. .
Part Four – New Beginnings
. .
Since Allie had fallen asleep on the sofa again, only Nathan stood on Elizabeth's steps the following morning. He had already been into town to sign the transport papers for the Ballet Box and told Bill he needed a day after the hectic schedule he'd kept in the past month. Noticing a new spring in Nathan's step and a joyous smile that wouldn't go away, Bill had agreed with Nathan taking a day off.
As Nathan made his way towards the row houses, he had gathered a bouquet of golden grasses, dark seed pods, dried hydrangea and a few branches that still retained colored Autumn leaves. Grateful that, as a father Nathan had an emergency hair ribbon in the pocket of his brown overcoat, he had tied the bouquet with green and formed a bow. He lifted his hand to knock.
"Dad! You are back! When did you come home? Are those for me? Oh, I've missed you so much." Allie reached up on tiptoe to hug her father.
"Hey, Allie-girl. I've missed you too. I arrived late yesterday, but decided not to awaken you to come home. These are for Mrs. Thornton because she has invited us for breakfast. Is she… Ooaff! Hello there, Jack!" Nathan chuckled as Jack had barreled into his legs and now held on tight.
"Hi, Mountie Nathan. I haven't seen you in a long time. Can I be your Jack-boy?"
Laughing, Nathan tousled his blonde waves and answered, "How about you be my Jackie-boy. Is that okay? Hi Lizbeth." Nathan grinned and handed the bouquet to Elizabeth. "These are for you. I'm sorry they aren't anything fancy. I just collected them on by way back from town."
"They are perfect, Nathan, absolutely perfect, and made the more so by your thoughtfulness in choosing the selection yourself." Her smile was sweet and her gaze went to his lips momentarily before returning to lock eyes with his. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." Nathan rubbed his hands together and inquired, "What's for breakfast? Something smells really good."
"Wait until you see what Mrs. Thornton made, Dad. Your favorite!"
"My favorite? How do you even know what's my favorite, Lizbeth?"
"Oh, I have my sources. I just happened to have all the ingredients so we'll be ready in a few more minutes."
"Aren't you going to tell me?" Nathan followed Elizabeth into the kitchen reaching for a white Ironstone pitcher that Elizabeth pointed to on a high shelf. "Do I have to look?" Teasingly, he headed to the oven and grabbed a potholder as he wiggled his eyebrows.
"Nathan Grant. Wait right there! Be patient or you'll ruin your surprise!" With a quick glance to be sure they were not being observed, Elizabeth reached for Nathan's suspender and pulled him close, lifting her face for a good morning kiss.
Allie's gasp caused them to open their eyes and move apart.
"Oh, yeah, right, uh…" Blushing, Nathan started unsuccessfully to explain, "Uh…"
Elizabeth rescued him and explained joyfully, "We are courting, Allie. What do you think of that?"
"Courting?" Allie's voice rose far above the range of a soprano. "Really?" Within seconds she was across the kitchen engulfing her father and her teacher in a hug. With muffled words, Allie responded, "This is great, greater than great even!"
"I sure think so," Nathan winked at Elizabeth and squeezed Allie as Jack pulled on his leg. "Hey my little man! You want another hug too?"
Reveling in the picture of this handsome man engulfed in hugs, Elizabeth rejoiced.
. .
Enjoying a Dutch Baby Pancake smothered in hot cinnamon apples and maple syrup, the family caught up on all they had missed the past few weeks. Nathan explained a toned-down version of saving Mr. Bouchard which was met by frowns from Elizabeth and Allie.
"What?" Nathan inquired as he took a sip of steaming coffee and glanced from one to the other.
"You deserve another medal for that, Dad," Allie chided. "Don't make it sound like nothing."
"I agree, Nathan. You used your skills and avoided injury or even worse. We are very thankful and proud of you."
"Uncle Bill said he was pwoud of you too!" Jack stated matter-of-factly before stuffing another forkful of pancake in his mouth.
