A/N This story is a submission for the Suspenders Unbuttoned writing prompt #SU-HowWillItEnd?
Lucas had called Mike to see how things were going in town with the Saloon and, if he was honest, to check on Elizabeth. He knew their last conversation had been difficult for her, though her words were truthful and hard to hear. It had taken a bit of the sting out of her words. He had been grateful that she had chosen to wait and give the engagement ring back as they were in a public place. Gustav had told him that she had given him the ring to put in the safe until he returned to Hope Valley, sparing them both.
A week later, he had finally worked through everything in what little spare time he had. Elizabeth had done the right thing, and upon talking with his mother, it should have happened a long time before. He still loved Elizabeth and always would, but it was a different kind, similar to what he felt for his friend Janette.
After hanging up, he was concerned that Nathan had appeared to be keeping his distance from Elizabeth. He thought of calling her, but with the campaigning, there wasn't much time for private conversation, especially one of that variety by phone anyway. It wasn't hard to know what Elizabeth was talking about when she said she couldn't give him her whole heart. He knew Nathan had never stopped loving Elizabeth and was in love with her. The Mountie had given her his heart a long time ago, and neither Mei nor Faith could even compete with Elizabeth, though he tried. So what was keeping him from going to her?
He had a feeling he knew since Nathan was one of the most honorable men he knew. Being a Mountie, they lived by a code of Honor and integrity. That had been obvious when he felt guilty about Jack taking his place and then when he fell in love with Elizabeth. He had also been surprised when he heard Elizabeth absolving Nathan of that guilt outside during the Yost's wedding reception, but she had. So he made a mental note to write his thoughts in letters to them when he finished for the day. Hopefully, there would be different news to share the next time he talked to Gustav or Mike.
Nathan returned to the jail after doing his evening rounds and looked forward to spending time with Allie. He finished bedding down Newton and had to lock up and collect Scout. He chuckled when he thought of how easily the dog had wormed his way into both of Grant's hearts. After arriving back from a mission two days ago, he had been surprised to find out that Elizabeth was still in Hope Valley and had not gone with Lucas on the campaign.
Thus far, he had been avoiding her until he could figure out what to say, but he knew that she would only allow it for so long and would then come looking for him. It was their way and always had been. Since she was Allie's teacher, he would come face-to-face with her on Monday.
Nathan thought back to that day a week ago when he had approached her after school. When he walked out after telling her to be safe, he knew that he had probably pushed her too far. He had seen the anxiety and confusion and deep despair in her eyes. Unfortunately, the times they had spent together lately reinforced his love and belief that she loved him as much as he loved her despite wearing another man's engagement ring.
However, because of that ring and his honor, he would never cross that line to speak of his hidden feelings for her again. When Bill told him that she and Jack would have to move 22 hours away to the capital City, a sharp pain rocketed through his body and pierced his heart. Hope Valley without Elizabeth and Little Jack? He couldn't fathom it, and judging by the look on Bill's face, the older Mountie felt the same. It was what fueled him to confront her at the school. He knew she didn't want to go, and it made him angry and hurt that she would go anyway. He was safer keeping his distance because she said she was determined to go no matter what. Unfortunately, other people had a different plan in mind.
Walking into his office, he was brought up short by Henry and Bill sitting there by the desk waiting for him. Giving them a wary glance, he entered and closed the door behind them, remaining by the door.
"I take it this isn't a social call?" Nathan said wryly as he crossed his arms.
"Not exactly," Henry replied nervously, a look in his eye that Nathan couldn't decipher.
"I thought it was time we talked since you have been making yourself scarce," Bill growled, motioning to the chair next to Henry with a smirk while he occupied the one at the desk.
Nathan looked sheepishly at Bill as he walked over and sat down. He knew denying it was useless because Bill had his number. There was a knowing look in the judge's eyes that proved it.
"Hence the ambush?" Nathan said. Bill's smile said it all. He couldn't help but notice that Bill had an I know something you don't look.
"Look..." Nathan said but was interrupted by Bill.
"No, you need to look. A lot has happened while you have been hiding. Things that involve Elizabeth and Lucas or their wedding plans."
"Bill, I really don't want to talk about this." Nathan's eyes looked down at his hands clasped on his lap in an effort to hide the pain he was feeling.
"Fine, then just listen. Elizabeth called off the wedding and the engagement."
Nathan's head shot up in shock.
Bill chuckled. "Thought that would get your attention."
"What happened?" Nathan asked, suddenly feeling guilty that his actions might have been behind it.
Bill shrugged. "Elizabeth broke it off because she realized they wanted different things and were on different paths, and she didn't want to leave Hope Valley. I don't think she wanted to leave her students either because she loves teaching so much and has wanted to raise Jack away from that kind of life. It was why she left Hamilton. I don't know what finally caused her to see the light, but I sure would like to thank whoever it was."
Nathan could see that, apparently, his conversation with Elizabeth was known to Bill. Of course, not much happened in town he wasn't aware of.
As if seeing his unspoken question, Bill said, "I had come to have a similar conversation with her and ducked around the side of the building before you could see me, but I heard everything."
