The Dreams We Share
Chapter 2 An Open Heart
Lucas sat in the armchair closest to the fire; it was Spring, but they were going through a cold spell and the fire felt good. He poured his tea and took one of the tea sandwiches that he quickly ate to quiet his growling stomach. He broke the seal on the envelope and took out four sheets. One was a picture that Jack had drawn of himself with Scout down on the dock by the pond. He was impressed with the detail that the little boy had included in his artwork. Next, he read Jack's letter.
Dear Buddy,
I miss you very much. When are you coming to visit me? I drew you a picture of Scout and me. I like to go fishing but only when Allie or Mama or Mounty Nathan is there. Mama says I can not go alone until I am bigger. Will you bring me a present when you come? I like presents even when it isn't my birthday. Will you draw me a picture of your house? Is it big? Do you have a dog?
Love,
Jack
Lucas chuckled and kissed the letter before folding it and putting it a pocket of his jacket. He would add it to his picture collection at his home. He treasured each and every one.
He turned his attention to Elizabeth's letter.
Dear Lucas,
I hope you are well. Lee said he spoke with you last Thursday about a new initiative and that you seemed very positive. It is so good to hear that.
I am looking forward to the end of the school year and the return of summer vacation. Now that Jack is older, time is marked even more by our school calendar. He speaks of you often; you are off doing good deeds he says. I think he thinks of you a little like Robin Hood from the book you have read him several times. I don't discourage his thinking; you are truly a remarkable man and I truly appreciate all you have done for all of us.
I wanted you to hear from me that Nathan has told me that he would like to get married. He hasn't formally proposed, as he is waiting for some indication from me that I am ready for that step.
I want you to know that your proposal followed one of the happiest years of my life. I expected to be married to you until death separated us. Even though it was I that ended our engagement, I loved you with all the heart I could give you. But with my renewed round of grief over Jack and the fact that you needed to leave Hope Valley, I just couldn't move forward with our marriage.
I will never forget what we had together, but as we have discussed, we both need to move on and find what will make us happy going forward. For you, it is giving your all to help others, and that is exactly what you are doing. Hopefully, one day soon you will find someone who can share that with you. It is my sincerest hope. For me, this is my place. Nathan loves me and I do love him too. I think we could make a good life together. We are both content to be where we are and are good companions. With Nathan, I won't have to worry that I am holding him back from what he was destined to do. I am inclined to take the next step with him. I want you to know that I will never regret that I chose you. I was in love with you, and you were all that I wanted, and you made me so very happy. Nathan and I were not meant at that time. But we have had years to grow and change and what we have now feels like it could be right.
I hope you can be happy for me.
With love,
Elizabeth
He folded the letter and placed it back into the envelope. So, alas, the news he was expecting to come was here. He waited for the wave of sadness and regret but realized instead that he felt at peace. He was ready to move on, so he gave permission to his heart to be open to the possibility of finding love again.