As the others grinned at Jack's pronunciation, he looked from his mother to his Mountie Nathan and, still chewing his mouthful, he asked, "What's pwoud mean again, Mommy?"
. .
After helping to wash the dishes, Nathan and Allie departed for their home where Nathan was grilled for details of this new courtship! Love was in the air!
While completing morning rounds, Bill stopped at Nathan's door.
Since Nathan was upstairs rooting around in his top chest drawer, he found the velvet pouch he sought just as Allie called up the stairs.
"Dad? Uncle Bill is here to see you!"
Quickly hiding his find in his trouser pocket, Nathan descended the stars.
"Hey Bill. I hope this is a social call since I'm on a day off?" He grinned adding, "We weren't here for breakfast, so shall I make a pot of coffee while we visit?"
"Ah sure…" Wanting to learn if his deductions from the previous night were correct, Bill added, "I didn't see you at the Café earlier. Where did you have breakfast after the Ballot Box departed?"
Laughing, Nathan waved Bill into the kitchen. "We shared breakfast with Elizabeth and Jack."
While Nathan busied himself preparing the percolator, counting the scoops of ground coffee, Bill watched him closely. He questioned, "With Elizabeth? Anything you want to tell me?"
"Well, I guess it will be public soon enough. We are courting."
Choking on nothing, Bill sputtered, "Courting? Tell all."
. .
Early on Sunday morning, the community of Hope Valley prepared for a busy day. At the morning service beautiful baby Goldie would be Christened and her family had organized a luncheon to celebrate.
Since the Christening was planned before the importance of the Election was known, everyone had decided to expand the celebration to include Candidate Lucas Bouchard who was due to arrive late morning to be present in Hope Valley when the results were announced. Even if he lost, the townspeople needed to thank him for his willingness to run. If he won the joyful celebration of both the Christening and the Election would be combined. It would be a momentous day!
Having hurried home to change into his tan tweed suit, Nathan waved to Allie as she planned to walk to church with Mrs. Thornton and Jack, saving a seat for Nathan when he arrived. As a Godparent, Elizabeth wanted to arrive early and Allie was tasked with taking care of Young Jack throughout the ceremony.
Arriving just as the congregation began to sing 'We Gather Together to Ask the Lord's Blessing,'(*2)Nathan slipped down the side aisle and took his place beside Allie. Jack immediately moved to stand between Nathan and Allie and the family smiled indulgently as Nathan lifted Jack to stand on the pew and, with one arm protectively around the little boy, shared the hymnbook.
Jack was content to sit on Nathan's lap for the remainder of the service and was especially grateful for a better view after the sermon. He watched his Mommy follow his Auntie Rosie and Uncle Lee bring Goldie to the front, standing beside the Porcelain pitcher and basin on the Communion table.
When Lee and Rosemary called for the Sponsors, they named Elizabeth Thornton who was no surprise to anyone. Announcing Henry Gowen was totally unexpected though. Soft gasps were heard as Henry made his way reverently to stand with the Coulters, yet people soon realized that, given how Henry had changed, he really was the man for the job now.
Pastor Joseph led the Coulters through questions about their faith and their promises to raise Goldie to know the Lord, dedicating her to Him. Once Lee and Rosemary responded, Joseph addressed Elizabeth and Henry, charging them with their responsibilities to this child as she grew.
As they made their promises, Elizabeth looked from her son into Nathan's eyes as he gazed at her. She remembered Jack's Christening and how Nathan had so lovingly held her son for her that day. Tears filled Elizabeth's eyes as she realized again how precious Nathan was to her and how grateful she was. She watched him and Allie as Joseph continued.
Requesting promises from the congregation to be Godly examples to this little one and to support her and her parents in the coming years, everyone responded in the affirmative then Lee handed the baby to Henry whose look of adoration brought everyone to tears. He stepped close to the basin, never moving his eyes from Goldie's sweet face and allowing her to grip his finger with her tiny hand.
