CHAPTER 33
Nathan, lying next to Elizabeth in the early morning darkness, realized that something was disturbing her. Whispering softly, he asked:
- Are you all right, Lizbeth? Do you seem restless?
Elizabeth sighed and with a hint of sadness in her voice replied:
- Knowing that my father will be here tomorrow makes me afraid and all I can think about is how much he hurt me in the past by not accepting my choices and my family. I just wanted him to understand.
- What happened, my love? And tell me everything, please, don't keep it to yourself, because I know there are things I don't think you've ever said. Talk to me, we shouldn't hold grudges inside our hearts.
- Nathan, my parents and my sister Viola did everything they could to break up my relationship with Jack. They arranged an arranged marriage with Charles Kensigton III, a boy from friendly families, but who was a millionaire. They humiliated Jack for being from a lower social class and for being a mountie. They even tried to take away my teaching job here at Hope Valle.
- Lizbeth! That's really painful to hear. No one should have to go through that. But remember that you are strong and you have someone to support you now.
- What really infuriated me, Nathan, is that they tried to dirty my record at the education office, portraying me as an incompetent professional and an immoral woman. They didn't mind defaming my character and integrity just to separate me from Jack and impose their will.
Nathan could see the indignation in her voice was palpable, and she needed understanding. Nathan held her hand firmly, he needed to show his unwavering support in the face of this injustice.
- Nathan! The worst pain I felt at that time was seeing my own family humiliate Jack. They spared no effort to denigrate his image and belittle everything he was and his family as well. It broke my heart in a way that words cannot describe. He didn't deserve any of that. They belittled him for being a simple soldier, they mocked his modest origins and worst of all, they laughed and mocked the death of his father, who was killed on duty as a mountie saving lives. They even tried to separate me from him, claiming that I deserved someone "better", i.e. richer. They used every means to try to separate us, but the love we shared was stronger than any adversity and we won in the end.
He looked at his wife, there was a sadness in her voice, it was a deep sadness that hurt his soul, the weight of the suffering she carried during that difficult period of her life. She sighed heavily, reliving all the painful memories. Nathan was beginning to doubt his actions - had he done the right thing by bringing Willian Thatcher and trying to bring them together? "
Nathan said a silent prayer and with closed eyes spoke to God with all his faith.
"Dear God, in the midst of all this pain and conflict, I humbly ask that you may bring Elizabeth and her father closer together. May there be forgiveness and understanding between them, may the hurts of the past be overcome and replaced by love and reconciliation. Grant them the grace to heal their wounds and strengthen their family ties. Guide us on the path of mutual understanding and acceptance. Amen. "
He opened his eyes, hopeful that his prayer would be heard and that peace would be restored to Elizabeth's life. He pulled her closer, wanting to feel the warmth of his wife, and gradually he felt her relax and smile into his chest.
- Lizbeth, we're together and I won't let anything or anyone affect you or our son. Your past does not define your future, never forget that.
She took a deep breath and, looking into her husband's eyes, spoke softly:
- Nathan, I'm afraid that my family might hurt you, like they did Jack in the past. They are capable of anything to try to break us up and the thought of losing you because of them terrifies me. Elizabeth looked at Nathan, those beautiful blue eyes reflecting the anxiety and suffering this possibility caused her.
Nathan realized his wife's love for him, and in a different way now, at that very moment, lost in the depths of that gaze, he felt like the most loved man in the world.
- Love, I understand your worries, but I want you to know that our love is strong. Nothing and no one can separate us, as long as we are together to face these adversities and as long as we have faith in the Lord God Almighty.
- But Nathan, I don't want our children to be hurt by my father?
"Nathan loved it when she referred to the children as our children..."
- Lizbeth! Our children are our priority, and I don't want them to be hurt by the presence or absence of a grandfather. Your father missed the opportunity to meet Jack Junior at birth, to see his first grandchild crying or starting to walk, it was he who missed the opportunity, but it seems he wants a second chance. But you see... I'm not going to let him or anyone in his family hurt you again or hurt our children. I will ensure that you all always have a loving and safe environment by my side, away from any negative influence.
- Nathan... Elizabeth had tears in her eyes as she whispered:
- Nathan, I know I'm scared, but it's hard for me to fully trust them again after everything they've done, I just... I just don't want them to take away what I love most in this life, which is you...
The fear was evident on her face, and the vulnerability in her words was visible; Nathan held her face gently and declared with conviction:
- Lizbeth; you are my world and nothing in the universe could make me leave you. I will fight for you until my last breath. No matter what happens, I will be here to protect and love you, today and forever. I know, my love, that your scars from the past run deep, but I want you to know that I'm here so that you don't have to face this alone. You won't lose what you love the most, because I'm here, firm and strong, and I always will be. Our family started out different, but it's united and very strong, and together we'll solve every problem that comes our way.
Elizabeth's heart was pounding as she looked at Nathan... her husband.
- Nathan... from the moment we met, my heart has belonged to you. Even though I tried to run away from this love, I knew how deep it was, I was just afraid of losing you like I lost Jack. I can't live without you and your love Nathan, what we have is undeniable; I can no longer deny or hide what my heart desires, because every day by your side is like living a dream and I can no longer hide what I feel.
- Elizabeth Marie Thorton Grant... you are the light that illuminates my darkest days. My love for you is so deep that words cannot describe it. I want to spend the rest of my life by your side.
Nathan gently held Elizabeth's face between his hands, losing himself in the depth of her gaze. The silence between them spoke volumes, and words began to flow from his heart:
Elizabeth Marie Thorton Grant, with each passing day, the love I feel for you grows more and more. It's as if the universe conspired to bring us together, and I can't imagine my life without you. Every smile you give me lights up my world, and every moment with you is a priceless gift. I know that words cannot fully express what I feel, but right now, they are all I have to offer. I promise to dedicate my life to making you happy, taking care of you on sunny days and brightening up the dark days that may come our way. You are my inspiration, my strength and my reason for living. Every beat of my heart is an echo of your name, and my love for you is infinite, like the starry sky that shines down on us tonight. Elizabeth, you are my eternity, and I can't wait to start this journey together, step by step, for the rest of our lives.
With the deep words still reverberating between them, Nathan and Elizabeth moved closer, sealing their love with a passionate kiss. Their lips met with knowledge and intensity, in a moment that seemed to freeze time. It was a kiss full of promise, desire and the certainty that they were destined to be together forever. The world around them was distant, and they gave themselves over to the passion that united them, fusing their hearts into an unshakeable love.