The Proposal Part I

"I just don't understand what might be going on," Elizabeth said, wringing a towel tightly between her hands.

It had been a few weeks since that fateful night when Elizabeth had murmured "yes" to Nathan. While it had been the happiest two weeks of her life since then, she couldn't help but wonder what was taking him so long to take the next step.

"Goodness gracious!" Rosemary cried out. When she saw the light on this late in the evening, she knew something must be troubling her friend. Subsequently she decided to let herself in with her spare key. It appeared as though Elizabeth had fallen into yet another baking frenzy and her kitchen looked like a war zone. There was flour on the floor and splashes of milk on the counter. Was that a dollop of butter she saw on the wall? Rosemary shuffled her way around the mess, making sure not to slip on or step into anything that might ruin her shoes. "What has you in such a tizzy?" A mass production of baked goods definitely meant she must have something on her mind.

Elizabeth was pacing, trying to get a grip on her nervous energy. She covered her face with her hands, smearing flour on her cheeks. "It's been a while since that night! And he hasn't said anything!"

"Said anything about what?" Rosemary was frankly perplexed. "Aren't things going splendidly between the two of you? I swear, both of you have Hope Valley captivated with your romantic airs," she said, shaking her head in wonderment.

It was true, Elizabeth and Nathan had Hope Valley entranced. Since the night of the governor's celebration ball, they never left each other's side unless it was absolutely necessary. Reluctantly they parted ways to go to work and again at night when it was time to retire. The community couldn't help but love how they walked around town hand-in-hand, looking at each other like they were the only ones on God's green earth. The tender touches, the affectionate smiles, how they leaned into each other, fitting together like pieces of a perfect puzzle…it was magnificent to watch. They had the young ladies swooning, wishing for their own brave Mountie, and the guys, even the married ones, shaking their heads! They could never measure up to Nathan. He was in a league of his own in terms of looks, bravado, and personality. Florence Yost was the one to mention this, only to add she wondered how Nathan had remained single for so long. She voiced what all of Hope Valley had wondered at some point, but never said outright! It was more than obvious now his heart had always belonged to their beloved schoolteacher.

"He hasn't proposed," Elizabeth murmured. She felt terrible. She should just be enjoying her relationship with Nathan, instead of focusing on a future that could only happen if God willed it so.

"What did you just say?" Rosemary's eyes practically fell out of their sockets. "When did you talk about getting married? How come you didn't tell me anything? Elizabeth! These are the things you tell your best friend the second they happen!"

Elizabeth was so flustered she let Rosemary grab her hand and lead her to the living room. Her friend practically pushed her down on the sofa. She cleaned her smeared cheeks with the towel she had in her hands, took her apron, and started a pot of tea. Elizabeth let out a rush of breath, seemingly finding some calm. However, Rosemary knew better.

After preparing a tray with a soothing blend of chamomile tea and a plate of cinnamon cookies, Rosemary sat beside Elizabeth.

"Have a cookie. And start talking, please," she directed.

Elizabeth followed directions and took a bite, finding comfort in the warm earthiness of the ground spice cookie. The cookie was sweet, tender, and melted in her mouth. Trying not to think how the cookie compared to Nathan's kisses, she washed it down with a bit of tea, looked at her friend, and started talking.

"Well, you know we went riding with the children that Sunday after church. Afterwards we had dinner at Nathan's, and after Allie took Jack home, he laid a kiss on me that should've come with a warning." Elizabeth sighed just a little. It had indeed been a staggering kiss.

"Excuse me?" Rosemary uttered in disbelief. It was a red-letter day, apparently. Rosemary was rarely left speechless. Shocking her was a feat all its own. But twice in one day? This was a new record!

Elizabeth continued, absently ignoring her friend's reaction. "He made such a point of how it could be between us… how we were already a family, that he wouldn't take the next step unless I was ready. That I had to let him know, and I only had to say yes. Which I did."

"I can't believe this! And what happened next?" Rosemary urged her on. She was riveted.

"He kissed me again and walked me home. I thought for sure he might say something in the days that followed, but he hasn't." Elizabeth had managed to mangle the cookie in her hands, turning it into crumbs.

"For all we know he might be getting his ducks in a row," Rosemary pointed out. "He could be getting a ring, maybe he's sent a letter to your father… who knows! It's not like he's been distant, has he?"

"Not at all! We only spend time apart when it's absolutely necessary."

"And the kisses?" Rosemary asked cunningly.

"Very romantic and sweet…" Elizabeth said dreamily, "But none like the one he gave me that night."

"Care to elaborate?"

"Rosemary!" Elizabeth was genuinely flabbergasted.

"Oh please," she brushed off her friend's indignation. "I'm a married woman and you've been married before. We can have conversations like this. In fact, girlfriends should be able to have conversations like these. We are entering the 1920's after all!"