After pouring the water into the porcelain basin and blessing it with the sign of the cross, Pastor Joseph prayed for those participating in the Sacrament and lifted a palm filled with water, pouring it over the baby's head. Although Marigold's eyes went wide with surprise, she gurgled softly and stared into Henry's eyes as Joseph spoke, "Marigold Elizabeth Coulter, child of the Covenant, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
Joseph then lifted Elizabeth's hand, along with Lee's and Rosemary's and placed them on the baby. He covered Marigold's head with his one hand and, lifting the other to heaven, Joseph gave thanks for Marigold's life, praying for her parents and sponsors, dedicating each one to the Lord and asking that they all be faithful to the vows they had taken in these moments.
"Let us join together to sing, 'Now Thank We All Our God,' as our closing hymn this morning." Joseph addressed the entire assembly. "Please note the words we are singing, 'Now thank we all, our God, with hearts and hands and voices. Who wondrous things has done, in whom His world rejoices. Who from our mother's arms has blessed us on our way with countless gifts of love and still is ours today.' (*3) Let us sing!"
As he offered a final prayer of thanksgiving, Joseph prayed for the outcome of the election requesting that God protect their town, no matter what the future held, then he blessed the congregation and sent them out into their home, the Town of Hope Valley.
As Angela played the hymn melody softly, the Coulters, Elizabeth, and Henry hugged. Soon joined by Allie and Nathan, everyone showered the baby with 'ooohs' and 'aaaahs.' Nathan won the request to hold her and made sure everyone could see her sweet face, while townspeople came forward to admire Goldie and offer their well-wishes to Lee and Rosemary.
After a while, Bill took a couple photographs to mark the day and they joined the others in the Saloon's Restaurant where families had gathered with picnic sandwiches to tide them over until the afternoon's feast.
. .
Remaining in his suit, Nathan had to leave the lunch gathering to meet Lucas at the Railroad Station. He was scheduled to arrive, accompanied by his undercover Mountie security detail and, having trained them, Nathan wanted to introduce them to the town upon their arrival. He and Henry had driven to collect the group and they planned to be back at the Restaurant in time for the election results that were due to be announced at three o'clock. The press, who were also onboard in another compartment, had hired the taxi to bring them into town.
Bill was watching over the Saloon along with Jesse and Mike, who kept their eyes open for anything untoward. When Lucas walked in, he was greeted by excited applause and calls for a speech. Standing beside the registration desk, he offered a brief thank you for all their support and hard work on his behalf, then excused himself for a few moments, promising to return to listen for the results.
Giving the security team time to settle into their hotel rooms, Nathan shadowed Lucas to his office, standing just outside the door as Elizabeth followed to return the engagement ring. She avoided looking at Nathan so their relationship would not be obvious at this particular event. They had discussed this as they walked from the church to the Saloon, desiring to keep the focus on Baby Goldie, her parents and the election results. Lucas would find out about them eventually.
Elizabeth knocked and opened the office door when Lucas called out a welcome. She left it open as she entered.
Lucas hardly had time to sit down, before he rose to greet her. "Elizabeth. Hello!"
"Hello, Lucas. Welcome back. I've heard it was a grueling couple of weeks and I imagine you don't want to shake another hand for a while." Elizabeth laughed lightly. "Uh, I have something I forgot to give you at the Station when you departed." She held out the diamond. "Here."
"Oh." Lucas searched her face but found no sorrow or even remorse there. "So, you are absolutely sure?"
"I am. My heart belongs to another, but that is a discussion for another day. Today, you probably need to recuperate for a few moments before you join us for the results." Elizabeth walked towards his desk and handed the ring to him.
When he didn't reach out and take it, she placed it on the table. "I'm proud of what you have done, Lucas, no matter the outcome. As you stated, you have found your calling and I am thankful for that. Be a man of integrity and honesty and you will go far." Elizabeth backed away slowly.
