CHAPTER 59

The crackling of the fireplace in the living room indicated that night was approaching in Hope Valley when Nathan the Mountie returned home after a days work.

The crunch of his boots on the doorstep echoed through the empty room. Noticing the absence of movement, he took off his boots and hung up his serge, preparing for the reunion with his beloved family.

As he climbed the stairs, his curiosity about the house's activities grew. His heart, as an anxious father and husband, beat faster. When he reached the top floor, he saw little Jack sleeping serenely in his crib. A fond smile lit up Nathan's face, proud of the family he had built.

However, as he followed the corridor, his ears picked up the unmistakable sound of crying. Intrigued, he approached the room of Alien, his teenage daughter. As he reached the ajar door, what he heard made his heart stop for a moment.

Elizabeth, his beautiful wife, was comforting Alien, and the words that filled the room were about longing and love. Hearing about his daughter's pain and Elizabeth's understanding of this feeling was like being hit by a wave of complex emotions.

Nathan, without thinking, quietly retreated behind the doorframe, listening to the words unfold.

The revelation that Alien loved someone, and that this someone was a source of longing, was a surprise that hit Nathan hard. He had never imagined that his daughter's heart had already found such a deep love.

Tears welled up in Nathan's eyes as he listened to Elizabeth's narrative, from the anguish of separation during the battles in the Northern Territory to the longing for Alien's first love. The impotence of not being able to protect his two wives from the pain of the world wounded his heart in unexpected ways.

Alien's pain became his own, and Nathan remained there, hidden, absorbing every word that outlined the complex contours of his daughter's heart. Tears escaped from his eyes, but he remained silent, respecting the intimate moment between mother and daughter.

When Elizabeth left the room and met Nathan's gaze, a sad smile formed on her lips. She held out her hand in an inviting gesture, inviting him to share the burden of her discoveries. Nathan, emotionally shaken, followed her into the bedroom, where love and understanding were the only answers needed in that moment of family revelations.

Elizabeth sat down on the bed, opening her welcoming arms to Nathan, who surrendered to the embrace with an emotional intensity that he had been harboring for a long time. Silent tears escaped from his eyes as he muttered broken words.

- Elizabeth, I just wanted to protect them. I didn't want you or Alien to go through this. Nathan whispered.

Elizabeth took in his words tenderly, maintaining the comforting embrace.

- I know, my love. But growth comes with challenges, and suffering is part of that path. That's how we learn, as individuals and as a family.

Nathan sighed, trying to contain his emotions.

- Baby, I'm going to tell you something from the bottom of my heart. I didn't know that Alien was so in love with Robert. I thought it was a teenage thing, a passing interest.

Elizabeth caressed Nathan's face, looking deeply into his eyes.

- Nathan, her heart is young, but her emotions are real. Love doesn't choose age, and Alien is facing something we all face at some point. It's not just a teenage crush; it's a genuine experience.

Nathan wiped away his tears and nodded, wanting to understand better... he was a first-time father, and he knew what the pain of love was, after all, his and Elizabeth's story had many ups and downs, and he just needed to understand it better, but he didn't like to see his daughter suffer.

- I thought Robert was just a close friend, I didn't imagine it would be so serious. I thought her interest in him amounted to a strong friendship and years together. I didn't think it was that strong.

Elizabeth smiled softly, she knew that for Nathan, this conversation was very difficult. Realizing that his little daughter was becoming an adult and a beautiful woman was very difficult.

- Nathan, I was their teacher for all these years and I saw the affection between them blossom. When Robert went away to enlist, he asked Alien to marry him, and I found out about it a month later, but I thought it best to wait and see what would happen. They love each other...

- My daughter dating? He was speechless.

- Yes, my love. She's grown into a beautiful woman.

- But aren't they too young? Doesn't she think she's in love with him?

- Nathan! Alien isn't in love with Robert. She truly loves him. Her love is deep and real. Don't underestimate her feelings because of her young age.

Nathan frowned, surprised by the revelation.

- I thought it was just an interest, an adolescent affection. Nathan said.

