Author's Note:
A one-shot FanFiction challenge story from the Suspenders Unbuttoned Facebook page, this story is meant to envision what transpires after Nathan asks Elizabeth two important questions.
I have endeavored to make this believable and match the pace of the show, therefore it is not as fast-moving or wrapped-up as I would like. Nevertheless, the goal is to further their sweet love story using the beginning of the conversation released in the Season 11, Episode 5 preview.
For me, it is impossible to drop into a conversation without setting the scene, giving background, and more, so here is a two-part imagining of Nathan and Elizabeth clearing the air. It includes explanations of their past and hints for their future, including a 'leaked,' yet to be viewed image.
Enjoy and please let me know your thoughts? Thank you for reading while we await the coming episodes. Eilie Hunter

Disclaimer: I have not read any other FanFiction stories in this challenge, therefore what is contained in my version is from my imagination, not from others' although there may be similarities since we are all working from the same source.
When Calls the Heart characters belong to Hallmark Media, LLC.

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Consequential Questions…

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Part One ~ Asking

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Standing tall and strikingly handsome in his red serge, Nathan Grant stared into Elizabeth Thornton's sapphire blue eyes. His gaze was intense, yet his questions even more so.

With no preamble, Nathan spoke softly, "What am I to you? I mean, are we just friends?"

. .

The questions had haunted him for the past few years but he had never verbalized them until this moment. Nathan had been observing Elizabeth's interactions with Governor Lucas Bouchard since his triumphant return to Hope Valley, having won the election with the promise of protecting the town's water rights. Nathan knew nothing about why or how or when Elizabeth and Lucas had broken their engagement, he only knew from town scuttlebutt that they were no longer together.

During the weeks while Lucas had been out-of-town, Elizabeth had seemed lighter, happier, and more at peace. Although they had shared many friendly conversations during recent years, now Elizabeth was seeking Nathan out, initiating contact with him, and it felt good. Nathan was encouraged with her willingness to help Allie plan his surprise birthday party, her invitation to watch the celestial event in the evening sky, and her affirmative response to his offer to help prepare the Easter egg hunt.

They had even shared some surprising, although unplanned, intimate moments! When Elizabeth had entered the RCMP office and, unaware of her presence, Nathan had walked in shirtless. She had gaped, open-mouthed for a moment, before retreating, flustered. It was so startling that Nathan could hardly don his Henley fast enough and had been unable to form words, yet when they saw each other later they easily joked about barging in on each other.

Of course, Elizabeth falling into his arms when her foot slipped off the upturned bucket had been magical, her curves pressed close to his body and her hands on his back. As if time had stopped, Nathan held her in his embrace, their eyes searching each other's and glancing at their lips. If not for Allie interrupting, Nathan knew not what would have happened next!

Later that evening, it was Jack's turn to interrupt their private exchange when Nathan brought an Easter egg to her front door. They had been talking softly, with tantalizing undercurrents and hidden meanings, until Jack had called his mother from upstairs. Nathan knew what those parental pleas meant and he and Elizabeth had parted with what he thought was reluctance, but understanding.

Yet, here she was today, talking with Lucas in the middle of Main Street. Again. Not that he would expect that she avoid talking to her former fiancé… She had talked with him before. It was just that this time Elizabeth had reached out to rub his arm and once again, Nathan stood, staring and confused.

When Allie had protectively voiced her concern that she didn't want Nathan to get hurt again, he had assured her that he wouldn't let that happen and vowed to himself to clear the air with Elizabeth, no matter how uncomfortable it made them. That is until he observed this interaction.

He stood still, frozen in place as she turned away from Lucas and, with a wave, approached him.

"Hi Nathan."

Nathan removed his Stetson and held it against his chest since he was in the presence of a lady, responding, "Hi."

Sensing something different in his demeanor, Elizabeth knitted her brow and questioned, "Are you alright?"

With no preamble, Nathan spoke, his voice soft but strong, his gaze searching and unwavering, "Elizabeth… What am I to you? I mean, are we just friends?"

