Past Present Future

Inspired by Episode 7x8 "Into the Woods"

Elizabeth felt the wind through her hair as she galloped up the hill to their spot. The grass and flowers were tall and the trees stood green all around in the bloom of spring. Just up ahead at the top was the place she had come to know so well and hold so dear.

She rode with the gentle rhythm on the horse she had come to love. Jack's horse. Riding made her feel like she was flying; moving through time and space, through the past, the present, and the future. It was her rides to their spot that she loved to go to "get the cobwebs out." Enjoying the peace of the moment, being one with her horse, and the beauty all around her. It was in the peace of the moment that she allowed her mind to drift.

She would never forget the day when Jack taught her to ride. He sat behind her on the horse, for her safety course. Even at a proper acceptable distance from her she couldn't help but feel his heat. She could sense his protective presence and could see his dashing and flirtatious grin even from behind.

"Alright, how do I get him to slow down?"

Jack grabbed her hands on the reins from behind and stopped the horse. Elizabeth blushed at the intimacy of his arms around her. She felt his safety, she felt his warmth and caught his scent in his closeness as the horse began to stop. Elizabeth turned her head to him, her lips so close to his.

"I said slow down, not stop."

Looking at her with passion in his eyes. "We can take it as slow as you want."

Elizabeth felt herself blush all over again as she felt her whole body chill at the memory of Jack's presence.

She could feel her whole body vibrate with love and passion again. Like he was riding behind her still. Elizabeth felt like she was spinning in slow motion. A beautiful passionate trance that she never wanted to end.

As Elizabeth headed into town for a few things at the mercantile, Lucas Buchard waved at her from across the street. She sensed his handsome eyes on her, she turned and headed his direction. From a good distance away, she saw his smile radiate in her direction. Elizabeth blushed with a bit of self-consciousness. She wasn't sure how to think or feel about the attention, the admiration that she was getting from the handsome Saloon Owner.

Elizabeth's mind drifted again to her late husband. Just a short time ago, all the attention and admiration was from Jack Thornton. Jack had been on her mind much more as of recent. Little Jack, a constant welcome reminder of his father, wasn't a baby anymore. His clothes were becoming smaller every day. She felt a swell of emotion at that thought. He needed his father.

It had been over a year, but she couldn't shake his presence all around her. It was as if he was present in so many ways yet so far away. Her family in Hope Valley had helped her heal, and move forward, and for that, she would be ever so grateful. Her heart belonged to her husband and a part of it would always be gone with him. But in her current time she was learning to let her heart ...at least feel and be open again.

"Elizabeth!" Lucas called out to her from outside the saloon.

"Lucas, Hi." She greeted him with a smile.

"How's your writing coming?"

"It's going well." She smiled.

And it truly was. Inspiration for her writing has been flowing generously lately. Lots of moments that she was able to explore where her heart is. Being able to put that inspiration into her writing made it all that more powerful, and easy to write.

"You know I think very highly of…. your work Elizabeth"

"Indeed." She smiled at him. Knowing what else he was probably thinking.

"Thank you for your support and encouragement. It really means a lot."

"My pleasure."

Elizabeth found it endearing that Lucas took such an interest in her writing. And she certainly found it fortunate that she had so much in common with him.

Elizabeth could not hold back her admiration for Lucas. His leadership skills and his charm was, well, welcoming. He was indeed quite the catch. Any woman would be ever so blessed to have found him.

Lucas looked up from the saloon porch as a parade of horses headed into Hope Valley. The sound of the horses' hooves created an interesting sight and sound. Halting their conversation, Lucas and Elizabeth look up in curiosity. On the horses was a squadron of mounties.

Mounties.

Elizabeth glanced up with a look of interest. Without saying anything more to Lucas or even saying good day, she began to walk quickly toward the sea of redcoats on their horses.

...Looking for him, where is he? ...Over and over she looked everywhere. Running, yelling his name! Jack...Jack! He must be here. Looking for the face she loved. Please let my Jack be home!

It all came back to her. She re-lived it all again. Looking at the sea of Mounties.

Elizabeth's eyes filled to the brim at the memory. She was completely taken back in time at the similarity of this happening. She remembered finally seeing him jump off his horse and run to her sweeping her up into a passionate embrace. He was home, and safe.

Through her tears, she blinked. Nathan Grant.

"Elizabeth!"

Constable Nathan Grant saw Elizabeth with her face buried in her hands, tears running free, and completely frozen to the spot.

Nathan jumped off his horse out of the parade of Mounties and quickly ran to her.

"Elizabeth, are you ok?"

"Nathan?...she said through sobs"

"Nathan."

"Sorry I..." Smiling up at him. Relieved but crying.

"I…..I…".Elizabeth not managing any words.

..."Jack."

The fear, the tears, the love, the passion, the pain all came flooding back.

"Oh wow,... Elizabeth." Recognizing immediately what was happening with her.

