we tell Allie?"
"Why don't you and Allie come to breakfast in the morning and we can tell her and Jack that we are courting then? I see no reason to hide it after that."
Nathan stopped in the middle of the road. "Courting? Are we courting?"
"Oh yes, dear Nathan. We are most definitely courting."
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