"Thank you, Elizabeth, that means a lot. I appreciate your encouragement for me to take this step. I know it was the right path for me." Lucas paused. "I wish you all the best with Nathan." He spoke softly and gave a wry grin as Elizabeth gasped. "It's been written all over your face for a long time, Elizabeth, I just chose not to read the obvious. He's a good man and has taken great care of me for the past few weeks. I'm sure you'll be happy together."
Lucas leaned over his desk and spoke slightly louder, "You may come in, Nathan. Congratulations on finding the love of your life. You'll make a lovely family someday and I wish you all the best. Thank you both for all you have done for me, and that includes saving my life, Nathan."
Nathan had entered and stood beside Elizabeth while Lucas surprised them with his words.
Quietly he responded, "I was just doing my job."
"And I am glad you were. First speech of today is completed and I think I can shake one more hand." Lucas extended his hand to Nathan who returned a firm handshake.
Then Lucas reached out his hand as if to shake Elizabeth's and when she shyly offered it, Lucas took her hand in his and bowed his head to place a light kiss on her knuckles. As he stood again, he looked over at Nathan and chuckled. "I believe that is how we first met although I was bent over Clara's hand at that time."
Chuckling now at the memory, Nathan gave his signature half-smile. "That was quite the introduction as I recall and I had a sore jaw for a few days, thank you very much!"
Turning to Elizabeth, Nathan whispered though loud enough for Lucas to hear, "We should probably leave Lucas to collect himself for a few moments before he has to meet the entire town of Hope Valley!"
As they turned to depart the office, Nathan placed his hand on the small of Elizabeth's back without a second thought.
Lucas saw and smiled. Maybe he could learn a few things from this humble Constable!
Elizabeth felt Nathan's warm touch and gave thanks for the umpteenth time today.
. .
Gustave served lunch to Lucas and his team while Fiona and Mike fiddled with the radio dials. As the static became an announcer's voice, Mike instructed everyone to be quiet while Bill told Mike that he was the one making all the noise. Mike made a disgusted face, but motioned for quiet and returned his attention to the radio.
The announcer's voice became stronger, "We were short of a couple dozen votes, until the final Ballot Box was counted this morning. I am pleased to announce that our new Governor will be… Lucas Bouchard! Congratulations, Governor Elect Bouchard! You fought a good fight and emerged the victor!"
As soon as Lucas's name was heard, the room burst into hoots and hollers and loud exclamations of delight along with copious amounts of applause. For the next hour, Lucas made the rounds to each table, accepting congratulations and thanking each one for their support. As the time to disband and set up the room for the evening's celebratory party approached, Lucas stood for a final speech.
"Again, I thank each of you for your part in saving Hope Valley. Thank you for putting your trust in me to lead the charge and I promise I will never forget. This is a special town, a community worth preserving and maybe even a leading town as it grows for many years to come. Size is far less important than the quality of the townspeople though. Hope Valley has weathered serious storms, but emerged the better for it and the bonds of friendship are strong in this special community. I understand a celebration of the Coulter's baby girl will convene in two hours. We will meet back here at that time." Lucas's oration skills were impressive and in closing he motioned as if he was saluting.
On his way back to his office, he spotted Fiona Miller near the radio and asked to see her in his office for a few moments.
With a surprised look at her friends, Mei, Faith and Mike, she shrugged her shoulders and followed Lucas.
As Lucas's security team moved into their assigned stations, Nathan nodded to each one. His training had been successful and he could now entrust the new Governor into their hands.
. .
Entering the restaurant for the party, Elizabeth was grateful for the staff who had transformed the space with white table linens, shining silverware, crystal glasses and bud vases containing chrysanthemums in autumn's colors. A low arrangement of golden yello roses mixed with chrysanthemums graced a small head table while another sat on the registration desk. Dimmed hurricane oil lamps lit each table spreading a warm ambiance around the room while the brightness of wall sconces was tempered and directed by dark shades that matched the teal walls. The effect was welcoming and beautiful and everyone was proud of Hope Valley tonight!
