Monday morning came early with a flurry of activity in town for most of Hope Valley's residents. For Rosemary, Fiona and Mike it was the beginning of planning the community dance to celebrate Lucas's first official visit back to town. He planned on keeping a residence here and intended to visit as often as possible.
Elizabeth, while she was on summer break from school, planned to pitch in to help with the dance as well as plan her memory fixing/making moments with Nathan.
Little Jack was excited to go and spend the day with his friend, Sarah Wolf' and her family and Allie was working at the switchboard.
At the Mountie office, Nathan was greeted with a phone call from headquarters. An offer for an Inspector position that would keep him in Hope Valley and two constables on the way to serve the town. He realized that the first thing he wanted to do was find Elizabeth and give her the news, but Bill barged in almost as if he were listening in on the call from outside. Oh, who was he kidding...Bill was most definitely eavesdropping!
"So?" Bill demanded, plopping down into the chair across from Nathan.
"Inspector. Here in Hope Valley and two constables on the way to serve here." Nathan ran his hand through his hair. He almost couldn't believe it. "I'll have to travel some, but I won't be gone as much as I've been since last fall. Looks like your sources didn't fail this time."
Bill scoffed, which looked a lot like a grimace. "When have they ever? Well, don't answer that. They were right this time, that's all that matters."
"Speaking of the two new constables, they need for us to clean out the back room. We may need to find another desk. That old one in back would work, but we need two." Nathan said, thoughtfully.
"I'm pretty sure we can get this place in shape. I know a few teenagers looking for some work. And, leave the furniture issue to me. I think Gowen may have some around from the oil business. Now, why don't you go run down your lady before you leave on rounds. I believe that Rosemary has enlisted her help with the community dance preparations at the salo...I mean, the Inn. Gonna take me awhile to get used to that! An upgrade, for sure."
Nathan began to rise and said "What makes you think that I..."
Bill smirked, eyebrow raised "You want to deny it, son?" he asked.
Nathan shook his head, rolling his eyes. "Erm, well, thanks Bill."
He grabbed his hat and scooted out the door, hearing Scout scrabbling after him. The sound of Bill's rusty laughter followed.
xxxxxxxxx
While Nathan was receiving his news and talking with Bill, Elizabeth was over at the saloon/Inn with Fiona getting ready to go over the dance details. Rosemary was running a little behind and they planned to wait.
Fiona looked at Elizabeth and then gently said, "You know that you have a glow about you that I've never seen before, right?"
"Yes, so I've been told by Rosemary. She said she hadn't seen it since Jack and I believe that she's right." Elizabeth responded with a small sigh.
Reaching a hand over to her friend, Fiona said "I'm very happy for you, Elizabeth. For both you and Nathan. Are you worried about seeing Lucas?" she asked.
With a nervous laugh, Elizabeth said "You know, I've talked to him and seen him multiple times and we've cleared the air..."
"But...Nathan." Fiona said.
Elizabeth nodded. "It might be a bit awkward, but it won't stop me."
Fiona smiled. "Lucas will be fine. It will all work out. Know that."
"I do have a favor to ask of you for the dance, Fiona." Elizabeth said
"Anything!" her friend responded.
Elizabeth grinned "Well, it's about a ladies choice dance..."
xxxxxxxx
Rosemary had finally shown up and they divided up some tasks. Elizabeth was about to excuse herself when she noticed Nathan enter the room. Her heart leapt. She immediately rushed over to meet him.
"Good morning, Nathan!" Leaning back, she looked closely at him. "You look happy." she observed.
He removed his hat and reached for her hand. "Good morning yourself, Lizbeth." he replied. "I'm always happy when I get to see you. But, today I also have some great news to share and I wanted you to be the first to know. Well besides Bill, who was just butting his nose in."
Elizabeth laughed at the Bill reference. "Great news?! What's happened?" she asked, sort of getting lost in those eyes of his. She had to shake herself to pay attention. He had great news.
"Two things, actually. The first is that I've received a promotion to Inspector, and I am doing so from Hope Valley. The second is that there are two more constables being assigned to serve the town. They'll be arriving later this week." he said with a grin.
Without even thinking about it, she threw herself into his arms. He chuckled and tried with everything in him not to kiss her soundly right here in front of everyone. He would take armfuls of his Elizabeth any day, any time.