Nathan felt guilty for feeling relieved that she had changed her mind. But with regret, he also realized as he recalled her words in the jail that day it didn't mean she might begin to see him for who he was. He also respected her too much to rush in and approach her with his feelings again.
"You might be interested to know that she had a late-night conversation with Rosemary that evening. I don't know the specifics, but Rosemary seemed under the impression that Elizabeth's feelings about you might have been the tipping point."
"I'm not so sure about that," Nathan replied.
"I believe that I may be able to shed a little light on that for you, Nathan," Henry said quietly, reaching into his pocket, pulling out the folded-up telegram, and handing it to him.
"What is this?" Nathan inquired as he opened it and read over it quickly. "How did you get this?"
"I got it from Elizabeth the day you went to Jamestown on that mission." Henry replied, "Elizabeth handed it to me after she ran into Newton's stall, very distraught."
"She did?" Nathan asked.
"Yep. She told me that a constable had been taken hostage and shots had been fired and then said she couldn't do it again."
"I thought I saw something in her face when we rode in, but then she smiled at me," Nathan said, his mind reeling at what Henry had just revealed.
"When she heard someone say you were back, she went tearing out of the saloon like it was on fire. Then, after you passed, she went into the library and locked the door, but there were tears in her eyes. She worried about someone more than just a friend if you ask me." Henry added.
"I appreciate what you both are trying to do, but I won't approach her. I have more respect for both her and me to go knock on her door and say here I am. If she wants to change things, she knows where I am." Nathan said succinctly.
"Not so sure about that since, as I said, you have been making yourself scarce," Bill muttered. "However, if that is how you feel, then at least stay in sight where she can do that?"
With that, they left, and Nathan went home to Allie.
A FEW DAYS LATER
Nathan was sitting at his desk when Robert delivered his mail. As he perused the mail, he came across one from Lucas. Curious, he opened it up and began to read.
Nathan,
I'm sure you're probably surprised to receive a letter from me. I'm a bit surprised to be writing it under the current circumstances.
I wanted to let you know what transpired between Elizabeth and myself. I guess you could say it's my turn to return the favor and assure you that Elizabeth's heart is yours. In the spirit of full disclosure, it always has been, though.
When you visited me that night at the saloon, I took the coward's way out and stayed silent as you said her heart was always mine. But you were mistaken that night you visited me two years ago. Now I understand the courage it took, as well as the depth of your love for Elizabeth, to be able to do it.
Because of that, I am writing to tell you what Elizabeth told me the other night at the train station when she broke things off.
She told me I was destined to be in this position, that others had seen it as well. But that her whole life was in Hope Valley. It was where she wanted to raise her son and where she wanted to be. Of course, my first instinct was to stay. You already know Elizabeth responded to that, having offered to leave the Mounties at one point yourself?
She told me that she couldn't ask me to do that. She also said if I didn't get on that train, we both knew I would regret it. I now can admit that she was right.
Elizabeth said I was bound for a bigger stage and that she but I knew that in my heart. She also reminded me I'm our only hope to save Hope Valley. I hope to live up to the expectations. I never thought I would ever be in a position to make the world a better place like you, Bill, and Elizabeth. For the first time, I have gained a better understanding of your calling.
But I also knew behind her words that there was more to it because I could see it when I reminded her that we didn't know if I could even when. Ten days later, I still don't know, but I understand what she meant.
I could tell it wasn't easy for her because she couldn't bear the thought of hurting me. I know in her way that she does love me, but I fear it is a love like she has for Bill or Mike or Lee, certainly not that of someone who is to be her husband.
She told me she really wanted to make it work, period, but no matter how hard she tried to convince herself, her heart wasn't in it. I'll be honest, it hurt, but as I told her, I think I knew that deep inside, I started to sense something was missing. I had hoped so much that I was wrong, so I was afraid to bring it up.
I told her all of this and said maybe these different paths that we find ourselves on were meant to be. Elizabeth said she wished she could give me her whole heart, but she couldn't and said I deserve to be with someone who could. I agree that we both deserve someone who will love us with their whole heart. And then, before boarding, I wish her all the happiness in the world.
That brings me to why I'm writing to you, Nathan. Elizabeth deserves all the happiness in the world which she will find with you. As much as it pains me to admit it, I believe I was the safe choice. She didn't have to worry about losing me like she did Jack or you.
Simply put, you are the one who is in her heart next to Jack, Nathan. Right now, you always have been. Looking back, I had to work hard and felt like I always had to earn my place where you did it effortlessly. I know her rejection hurt you, but can I offer you some advice if I may?
Take the chance when she offers it, and know that she will. But I think she may be afraid. Be patient because I've heard that true love is worth waiting for. After observing it in you, the Coulters, and others, I intend to settle for nothing less. I only hope she will look at me the way I see Elizabeth look at you.
Please take this in the spirit it is offered. As my blessing, not that you need it, to move forward with her. Regardless of what happens, be assured I hold no ill will towards either of you.
Lucas
Nathan just sat there in total silence, reading over the words, trying to wrap his mind around what it could mean and what he wanted it to mean.