I will only be writing two more chapters for this story. Hopefully this story does what I wrote it to do; to cheer hearts and mend fences. I am forever a believer that we should let every story teach us, and heal us, and make us better. It takes courage to accept that sometimes we will be disappointed; but our joy can be restored. Those of you who are disappointed it is my sincerest desire that you are comforted in your sorrow. Chapter 11 will be Courage to Shine and Chapter 12 will be Courage to Move Forward. I am grateful to those of you who have read my story and given such kind reviews. Thank you.
Chapter 10- Courage to Listen and Follow Your Heart
"Nathan, I love you. I'm in love with you. You are in my heart and you have been there for a while now." The conversation had started with uncertainty and now Elizabeth was too weary to care about the trembling of her heart and enormous weight of her fears. The heaviness of the truth she had carried buried in her soul for so long could no longer be contained. It had become pointless to deny it and even more useless fighting it; her thoughts always returned her here to this spot where Nathan had declared his love for her. The time had come to do away with fear and the constraints it had placed on her heart for so long. She would win this final battle regardless of the outcome. So she opened up her heart and the words began to pour out. "When we danced at the Christmas Ball, being in your arms felt like being home for the first time in a very long time. And when you walked me home all I thought about was how nice it would be to kiss you. I wanted to kiss you. I thought you were going to kiss me at my door. The look in your eyes when you said goodnight and walked away left me aching." She stopped there and looked up and into his eyes that had never left her. The silence was like an earthquake loud and tremulous. Nathan was overwhelmed by his own heart's commotion. Had he heard her correctly. She wanted him to kiss her that night. He had wanted to kiss her. Had leaned in with the intentions of kissing her; but past hurt's and fear had made him withdraw. "Nathan?" "I wanted to kiss you too. I just didn't know if it was right or if you were ready. E-lizabeth, are you saying that you're ready to be with me, to be an actual couple?" Her heart began to pound; and though it was laden with unease– this time the sound of it was clear. "I'm in love with you Nathan, I love you. You are in my heart and I want more than anything to be with you." Fear lost its grip on her heart in that moment it slipped silently and permanently out of her thoughts. Elizabeth's heartbeat became steady and strong–she was no longer held in bondage she was free to be in love.
In town the citizens of Hope Valley were concerned. The mountie and the teacher had not yet returned. It had been two hours since they both had left. Seemed too long a ride just to cool off.
Word about their fight had spread like wildfire and everyone was wondering what could have transpired to cause such a fuss. In the cafe Minnie, Rosemary, and their husbands–Joseph and Lee were sitting and talking. They wanted to help Elizabeth and Nathan to figure things out. Bill was preparing to lead a search party. But it became unnecessary once the two parties came riding side by side back into town. "That's odd," said Bill. They left in separate directions but here they are riding back together. Upon reaching Bill they both dismounted and greeted him with the friendliest hello. "Where have you two been? I was just about to lead a search party to find you guys?" "I went for a ride." Elizabeth replied. "I needed to clear my head" was Nathan's response. "We just kinda ran into each other while we were out and decided to ride back together." Nathan answered the question he knew would be next. Elizabeth spoke next to ebb Bill's inquisition "I need to get home to Little Jack." "I'll take care of Sergeant. You head home." Nathan offered, taking Sergeants reins. "Thank you," Elizabeth said with a soft smile. As she walked away Bill turned to Nathan and continued his interrogation.
"Are you going to tell me what that was all about? I heard you two were fighting." "I need to get Newton and Sergeant to the livery so I can get them settled." As he headed towards the livery he heard Bill say, "This conversation isn't over." Nathan just smiled and kept walking. His heart was beating and his feet were light.
They were walking into town–Nathan, Elizabeth, Allie, and Little Jack. The sunshine and mild air creating a warm and cheery atmosphere. Something was different in the strides of their steps. Something had changed in the depth of their eyes. Something was new in the warmth of their smiles. Anyone who was watching could see that there was a shift in them that looked like a feather floating softly through the air. They strode into town and entered the cafe where they took their seats in one of the booths. It wasn't quite supper so they ordered lunch. There were quiet conversations, Little Jack's laughter, and Allie's soft and curious smiles. Yes, there was whispering as one onlooker asked another "Are they on a date?" Nathan turned to them and confidently said, "Yes, yes we are." They continued to enjoy this honest moment of what is and what could be unhindered by sorrow or regret; for they both had found courage to listen and follow their hearts.