She backed up, keeping her hands on his arms and for just a moment, they got lost (again) in each other's eyes. She blushed. "Nathan! This calls for a celebration! Would you care to go to the community dance with me?"
He smiled and pretended to think about it. "I'd like nothing better, Lizbeth."
"Um, I don't want it to be too much, but you and Allie are welcome to come for supper this evening. Honestly, you're both welcome any time." For a second, she worried that she might sound too needy.
His eyes lit up. "First of all, I'm fairly certain that Allie prefers your household to ours these days...and she might not be the only one." It was true that even before they'd become official, he'd spent quite a few evenings with Allie at the Thornton's since last fall. As friends and supporters of one another.
She leaned close to him, her voice barely a whisper "I can't tell you how happy I am to hear you say that. Because I prefer it this way as well. I was afraid you might find me too needy."
"Not possible, Lizbeth. Not possible." He leaned forward and kissed her cheek, breathing in her scent. "Now, I need to get on with my rounds. I'll see you this evening for sure, if not sooner. I love you."
"Not more than I love you." she responded softly. "Be safe, Nathan."
"Always, Lizbeth." He tipped his hat and headed for the livery and Newton with Scout on his heels.
xxxxxxxxx
After Elizabeth had departed from Fiona and Rosemary to run her errands, the latter hung back until their friend disappeared from sight.
"Um, Fiona..." Rosemary began. At the tone of her voice, Fiona looked sharply at her friend.
Before Rosemary could even take a breath, Fiona held up her hand, firmly shaking her head. "Uh, uh. Nope. I know that look, Rosemary Coulter."
Trying to look outraged, Rosemary jumped in. "Whatever do you mean? What look?"
"Let me guess, you want me to help you stop Elizabeth from proposing to Nathan because you think it's not proper. Not 'how it's done', right? And, you'd like me to maybe try to convince Nathan to beat her to it. Do you know how many things are wrong with that?" Fiona shot back, eyebrow raised. "You do know what I think about what's 'proper', don't you?"
Realizing she was already beat, Rosemary sighed. This Fiona Miller was something. In another place and time, she and Fiona would've been one and the same.
"Rosemary, you told Elizabeth that you would support her in whatever she needs, yes?" At Rosemary's reluctant nod, she continued, "Nathan needs to know that she's all in and isn't going to run scared again and Elizabeth needs to show him that. We need to support them, not impose any of our own opinions on them."
xxxxxxxxx
The morning of the community dance had begun with coffee on the Thornton porch before Nathan left to do rounds with his new constables. Elizabeth had yet meet either of the young men, but Nathan was pleased that they were somewhat experienced and not green. Doing some training would be fine, but there was too much to do - especially with a gubernatorial visit, to have to deal with newbies.
He'd come in his short sleeved henley and jodhpurs and carrying his serge and hat. She'd provided the coffee and muffins. This was starting to become a regular thing and she decided it was time to put her wicker chairs out front and maybe a little table for their mugs.
The most amazing thing was getting to help him into his serge. This was the first morning she'd done that since...well, since she ran from him in fear. There was now no fear in it. If they'd been inside, well, she may have buttoned it up, and very slowly.
She stood on her porch and watched as he headed towards town, her heart thrumming rapidly and the feeling of his kiss still fresh on her lips. She reached a hand up and touched her mouth just as he turned and winked because he'd caught her, or because he knew what she'd do. She giggled. This man!
How could she have deprived herself of knowing this side of him?! How could she have been so paralyzed, so blind to what she'd been missing? He didn't give these things away to just anyone. This was just for her!
Allie and Angela soon came by to take Little Jack to the playground, and she would be watching Goldie for Rosemary today rather than helping set up at the saloon/Inn. She would always have a love for Lucas but, in light of her new circumstances, she'd prefer to only be around him in the presence of Nathan. It likely wouldn't always be possible, but she planned to try her best.
xxxxxxxxx
This was not a black tie event like they'd held for the former Governor last fall, it was a small frontier town after all. No, this was a celebration with a varying range of attire. Elizabeth had chosen to wear her pink 'reveal' outfit again as a symbol of her 'new beginning'. Fiona had come by and put some waves into her hair and also adding just a touch of make up.