Elizabeth held his hands affectionately and spoke:

- Love can manifest itself in different ways, my dear. Alien loves Robert in a way that goes beyond friendship. And that is something beautiful, something she is discovering about herself.

Nathan tried to process the information, his feelings oscillating between surprise and concern.

- I just want her to be happy and not suffer. Nathan didn't know how to react to so much news.

Elizabeth smiled, conveying confidence and wisdom.

- She will find happiness, Nathan. The path may have obstacles, but that's how we grow and achieve our goals. Whatever happens, we will be here for her, for you and for all the challenges life brings us.

Nathan nodded, feeling a mixture of emotions, grateful for Elizabeth's unconditional support and compression. He wasn't sure how to express his gratitude, but his actions would speak louder than any words.

With the serenity gained from the frank conversation, he wrapped Elizabeth in a loving embrace, sealing it with a kiss full of love and gratitude.

Elizabeth smiled... stroking Nathan's face gently.

- We are a team, my love. We are here for each other, in all times, good and bad.

Nathan hugged his wife. Their embrace was more than a physical gesture, it was a silent exchange of support, understanding and lasting love. Nathan felt blessed to have such a strong partner by his side.

- Elizabeth, you have always been my safe harbor, my anchor. Thank you for being by my side at all times, even the most challenging ones.

Elizabeth smiled, gently caressing Nathan's face.

- I don't know what I would do without you, Elizabeth. You are the light that illuminates my path, even in the darkest moments.

- And you are my rock, Nathan. Always supporting me with your strength and kindness. She lifted his face and kissed him gently on the lips.

The two of them stood there and shared a moment of silence, their eyes never leaving each other, sharing a moment of deep connection. The silence between them was filled with the mutual comfort that only solid, mature love could offer.

Nathan, still holding Elizabeth in his arms, decided to express his gratitude in a way that transcended words. He kissed her again, but this time with a deeper affection, a gesture that said more than any eloquent speech.

Elizabeth responded to the kiss, feeling the emotion and warmth of the love she had built up over the years. It was a silent celebration of their partnership, their mutual understanding and the strength they found in each other.

As they pulled apart, their eyes met, communicating everything that words could not express. Nathan thanked his luck for having such an incredible wife, and Elizabeth felt grateful for having a husband who loved her with a depth that transcended life's adversities.

That night, after the emotional events that had unraveled his daughter's feelings, Nathan decided to have a heart-to-heart talk with Alien. He sat on the edge of her bed, his gaze expressing a mixture of affection and understanding.

- Alien, can we talk?

Alien nodded, looking at her father expectantly and with a touch of apprehension.

- I want you to know that I'm here for you, always... And, like your father, I support your choices, especially when it comes to your future.

Alien smiled slightly, grateful for the support visible in her father's gaze.

- Thank you, Dad. That means a lot to me.

Nathan sighed, gathering his words carefully.

- Alien! You always wanted to follow the path of nursing, and I'm very proud of that. It's a noble and important choice. But about Robert, I want you to know that I support your relationship.

Alien's eyes shone with surprise and relief.

- Dad, I... I didn't know how you would react, that's why I didn't tell you. Alien's eyes shone with surprise and relief.

Nathan smiled, placing his hand gently on her shoulder.

- Love is a complex journey, my dear. If Robert makes you happy and respects your dreams, then I support him. I don't want you to feel like you have to choose between love and your aspirations.

Alien sighed... it felt like a weight was being lifted off her shoulders.

- Thank you, Dad. I love Robert, and he loves me, but I also love the idea of being a nurse. I support him in being a mountie and he supports me in my dreams.

- You don't have to choose Alien. True love doesn't make you give up on your dreams, you never have to choose because you'll always have the support you need. Love and your goals can coexist. Be honest with yourself and with Robert, and remember that we're here to support your decisions.

- I promise, Dad. And thank you for understanding.

- Always, my dear. Now rest. The future is bright, and we'll be here for every step of the journey. He gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead and left the room...

Nathan went to meet his sweet wife. This day had been full of new things, but he knew that the foundations of trust between them had been strengthened, and that together they would face all the challenges...