Her eyes wide in surprise, her mouth open in shock, Elizabeth startled. She could only find one word to say, so she whispered, "Nathan!"

"It is a fair question, Elizabeth. I've heard that your engagement is off, but I don't know if Lucas's return to Hope Valley has changed your status? I'm confused. One moment you and I have a genuine connection, yet soon after you are holding his arm and engaged…"

Quickly glancing behind her, Elizabeth realized what Nathan had just witnessed. Finding her words, Elizabeth hastily interrupted, "We were just engaged in conversation. We are not engaged to be married."

"Okay, but might you become reengaged in the future? I don't need to know the details of who broke it off or why, but is Lucas back to claim you as his own again? I cannot compete with him." Nathan breathed deeply before continuing, "My feelings have not changed, but I will step away again if he is what you want."

"Ahhh…" Elizabeth stopped abruptly and turned, interrupted by Rosemary who was hurrying across the street.

"Elizabeth! Elizabeth! We simply must talk!" Like a tornado, the newspaper woman swept in and stole Elizabeth away, taking her arm and beginning to converse about whatever she thought absolutely could not wait.

As though a cold breeze had surrounded him, Nathan shuddered then hung his head in frustration, thinking, 'Will we ever get an uninterrupted conversation? First Bill, then Allie, then Jack, now Rosemary… Must we go through every resident in Hope Valley?'

"Nathan? Wait up a moment…" Lee crossed the street and began. "We met with Mike's sister, the Mayor of Benson Hills, and…"

Letting out a long sigh as he watched Elizabeth depart with Rosemary tucking her friend's arm into her own, Nathan only said, "I heard."

Lee had stopped mid-sentence to watch his friend and turned to observe the focus of Nathan's gaze. "Ahh, were you talking to Elizabeth?"

Nathan only nodded, trying to hide his disappointment.

"Okay then." Lee extended his hand, placing it on Nathan's shoulder, "What's up?"

"'What's up' is constant interruptions! We can't seem to have a meaningful conversation without being interrupted. I am beginning to wonder if our friendship, or whatever it is, is just not meant to be…"

"Oh boy…" Lee sucked in his breath. "Come join me for a pint at the Saloon, Nathan, and we can discuss what's going on."

Nathan looked at Lee, incredulous, "Lee, I am in uniform, on duty, in the middle of the day. Not to mention I wouldn't trust myself under the influence of alcohol in my present situation. Thanks anyway. I'll just do my rounds early. I have some thinking to do." With that, Nathan, lifted his Stetson and placed it on his head, saluting with a touch to the brim before he headed towards his office.

Leaving a note on his desk saying he went on rounds early, Nathan mounted Newton and trotted down the street in the direction of the row houses. Stopping briefly at his home, Nathan entered and wrote a note to his daughter, 'Allie, On rounds early. Leftover stew for supper. See you then. Love, D.'

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Once outside of town, Nathan loosened the reins and gave Newton his head. With fresh air blowing past them as they galloped along the open road, Nathan hoped to clear his mind. He slowed Newton as they approached a trail he hadn't traversed in a while and turned towards the overgrown path. Slowly they climbed the hillside, noting the thickening tree cover and the leftover patches of snow still hidden in the trees' shadows as Nathan broke away branches along the way. Gradually the woods' density cleared and sunlight streamed through until horse and rider emerged into a flower-strewn, grassy patch. Pausing, Nathan inhaled the sweet fragrance before nudging Newton towards the edge of the plateau.

There, becoming visible between a thinning grove of trees, was the most magnificent view of the Valley, verdant in multiple shades of green, with narrow rivers sparkling as they wound their way to lower ground. Above was a cerulean blue sky, the color made more intense by the brilliant whites of the clouds drifting past. Dismounting Newton, he walked his horse to the edge of a small stream, still rushing with snowmelt now that the spring sun's angle was higher and the air was growing warmer. Nathan tied Newton's reins loosely and retreated back to the rocks with the best view. He sat, removed his gloves and Stetson and ran his hands through his hair, leaning back so he could take in the wider vista.