Lee had come for Goldie, who would be with them for a part of the evening before Anna would take her home and put her to bed. Allie had arrived with Jack in tow and the two had been fed and were playing with Jack's toys.
Just as she was getting ready to go to the Grants to collect Nathan, there was a knock at the door. Allie quipped, "That's probably my dad..."
Elizabeth marched over to the door...and sure enough, the girl was right. He flashed his half grin at her, eyes twinkling and brought a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers from behind his back. "Evening, Lizbeth. You look beautiful."
Momentarily speechless, she took the flowers and opened the door wider for him to enter. Of course, Jack was on him like a tick on Scout. "Mountie Nathan!"
Allie came over, looking Nathan up and down. He was wearing his blue suit. Then she checked the flowers. "You pass, Dad." she quipped, trying to hide her grin.
Nathan reached over and pulled her into a one armed hug while holding Jack with the other. Elizabeth watched for a second, heart melting and then quickly busied herself by putting the flowers into a vase and onto the kitchen table.
After that, the two of them began their walk to town. The sun had almost set leaving a blaze of pink and orange glory in its wake. "Nathan, I was supposed to come and collect you..."
Glancing down at her with feigned innocence, he said "Oh? And would you have brought me wildflowers?"
With her free hand she swatted his arm. "Very funny."
He stopped and turned towards her, holding both of her hands. "I was not about to have you walk all the way to my door and then back in the opposite direction in those shoes." He pointed down at her burgundy heels. "I know that you would've done it and I love you for it, but I'm putting you on notice - I plan to take care of you as much as you'll let me."
Moved beyond words, she reached up and pulled him to her. When they were merely a breath apart she whispered "I love you, Nathan Grant. As surely as the sun is setting right now and will rise again tomorrow - I love you."
He closed the distance and took her mouth in an achingly tender kiss. He whispered back "I love you, too, Lizbeth Thornton. With everything in me, I love you."
xxxxxxxxx
Nathan and Elizabeth entered the Inn arm in arm. The party was in full swing. They didn't notice the moment when Lucas first saw them and they also did not know that Hickam had prepared him in advance. It's a small town and the couple knew that he'd have found out from someone.
Lucas watched from his vantage point near the bar. He admired Elizabeth's new look, but the thing he'd never seen before was the glow and the air of joy and peace that seemed to emanate from her. He was surprised to see the same thing from Nathan. He had a little thinking to do.
As Nathan went to get them some punch, Elizabeth stopped to chat with Faith and Fiona. Faith reached out and brushed Elizabeth's hair ever so lightly. "You know, you have me quite envious. I've been talking to Fiona about possibly doing the same thing."
"I'm glad you like it, Faith. But may I make a suggestion?" Elizabeth asked, eyebrows raised.
At Faith's nod, she continued, "You may want to wear it just long enough to pull back out of your face. It would still make it easier to care for yet give you the flexibility to keep it out of your way for work." She looked to Fiona for her thoughts.
"Absolutely. Good thinking, Elizabeth. You could wear it short enough for it to be fun and flirty when you want to and then put it back or up when you need to get serious." Fiona said to Faith.
Before they said anything else, Nathan returned. "Lizbeth, would you like to get something to eat? I'm guessing that you didn't have much when Allie and Jack had supper."
She nodded. "You're right, of course. I am a bit hungry." Turning to her friends, she waved as Nathan grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the buffet table.
They chatted with Lee, Rosemary, Joseph and Minnie as they filled their plates and they found a seat with Mike and Mei. They were enjoying themselves immensely.
Minnie came by the table, resting her hand on Elizabeth's shoulder. With a look towards Nathan, she asked "Would you mind if I borrowed this lady for a few minutes?" the couple shared a look and they both nodded. Elizabeth rose and followed Minnie to a quiet corner.
While Elizabeth was gone, Nathan asked Mei about dried daffodils and told her the story and how he wanted to find a pressed flower to present to her. He had an idea of trying to make it into a bookmark that she would be able to keep always.
Mei and Mike shared a sweet smile and she looked back at Nathan. "That is the most wonderful and thoughtful idea, Nathan, and it would be perfect for Elizabeth. I happen to have dried flowers as well as some pressed ones. You're in luck. I just pressed some daffodils this spring."