Elizabeth shook her head at her friend's overzealousness. Her lips curved in a faint smile, but it was fleeting, as she became serious once again. "The only thing I can say is that nothing compares. Nothing else compares at all." She was still wrapping her head around this fact. Every day, as she spent more time with Nathan, it became more and more evident what they had was bigger than what she had with Lucas… and dare she say it? Was it bigger than what she had with Jack?

"That isn't a bad thing," Rosemary said gently, understanding where her best friend was coming from.

"It isn't. It just feels like unchartered territory though."

"Why?" Rosemary was truly perplexed.

"Ugh… I hate comparing," Elizabeth frowned, "but I can't help it! It was glorious with Jack, but now that part of my life feels like a young love. Does that make sense?"

Rosemary pondered her words. "It does make sense, Elizabeth. Several years have passed since Jack died. You've been through some of the toughest life experiences a human being can go through. You've matured and become more worldly. How you loved six or seven years ago can't and won't be the same way you love now. Nathan is not Jack, and you're not the same woman either."

Her friend was right. While she was frankly perplexed as to why Nathan was taking his time to propose, she knew she had to be patient. There was a lot of truth in Rosemary's words. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She could focus, couldn't she? She could focus on enjoying the moment and Nathan's company. She could take things one day at a time and be patient.

Rosemary stood and gave her a warm look. "I hate to leave, but it's getting late and I want to check up on Goldie. You know I saw your light on at this hour and I just had to see what you were up to."

"I'm thankful you dropped by," Elizabeth stood and hugged her. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"It goes both ways, my dear friend."

After Rosemary left, Elizabeth went upstairs to quickly check on little Jack. He was sound asleep, for which she was thankful. Like a little angel, he looked so peaceful, cuddling the stuffed teddy bear Lee and Rosemary got him for his third birthday. It was worn, but he loved it, and never slept without it. Elizabeth blew him a soft kiss and said a little prayer before going back downstairs. She had to clean up and put everything away. She had made chocolate cupcakes, carrot bread, and cookies. She should have sent a basket with Rosemary for their breakfast the next day. Elizabeth guessed it didn't matter. She could just drop by for a second in the morning and leave them a basket.

She was almost done with the kitchen cleanup when she heard a soft knock at her door. A moment later she heard a muffled "Lizbeth, it's me."

Eyes wide, cheeks flushed, and heart racing, Elizabeth quickly opened her front door.

"Hi!" Her smile was radiant. She had forgotten she was a complete mess after her baking and cleaning endeavors. Her cheeks were smudged again, the apron she wore was wrinkled and stained, and her hair was pulled into a ponytail that cascaded down her back. A simple utilitarian scarf covered her hair and kept it off her face. She was a beautiful sight for sore eyes, Nathan thought.

"I saw your light was on and thought maybe I'd try to catch a quick glimpse of you before I finally head home for the night."

If he only knew what his crooked grin and the glint in his eye did to her… well, maybe soon she could tell him.

"I'm so pleased you had that idea. I missed you today," Elizabeth said. Why did she have this sudden impulse to throw herself into his arms?

"We did see each other when I walked Allie to school this morning," Nathan grinned.

"I just miss you whenever we're not together," she said breathlessly.

"I feel the same way," he replied, feeling so much in love, he feared he looked like an idiot.

"Want to come in for a minute?" she asked tentatively.

"I shouldn't," he tilted his head, and a lock of hair fell on his forehead.

Could he be any more handsome? How had she never noticed that before? It took all of her willpower not to reach out and touch the errant curl and sweep it off his forehead.

He did notice how her pupils had dilated, and how her breath had gotten just a bit ragged.

She swallowed. It was getting late and tomorrow, they both had an early day, much to her chagrin.

"Let me give you something before you leave." Elizabeth quickly packed up some cupcakes and cookies, along with one of the carrot bread loaves.

"Here! For breakfast tomorrow," she said excitedly.

Nathan happily took the basket from her. "I love it when you bake for me," he murmured, the low timbre of his voice giving Elizabeth unspeakable chills.

Was he flirting? She still couldn't get over the normally cool, rational, and self-collected Nathan's newly found flirtatious nature.

He then took her hand and slowly lifted it to his lips, but he didn't brush them over her knuckles. Feeling a bit mischievous, he swiftly took her hand and pulled her closer so he could kiss her fully on the mouth. Elizabeth's surprise lasted only for a second before she sank into the kiss. Even though the only other physical contact they shared was the hand he held, there was nothing gentile about the kiss. Their lips clung together in a quick but steamy frenzy.

Smiling with a big grin, he saw he had rendered her speechless! He said, "I will take my leave now. Sleep well, sweetheart."