Bill welcomed the guests to the dinner and the evening and said that before Pastor Joseph would give thanks and they would began the celebration, the Governor Elect had an announcement to make. He motioned for Lucas to speak as he stood beside the desk.
"Thank you, Bill. First I want to announce my plan is to keep two offices, one in Capital City and one here in Hope Valley. The location is still under negotiation since all of our plans were fast upon us. Our own Miss Fiona Miller has graciously agreed to manage the Hope Valley office and may also travel to assist in Capital City, so thank you, Fiona, for your willingness to lend your expertise to governing! Also, we should give Fiona a round of applause for using her expertise in getting not just our radio to work, but to send out live broadcasts from our humble, little town! Thank you, Fiona Miller." Lucas led a round of applause, then stilled the guests for a final word.
"My next words may come as a surprise to some of you, but I need to make things clear. Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton and I have broken our engagement. It was a mutual decision for us and we will continue to support each other as our paths diverge. Just know that there was no outside influence on either of us and we are secure in our decision."
"A second part of my words this evening is to publicly thank our Constable, Nathan Grant, for his admirable skills as a Mountie. I have been the beneficiary of his protection numerous times with the most recent being this past week when an attempt was made on my life. With no thought of his own safety, Nathan pushed me to the ground just as a pistol was leveled at me. I am grateful, Nathan, and once I officially become governor, I will be awarding you another well-deserved medal. Unfortunately, your most recent award was overshadowed by the exposure of Governor Balfour's connections to the water scheme threatening our town. We must have another celebration to honor our Constable in the coming months. Get your speech ready!" Lucas paused as the room filled with laughter and applause for a blushing Nathan Grant.
"At the risk of embarrassing my friends again, my final announcement is that our Mountie and our schoolteacher are happily and rightly courting. Rejoice with and for them. They were meant to be and even I know that. All the best, Nathan and Elizabeth!"
The audacity of this declaration produced a hushed shock. Nathan and Elizabeth blushed, gasped, and locked gazes as she was seated at the head table with Rosemary and Lee while Nathan and Allie were at a table with Bill and the Canfields. The Coulter's gasped right along with Bill and Henry although this was not news to any of them.
Immediately Nathan rose from his seat and went to crouch down next to Elizabeth. Taking her hand, he asked softly, "Are you alright?"
When she nodded, he continued, "Please do not feel any pressure by this being made public. We can take the time we need to figure out our future, if there is more than what we have at this moment. People will eventually forget and stop watching us, or criticizing or questioning us. Don't be embarrassed, Lizbeth, please?"
Placing her other hand on top of Nathan's, Elizabeth whispered, "I am fine. I do not feel any pressure but thank you for your sweet concern. I am okay and actually proud to have everyone know. There is no need to hide what God is doing in bringing us together. I mean that, Nathan. The word is out and I am fine with that." She lifted her hand to briefly stroke his cheek and at that moment, thunderous applause filled the room along with excited laughter. Nathan brought her hand to his lips and then stood, patting her shoulder.
"Elizabeth, go sit with Nathan. Bill can join us up here." She waved her friend away even as she waved Bill to come. Whispering in Bill's ear, he gladly made the exchange and, just like that, Elizabeth and Nathan were seated together and everyone loved it.
. .
As the party continued into the evening, Elizabeth held Nathan's hand and looked over the room. Suddenly what she was seeing registered and she nudged Nathan's arm. He bent his ear to her and she whispered, "Look. Over there, at Fiona. Are she and Lucas flirting?"
With a sly glance, Nathan took note. "You may be right. Very interesting! But let me tell you, if this becomes a thing I will find a way to embarrass the great Bouchard, Governor or not!" Nathan grinned and laughed as Elizabeth smirked.
"I may have to help you with that one!"