"I'm so sorry. The Mounties...of course. I'm….I'm so sorry."

Nathan moved to embrace her.

Elizabeth felt his warmth and his strong arms wrap around her. It felt so perfect to be held by him in this moment. It was Jack she was envisioning moments ago but Nathan was here now and his comfort meant so much. Nathan had become a friend. A friend that understood her. He was a mountie. A shared passion between both of them.

"Elizabeth, let me take you home. ...Please allow me to take you home."

Nathan helped Elizabeth upon his horse. Nathan embraced her from behind as they trotted through town, and past a glaring and concerned Lucas from the saloon. She again felt the warm protection from a Mountie.

"Okay, class. Tomorrow is our nature walk field trip. Please make sure you have your permission forms turned in so that you can go!"

"Class dismissed!"

The students picked up their books and bags and head for the door of the schoolhouse. Elizabeth was excited to take the children on a trip tomorrow. From the sounds of excitement, she could tell the children were too.

"Nathan!"

"Oh, Hi Elizabeth." "I have Allie's permission form for the trip tomorrow."

"Thanks, Nathan. She smiled at him. "I know she's really looking forward to it".

"Hi, Uncle Nathan! Did you bring my permission form? I can't wait until tomorrow!"

"Sure did Allie!"

Allie turned to join her friends.

Joining Elizabeth in step. "How are you….feeling? "I know yesterday was…"

"Nathan," interrupting him, I really appreciate you taking me home. It really meant a lot to me."

"Elizabeth, ...if... you ever want to talk about anything. Please know that I'm here."

"Of course. Thank you so much." She smiled up at him.

"I'm so glad you are back in town. Was your mission successful?"

"It was. Thanks, Elizabeth."

"Look, Mrs. Thornton, an arrowhead!"

Emily ran to the group in the woods excitedly to show everyone. Elizabeth was so glad to have the kids out and about experiencing the world outside the walls of the classroom. She was ever so grateful for the teaching job and her students over the last couple of years. The students kept her motivated. God had her still in Hope Valley for a purpose and that was clear. She was glad to be able to teach them so much about life, love, and the world. Yet even still, everywhere were memories of Jack. The schoolroom where she taught every day, was built by Jack. Her teacher bell... Oh boy, she felt the emotions swell.

"Mrs. Thornton, look at this flower, what is this?"

"Purple coneflower I believe. Makes a really good tea." Elizabeth was thankful for the distraction and the jar back to the present reality.

"I better go get some more then!"

The wind started to pick up. Elizabeth looked over the mountain range. She did not like what she saw. The leaves on the trees and the trees themselves seem to wave a groan of protest over the mountain landscape.

"Children, we must get going. The wind is picking up."

"Awww." The children regretfully sighed, packed up, and followed along.

In no time, the wind went from a bit strong to violent. A serious mountain storm was upon them. She had to get the children to safety now.

"Quickly, children! I know where to go. Grab hands, don't let go. Follow me!"

Walking through the wind became increasingly difficult by the minute.

"Mrs. Thornton, my arrowhead!"

"Emily, no, it's ok. We'll be back for it later!"

"No! My arrowhead!"

Emily let go of her classmates' hands and took off to the clearing where she left her basket.

"Elizabeth!"

Nathan appeared on his horse.

"Nathan!" Elizabeth sighed in relief. You can always count on a Mountie to be there just when you need them.

"Emily! She took off"

"I'll get her. Elizabeth stay here in the cabin please." "Don't leave. I've got her."

Elizabeth led the children to the safety of a hunting cabin. Luckily they happened to be close to the cabin, and luckily, she remembered where it was. Maybe it wasn't luck.

"Mrs. Thornton, Emily took off!" "...Her arrowhead"

"I know. Constable Grant is going to find her. We just need to wait it out here."

The children looked terrified. Elizabeth knew she had to do something to calm them. She ushered them into the cabin, got them settled, and started a fire. It was a small hunting cabin, but it had everything they needed at the moment. She knew she had to be strong but she was just as terrified as they were. The thought of Emily all alone and Nathan in harm's way. Not to mention the thought of something happening to the children when they were in her care.

Elizabeth sat down with them by the fire.

"You know what children when I was scared once my dear friend Abigail reminded me of this verse in the Bible."

Fear not, I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you,

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand

Isaiah 41:10

Sometimes we are afraid. But God is with us. And He's with Emily right now too.

"Mrs. Thornton! Mrs. Thornton!" The sound of Emily's voice was heard faintly through the wind outside.

"Emily!"

Elizabeth knew that Emily was near and she had to get to her.

"Children, I won't be gone long but I need you to stay here. Promise?" The children shook their heads concerningly.

"Robert, you're in charge."

Elizabeth stepped outside the cabin. She knew what she was doing was risky. But Emily had to be near. She could hear her, and she couldn't just stand by and wait.