And thus, Nathan left Elizabeth all flustered and bothered as he closed the door behind him. He thought he heard a soft slump against the door. He paused briefly on his beloved's front stoop and smiled inwardly.

"Soon, dearest 'Lizbeth, soon."

XXXXXX

He had been doing his rounds. He'd been thinking of going, but something drew him there that day that he couldn't quite describe. He felt the need to make the visit and have the conversation. Well, it would be more of a monologue, but it was necessary.

Nathan went to the Hope Valley cemetery and stood in front of Jack Thornton's grave.

"Hello Jack. It's Nathan. Well, you probably already know that since I introduced myself to you in this very spot when I moved to Hope Valley six years ago."

Nathan sighed. This felt right, but it was undeniably difficult at the same time.

"Back then I vowed I would watch over your widow and newborn son. It was my solemn promise to you." Nathan paused again. It was hard to swallow. There was a thickening in his throat he hadn't felt in ages.

"I'm sure you already know I have fallen in love with Elizabeth." He stopped and looked upwards, noticing the clear skies and puffy white clouds. It was a beautiful day in the valley. He noticed a small fresh spray of lavender in front of the tombstone. Surely Elizabeth had been there recently since he knew she visited every so often. A ray of sunshine fell on Jack's grave, casting a delicate light on the little bouquet. He took that as a positive sign.

"She's easy to love, isn't she? It's impossible not to, even when she's being stubborn." A light chuckle escaped his lips, and he felt a bit lighter.

"She's made peace with your passing, but it's been a journey. I can't imagine what it must have been like for her immediately after, with a baby to raise. But she's been amazing, Jack. The way she's always held her own, how she's raised your son. Elizabeth is a woman like no other."

Nathan took a deep breath and looked at the expanse of land beyond the cemetery.

"I am certain you know that, however. You loved her first. You recognized all the wonderful qualities I see in her as well."

He smiled, thinking of a younger Elizabeth giving Jack a little bit of hell. Bill had shared that with him in confidence.

"Your son is amazing. Elizabeth says he is like you in all the best ways, but I see so much of her in him too. Little Jack's curious nature, his feistiness, and a little bit of mischief are all wrapped up in a caring and loving package. Yes, he's like his mother too."

Nathan decided to take a seat in front of Jack's grave. This might take some time.

"Who knew, Jack? It's easy to talk to you. I think we would've hit it off if we'd ever met. It's amazing how things happen, isn't it? Our lives have been intertwined, even though mine is on God's earth and yours is in heavenly terrain now."

He felt a soft breeze on his face. Was that a sign of Jack responding in the affirmative? Nathan decided to take that as a yes.

"You know, I have a daughter. Well, Allie's technically my niece. I adopted her a while back. She's become a beautiful, intelligent young lady. Mostly it's been thanks to Elizabeth, although I'd like to think I've had something to do with it." Nathan smiled wryly.

"Allie loves your son very much. She's been babysitting and helping Elizabeth from time to time. I know she loves him like a little brother, even though she dares not utter the words out loud. Allie has known a lot of loss already at her young age. Even though she's happier in Hope Valley than any other place we've been, I know she does not want to voice her full heart's desire, thinking it might not come true otherwise. You see, Jack, I know Allie wants to call Elizabeth mama, like your son does. And there's nothing I want more than to marry Elizabeth and make a life together with her, Jack, and Allie."

There. He said it.

"I take my responsibilities very seriously, Jack. I've tried to do my best and serve humbly as a Mountie. You know how it goes. We serve and protect. I have felt responsible. I dropped the ball and didn't follow orders, which led to the events of the mission on which you lost your life. I knew I couldn't live in regret, but I needed to turn my life around. Knowing that my misconduct led to your death, I just couldn't take it. I had to do something, so I asked for the transfer to Hope Valley. I thought it would be the best way to look after the young widow and newborn son the acclaimed Constable Jack Thornton had left behind."

Nathan had no idea how difficult it was turning out to be to revisit the past.

"I hope you can forgive me, Jack. Elizabeth never laid any blame on me, but I felt responsible. I truly wish for your blessing."

A sudden gust of wind tumbled the little bundle of lavender from where it had been resting on the tombstone. It rolled and fell squarely in Nathan's lap.

His clenched jaw softened and quivered. With a single tear that threatened to spill, he took a deep breath and said, "Thank you Jack. Thank you for letting me love her."

A/N: I have been overwhelmed with how this story has been received! I want to thank all of you who have commented on Instagram, sent DM's, and reviewed over here. It's been quite a rough week for me. Knowing I have this creative outlet while entertaining some of you until S11 premieres is a source of joy. Of course, I also have to ride the wave of the latest WCTH poster! It resonates with everything this story is about! Can't wait to see what S11 will bring. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this story. The plan is to continue it in such a way that I can present to you my vision of E&N's wedding.