As dessert was served, Nathan went to collect a pot of tea for Elizabeth and himself, watching her from the bar as he waited. When she stood and made her way to the front doors, he forgot about the tea and hastened to collect her coat and find her.
Desiring to get some fresh air, Elizabeth stood outside, taking in a sweeping view of the deserted street. She shuddered as a memory swept over her and burst into tears. At that moment, Nathan arrived, wrapped her coat around her and enveloped her in his arms. He let her cry as he waited and silently prayed. It had been an emotional few weeks. Maybe this was the culmination of that and she needed a physical way to let it all go? Nathan didn't know. He just knew the woman he loved was in distress but was willing to receive comfort from him.
"It was on the night of Carson's surprise birthday party that I stepped out to retrieve my forgotten gift for him. A lone Mountie approached me in the middle of the street and asked where he could find, Mrs. Jack Thornton." Elizabeth gulped. "That's when I knew. I collapsed to the street and Abigail held me in her arms as I sobbed. I don't even know what the Mountie said. I didn't hear anything but a rush of darkness and tears." Elizabeth moved to point out the spot, saying, "It was right over there."
"Shall we walk over there and remember together? I am right here and I will hold you up, Lizbeth."
She didn't respond, but began to move.
Nathan kept his arm around her shoulder, holding her close. He was unaware that he was crying too.
Upon reaching the spot in the middle of the street, they stopped and hugged each other.
After a while, Nathan whispered into the night, "God? We remember and honor Jack Thornton. We thank you for the man he was, for his bravery and courage, for his love for Elizabeth that ultimately made him leave her to protect her and our fellow countrymen. We thank you for his sacrifices and service. And tonight, I thank you for Elizabeth's sacrifice as a Mountie wife. She suffered the most, yet you gave her the gift of new life in Young Jack. Thank you for working horrible, difficult, disastrous things for good. I grieve with Elizabeth for the part I played, though I have come to accept that it wasn't my fault. Still I cry with her for her sorrow. Meet my sweet Elizabeth and comfort her heart tonight? Help her to face her fears and do what she is afraid to do. May she be comforted by my presence and my promises as well…"
Renewed sobs engulfed Elizabeth as she heard the love in Nathan's voice, the concern in his beautiful prayer and felt the strength of his arms encircling her. She let him guide her as they began to walk down the street. He led her up the steps of the Infirmary to the bench where they had shared a deep conversation the day before Allie's adoption.
Without speaking aloud, they each recalled the words they exchanged, until Nathan broke the silence. "You asked me that night if I had ever lost anyone that I had loved so much that it tore me apart. I answered 'not yet,' where actually the loss of Colleen, my sister, had exactly that effect on me. I was a shell of myself when I returned to work after that. It was caring for and loving Allie that allowed me to heal and begin to live again. I had a little girl depending on me. I had to do everything I could to be father and mother to her, even though I was often at a loss as to how to do that. So, I did know what you meant back then."
"I'm sorry I didn't really hear your answer. I only thought of myself and how no one could ever understand how losing Jack hurt me. I'm sorry I didn't show interest in you, Nathan. So many times, I neglected to ask about you, what you felt, what you experienced…"
"Then let me tell you now, Lizabeth. I do know what your sorrow was like. When you got engaged to Lucas, my world collapsed. I could befriend you until you made that promise that excluded me from your life. It was your choice, the death of our relationship that I suffered. And I suffered alone, Elizabeth. I didn't share my grief with anyone because everyone was supposed to be happy for you. I couldn't poison your joy or theirs. To some extent Allie felt it too, although I was careful to not burden her with my feelings. I listened to and comforted her through her sorrow."
"So, I do know what you experienced, yet there is something very different. When someone dies, it is God's doing. We can rale and shout and blame God for their demise, but it is still in His hands. There is an unmatched, devastating grief that comes when a person betrays or rejects you and you are left with nothing. That is a grief less understood and you can only go to God Himself for healing from that. Others don't understand."