...
"You look well, Elizabeth. Radiant is a word that comes to mind." Minnie said with her gentle and knowing smile.
Smiling widely, Elizabeth replied "I am better than well. I feel radiant. I feel as though the weight of the last 6 years has finally been lifted. I finally feel as though I'm living again. I cannot thank you enough for helping to carry me through these last months. You helped me get my life back on track."
"You're more than welcome and if I know you, you will end up doing the same for someone else. That's what the Lord wants us to do. Now, you go on and enjoy your time with Nathan."
The ladies shared a hug and went their separate ways. Except, Elizabeth couldn't seem to find Nathan. She caught up with Mike and Mei, but they hadn't seen him for a bit.
...
Elizabeth couldn't find Nathan because Lucas had asked him for a minute in private. The two stood in the hallway just outside his old office. He wasn't sure what the man would have to say to him, but he was prepared for whatever it was. He wouldn't blame Lucas if he were upset.
"You can relax, Nathan. I admit that when I first heard that you and Elizabeth were courting, I was not too happy. That was my knee jerk reaction. I've talked with her on multiple occasions and had already come to the conclusion that we were never suited and that I never had her whole heart as she'd never had mine."
Nathan shifted his weight and Lucas put his hand up. "Let me finish, please. Even after you came to me and convinced me that her heart was always with me...I knew that wasn't true. She'd just broken your heart, yet you still sacrificed for her. I can't say that I would've done the same in your shoes. I went into that relationship with the full knowledge that she loved you."
The man ran a hand over his face. "What I want to say here is that...well, I didn't know what I wanted to say until you two walked in the door tonight and I saw just how bright and happy she looked. She's lit from within, and so are you. I know you'll take the best care of her and Little Jack. You've always laid everything down for her and, by extension, even for me. I never thanked you for that, so I'd like to do so now." Lucas held out his hand and Nathan shook it.
"I want what you and Elizabeth have. I want to be with someone who looks that way when I'm with her."
Nathan smiled at him. "Don't ever settle, Lucas. It won't be easy, because nothing worth having ever is all the time. You won't be able to buy her or fool her. That's when you'll know you've found the one."
...
Nathan returned to the dining room and spotted Elizabeth looking around somewhat frantically. For some reason, that made him smile. He was making his way towards her when Rosemary went up to the microphone and announced that dancing was about to begin.
"Gentlemen, just sit back. This first song is Ladie's Choice." she said with a smile. The song was a slow love ballad.
He turned and found Elizabeth right in front of him, holding out her hand. "Care to dance with me, Nathan Grant?" she asked with a knowing smile.
That's when he remembered the last time this happened and knew that she was making a new memory to replace that first hurt. They'd barely known one another back then and he was touched that she'd thought of this.
"I'd love nothing more, Lizbeth." They made their way to the dance floor and he pulled her into his arms. The rest of the world seemed to disappear.
Across the room, Fiona worked up the nerve and approached Lucas. While she was fairly certain that he now had his pick of the most glamorous and highly sophisticated women, she still found herself attracted to him and now he was a free man.
"Governor Bouchard, would you care to dance?" she asked, almost as if she were issuing a challenge. Do you dare?
He'd always found Fiona attractive, but somewhat intimidating. He was certain she was infinitely smarter than he was...which was intriguing. He recalled what Nathan had said about it not always being easy.
"Why yes, Miss Miller. I'd love to." he replied, holding his arm out to her as they moved towards the dance floor.
...
Once Nathan and Elizabeth had danced a few times, they looked at one another and quickly said their goodbyes. As they stepped outside, she sighed. "I don't know about you, but I'm ready for some quiet. I'm ready for home."
"Me too, Lizbeth, me too." He noticed a bit of a nip in the air and immediately removed his jacket and wrapped it around her. They were set to begin the walk home and he was concerned about her feet being sore when Lee and Rosemary came outside and offered them a ride.
She looked at Nathan and he nodded. This would allow him to spend more time with her once they got home...to her home. Was it too soon to propose? He didn't want to come on too strong, but it was getting harder and harder to part with her in the evenings. He had some thinking to do.