As he pondered his frustration with his relationship with Elizabeth, he considered his options.

'If Elizabeth had answered my questions saying that she wanted more, that she wanted love and a future together, I…' Nathan shook his head, knowing that would make him the happiest man on earth. He had always been able to picture the Grant family of four and sometimes even allowed himself to dream of another addition or two.

But not today.

'What if Elizabeth retreats behind her protective wall again and says, 'No, I can't?' At this point I don't think that I can either,' Momentarily defeated, Nathan closed his eyes and lowered his head.

"Her denial of her feelings and her unwillingness to take a risk, in spite of talking about taking risks for a chocolate Easter egg, would be my undoing. I don't think I can offer my heart up for rejection again. I've patiently waited on the sidelines. I've danced the tentative dance she has wanted, always deferring to her, waiting until she was ready for more... What if she is never ready for more? Must I withdraw and avoid her?' He sighed, 'Yet I value our friendship so much…'

Nathan's thoughts trailed off as he stared at the shadows of the high clouds moving across the valley below. He pondered the people whose lives were cast in a dark shadow, unaware of how quickly the wind currents would blow that cloud beyond them and the bright, warm rays of sunshine would return again.

'Maybe if it was just me I could wait for the ins and outs of the sunshine, but if Allie is noticing and beginning to worry, I need to know. Elizabeth, much as I love her, cannot toy with Allie's affections again. It isn't fair to Allie to be getting close to Jack either, hoping against hope for a family.'

Nathan made a decision. He had asked the questions and he would wait. Not forever, but maybe for a week or so until he would have to go to the schoolhouse again, walk down that aisle and confront Elizabeth, this time not leaving until he had an answer. He breathed out a quiet prayer, "God, please help me."

Feeling at peace with his path ahead, Nathan gathered a bouquet of wildflowers to bring home and continued his evening rounds.

. .

Meanwhile, after a definitive talk with Rosemary, Elizabeth returned to town to purchase dinner supplies and retrieve a library book. As she entered the quiet library, her eyes were drawn to the plaque that Nathan had carved for her and she froze. As though it was a confirmation, Elizabeth read the quote for the umpteenth time, only this time she was ready. She was going to do what she had been afraid to do... Tonight.

. .

Not wanting to converse with any townsfolk and after bedding Newton for the night, Nathan knocked on the back door of the Café to ask if Minnie had any dessert he could bring home to Allie. Grateful, he departed with a pat on his arm from Minnie, a smile on his face, and a plateful of gooey butter cake he was sure would lift their spirits at home. He looked forward to a meal and an evening with his daughter.

. .

"Smells good in here, Allie! Did you bake biscuits to go with the stew?" Nathan called out as he entered his home, set down the basket, and removed his gloves and Stetson. He pulled out his desk chair, sat bending over and began to untie his boots. "I brought some dessert from the Café."

Figuring she must be upstairs, Nathan increased the volume as he called again, "Allie? Honey?"

He heard a shuffling noise and, glancing up, Nathan froze.

There stood Elizabeth Thornton next to the stove, in his kitchen. She wore a crisp, white apron over a beautiful blue, floral blouse and perfectly matched blue skirt. The soft blush on her cheeks took his breath away and he let his boot fall to the floor as he stared.

Finally able to speak, he stood, somewhat off kilter with one boot on and one boot off, "Elizabeth!"

"Hi…"

"What are you doing here? Is Allie okay? Why…" He couldn't form another word at the moment because she was approaching him and motioning for him to sit.

Dumbfounded, Nathan did her bidding and sat heavily as she neared and knelt in front of him. He caught his breath as she began to loosen the ties on his second boot.

Protesting Nathan spoke quickly, " No! You…you don't want to do that. My feet have been in those boots all day and…"

Looking up, Elizabeth smiled, confessing softly, "It won't be the first time I've removed a Mountie's boots and I hope it won't be the last."