"Oh Nathan!" Elizabeth burrowed her face in his shoulder and reached her arms around him. "Can you ever, really, completely forgive me? I am so sorry, I can't even find the words…"
"Sometimes there are no words and that's okay. You are here right now and the communion of our hearts is sweet and healing and beautiful. You know I once saw a beautiful china bowl in Vancouver. It had been broken, but was mended by gluing the broken pieces together with precious gold. It is such a lesson to understand that, you know? Our broken, shattered pieces are forming something stunningly beautiful and precious if we let God mend us and hold us together."
"Nathan!" Elizabeth gasped his name. "I, I, What a beautiful man you are. You are the one who is stunningly beautiful…" she held him tighter as she confessed, "I love you, Nathan Thomas Grant. I thank God for you and I love you."
"I love you, Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton, and I am grateful for you every day, and night too." He chuckled as he returned her squeeze.
They sat holding each other, yet sharing no additional words, as they looked into the night. Voices spilling from the Saloon onto the street alerted them to check the time.
"I guess you might want to get Jack home to bed. Shall I ask Henry if I can borrow his car and drive you home? You may not feel up to walking after all this…"
"Could you please? Could you meet me out here though and bring Jack? I don't feel like facing people tonight…. Just our little family."
Nathan kissed the top of her head as he stood. "You wait for me right here. I'll try not to be too long."
. .
Pondering, Elizabeth laid in the darkness, yet felt bathed in light.
'This amazing man… This man whose depths I can never fully explore though I aim to try. I may never fully know Nathan Grant, but he will be my adventure to get to know every future day. God, thank you for Nathan. I don't deserve him or his love but I am so thankful. I feel wrapped in his love even when he isn't with me. Help me to be his safe place, his sure person and sure place of love. And God? I give you my fear of losing him? I ask you to take it from my hand and cast it away. I want to offer him my whole heart, nothing held back or reserved just in case. No reservations… I want to be his and have him be mine…'
And that was her defining moment, the moment when Elizabeth knew what she had to do, tomorrow, in the morning. It couldn't wait.
. .
Having hurried to leave Jack with Rosemary, Elizabeth had knocked on Cat Montgomery's door, hoping it was not too early. She was relieved to see Cat dressed in her flour-covered apron, and begged her to take over the school day for her?
"Of course, Elizabeth! I just have to finish the last batch of scones and change my dress. Are the lesson plans where you always leave them for the week?" Cat wiped her hands on her apron and scrutinized Elizabeth. "You look like you are dressed for travel or for a horse race! Is everything alright?"
"It will be, Cat. It will be! Thank you from the bottom of my heart." Elizabeth couldn't keep the excitement from her voice and her face glowed as she turned and hurried into town.
Cat's impression was that this woman was in love and after yesterday's announcement, Cat knew with whom!
. .
Elizabeth sat on the log. The same place where Nathan had so passionately declared his love. She resisted the urge to go over her regrets for what she had said and done. She was here now and, hopefully Nathan would be rounding that corner soon.
Elizabeth looked down, quietly praying for wisdom, for the right words to say, for her heart to be laid bare to Nathan as he had done with her. The sun warmed her back as she waited, eyes downcast until she heard the familiar gait of Newton. She lifted her eyes to see her Mountie, regal on his steed. He caught sight of her and reined the horse to halt, jumping down with practiced grace. After tying Newton so he could graze, Nathan removed his Stetson and gloves, taking a few long strides to stand in front of Elizabeth.
"Hi." He whispered.
"Hi to you too." She lifted her face and for a moment neither of them could breathe.
To Nathan she was the most beautiful woman God ever created and oh, how he loved her.
To Elizabeth, here was her man, the one meant for a lifetime together. Her tall, handsome Nathan. She glanced down to collect her thoughts.
In that moment, Nathan was concerned. "Lizabeth, are you feeling okay? Why are you out here and not in school?"