Nathan felt as though he was dreaming, or maybe delirious? 'Elizabeth is in my house, kneeling before me and removing my boot?'

As she stood, he watched her lift the first boot and carefully place them both side-by-side, upright, and leaning against the wall beside the door.

Lifting the basket Nathan had brought home, Elizabeth stated the obvious, "I guess you are surprised to see me here? I hope you don't mind, but Allie is at my house with Jack. She'll babysit and get him to bed so we can share an uninterrupted evening together. Is that alright?"

Smiling, Elizabeth watched Nathan's head bob up and down, then continued, "Why don't you go get changed into more comfortable clothes and I'll finish the meal? I am almost ready to serve."

At that moment Nathan noticed the table was nicely set with white linens, blue bordered dishes he had never seen, and a vase of wildflowers in the center between two silver candlesticks.

"Wow!" If Nathan was known for being economical with words, this was a priceless moment.

. .

Upstairs, Nathan shed his uniform and Henley, washed up and splashed on some aftershave although he didn't take the time to shave. He found his white linen shirt, navy trousers and suspenders, put on a clean pair of socks, and tied his dress shoes. He added a blue tweed waistcoat, quickly combed his hair and descended the stairs to find Elizabeth standing beside the table having just removed her apron.

"Oh!" Looking from his face to his shoes and back up again, Elizabeth took in his handsome choice of clothing, noting that they coordinated so well. "You look… you look good… really good."

"Ah, thank you." With a couple long strides, Nathan was beside her to pull out her chair. "Let me help you with that…" As she was seated, he inhaled a whiff of lilies-of-the-valley that made his head spin, so he quickly moved to his chair and sat.

His gaze scanning the table, he noted she had added a second vase for his hand-picked wildflowers. Nathan hesitated, "Elizabeth, I don't know what to say. I…"

Reaching to take a hold of his hand, Elizabeth whispered, "Why don't you say the blessing?"

Now thoroughly flummoxed, Nathan could only pray the simplest of heartfelt prayers, "Dear Lord, Thank you for this food and this time together. Bless it to us and bless us in Your service. Amen"

As Elizabeth whispered "Amen" he squeezed her hand and they got lost in each other's gaze for a moment.

Taking his napkin, he unfolded it and complimented the chef while he watched her serve him slices of pork loin along with a dark, fragrant sauce, then serve herself. "Thank you, Lisbeth. This looks delicious. Is this one of your specialties?"

Smiling at his pronunciation of her name, Elizabeth admitted, "Maybe we could call it a specialty? It is one of the meals I know will always turn out well and is quick to put together so I hope you like it? Allie said you would."

"You will find that I am easy to please. I eat and enjoy almost anything… except for that which is blackened beyond recognition. I might eat that, but probably won't enjoy it," Nathan chuckled as he took the bowl of mashed potatoes from Elizabeth, beginning to feel more comfortable.

"I've had to learn to cook for Allie and myself, but her tastes are more refined. I suppose since you are a parent you will understand if I say her tastes are more picky, although she'll try anything once."

"I do understand. Jack is picky too!" Elizabeth laughed and asked, "So, have you taught Allie to cook?"

"I've taught her the basics because she needed to fend for herself if I was out late due to Mountie responsibilities. My mother has taught her more than I have though and Allie collects recipes from others when she visits or tastes their food. She's become quite proficient and, since she seems to enjoy cooking and baking, I benefit!" Nathan grinned, "We do have our favorites and often have fun cooking together on the weekends. How about you? Do you enjoy cooking?"

"I have only learned since I came to Hope Valley, so I'm probably not even equal in experience to Allie!" Elizabeth laughed. "It took me a long time to collect some menu items I felt confident enough to share. This sauce is a recipe I got from Rosemary so I hope you like it?"

"I absolutely do. You may make this for me anytime. Uh…" Realizing what he had just said, Nathan corrected himself, "Uh, excuse me. I don't mean to be presumptuous. This meal is delicious though. Thank you."

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