"I am probably feeling better today than ever before in my entire life. Cat is teaching because I need today, for us." Elizabeth's deep blue eyes sparkled. "Nathan? Let's get married! Tomorrow! I don't want to wait another minute. We have known each other for five years. We have been through more than many married couples may have gone through and we have weathered the storms. Our love is strong and deep and I am not afraid. I want to marry you, Nathan Grant. I love you, and I want you." Her smile faltered as she realized her boldness, but took a breath and she did all she could do. Elizabeth continued, "Nathan, will you m…"
"Shhh!" Nathan's voice silenced her and she held her breath watching as he knelt on one knee, his eyes locked on hers. Fiddling to unbutton his serge pocket, he held a ring up to her and began to speak. "Elizabeth, my dearest love…"At first his voice was filled with emotion and he had to pause for a moment. When he spoke again he was sure, strong and confident.
"My Love, you captured my attention the first day you walked into the Mountie office and you have owned my attentions ever since. As much as I struggled to not love you, I lost every time. I tried to keep my distance to give you time and space. All I could do was wait for you to be ready to open your heart again and pray it would be to me. You are the only woman I have ever truly loved and I offer myself to you. If you are willing to become my wife, I will be the happiest and most blessed of men. I love you with all that I am and now I can only ask you if you will honor me and become my wife. Will you marry me?"
Elizabeth's joy knew no bounds. "Oh yes, my dearest Nathan. I will marry you and becom…"
She couldn't complete her thought because with the swiftness of a Mountie and a man in love, Nathan had stood and captured her lips with his. Their kiss was full, full of surprise, promise, love, wonder, longing, joy… all these and more were felt and contained in that one meeting of their lives and of their lips. When they parted, Elizabeth began to giggle and Nathan to chuckle.
"Sorry, I kind of interrupted you there. Do you want to finish your words?" Nathan gave his half-smile and Elizabeth melted a little inside.
"Only to tell you now and for the rest of our lives that I love you, Nathan, and I can't wait to be your wife!"
"Whew! I am so relieved after my very long speech that you are saying yes! That took a lot out of me, a man of few words, you know?" With twinkling eyes he smiled crookedly.
"Come here my husband-to-be. Sometimes words are overrated!"
They kissed again, basking in this moment that belonged to them alone. Soon though, Nathan pulled back and lifted her left hand, slipping a sparkling ring onto her ring finger.
"This belonged to my grandmother who gave it to me when I was in my early teens. Before she died, she told me the story of this ring." Nathan pointed to a deep blue sapphire. This represents my grandfather's deep blue eyes. This lighter blue sapphire is like my grandmother's eyes. The center gem actually looks like a diamond, but it is a clear sapphire and it represents the love they shared. He was from Scotland, thus the dark blue and she was from Ireland, an island surrounded by blue waters and blue skies. They were married in Ireland and immigrated to the Maritimes where my mother was born. The center gem represents purity, a new start, a new country with a promised new life." Nathan looked into Elizabeth's glistening eyes, continuing, "So this is you, this is me, and this is us and all things new!" Nathan kissed the ring and Elizabeth's finger, then searched her eyes again. "Still, if you would prefer something new, I will gladly give you a diamond ring of your choosing."
"Oh, Nathan, no! I would never… I mean this is perfect… and perfectly beautiful and unique, just like we are. I love this ring and will wear it as a symbol of your love to me. A symbol of the 'us' meant to be from long, long ago. Thank you, you dear, dear man. I love you so…"
Nathan captured her lips again until this time Elizabeth pulled back. "You aren't letting me finish my sentences, Nathan Grant!"
"With this beauty before me, I can hardly function. Kisses are all I am capable of in this moment!" He lightly brushed a kiss across her forehead.
"Well, if you agree to my plan, you can kiss me all tomorrow night and into the morning, for always."
"I like the sound of that. Keep talking…"
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