"Emily!"

"Mrs. Thornton!, Mrs. Thornton!"

"Emily keep calling out!"

Elizabeth spied Emily hanging on to the brush and as quickly as she could she went to her.

Nathan found them both.

"Grab on to me" he shouted as he pulled them through the wind and led them to the cabin.

"They're back, they're ok!" shouted the children in relief

Everyone was now in the cabin, relieved to be out of harm's way.

"It looks like the storm won't be passing anytime soon, everyone. The path you took up the mountain is now unpassable. It's best to stay right where we are. We may have to stay through the night. Elizabeth, we might want to check the kitchen. I'll try to manage some firewood."

"Nathan, what about their parents? They're going to be worried sick! What should we do?"

"Elizabeth there is nothing we can do but wait it out. I made sure that Bill knew I was on my way up the mountain to look for you and the kids. They know that you're not alone up here Elizabeth."

Elizabeth smiled at that small bit of relief as she followed Nathan to the porch.

"Thank you for coming to our rescue." She looked up at him.

"You are not hurt or anything are you?"

Elizabeth noticed Nathan looking unsettled, and perhaps a bit cross.

"What's wrong?"

"There's nothing."

"If there's something on your mind, please just say it."

"Ok, how about this. How about today you put both our lives in danger. How about it wasn't smart for you to go after Emily in those conditions. You should have stayed in the cabin and let me do my Job Elizabeth."

Elizabeth was taken aback by the sternness of his words. This was unexpected. She wasn't sure how to think or feel.

It took a good while. A few hours of funny stories and some happy songs by the fire, but the kids managed to give in to sleep in the next room.

Late that night Elizabeth and Nathan sat by a warm fire. The glow of the fire was serene, warm, and cozy. Shadows danced on the wooden walls of the cabin. She was nervous at the thought of spending the night with Nathan. But a little excited all the same. Maybe this could finally be the opportunity they needed to talk. She knew that he was upset with her about going out after Emily. And too, they really haven't managed to have an uninterrupted conversation in the last few months. Elizabeth was aware of his concerns in regards to her outing with Lucas a few days ago. She knew that perhaps he had a lot on his mind. And maybe his stern words to her earlier rooted in frustration in regards to her relationship to Lucas.

"What a day huh?" Nathan finished poking the fire and sat down next to Elizabeth.

"Yes. Thanks for all your help with the children. I don't know how I could have done anything without you today."

"Elizabeth, the way you handled the kids today...You are so good at what you do. You are an amazing teacher. This was a difficult day indeed."

"I didn't do it alone." She looked up and smiled.

"Nathan, about earlier. I"m sorry I went after Emily. It's just that I could hear her so close. I knew I had to get to her."

"Elizabeth, I know….. I'm sorry I reacted the way I did. It's just the thought of something happening to you tore through me like a knife, like nothing I've felt before. I should have got to you much sooner than I did.

Elizabeth was quite taken aback. She didn't know how to react to that.

Nathan cleared his throat and restated himself in a more professional manner.

"It's my job to protect you.

Nathan let out a sigh as he let his back relax on the simple wooden couch that was covered with an old quilt. He let out a sigh and turned to face her.

Elizabeth, this morning, in town, when I was returning with the mounties ..." Shifting the subject.

"Oh Nathan, I'm sorry I lost my emotions on you." I really feel bad. I hated for you to see me that way."

"Elizabeth, it's ok. I was glad to be there for you."

"It's just that, I've been having so many memories of him lately. It's like he's still here with me, everywhere - and when I saw the mounties…"

"And when you put me on your horse…"

"And little Jack…"

Elizabeth couldn't hold it in any longer. The emotions and the stress of the day and now reliving this morning...it all came pouring out again.

"I'm sorry Nathan." Tears began swell swell in her eyes.

"Elizabeth, it's ok. I have a bit of an understanding of what you've been through. I've been a Mountie for many years, I've seen and experienced loss very closely."

Nathan grabbed his handkerchief for her and moved closer to her. He took her hand in comfort.

Elizabeth looked at him, and couldn't help but take notice of the sparkle in his eyes even in the darkness lit only by fire. The contact of his hand on hers felt really amazing. She had been wanting to connect with him in such a manner for quite some time, becoming a bit frustrated in fact when it hadn't happened. She was not sure why he had held himself back when clearly sparks seemed to fly when they were together.

"Elizabeth, I have to tell you something. I have been waiting for the right time to tell you this. And after this morning, I think the time is now."

Elizabeth turned to him, fairly certain that she knew what he was going to say. The sparks were certainly flying as she was riding with him on his horse this morning. It was a beautiful moment. His grin, as she glanced at him over her shoulder, had been on her mind all day. His warm breath on her neck. Elizabeth got a warm chill at the memory. She hoped he felt the same.

"Elizabeth," Nathan paused, to clear his throat. "I knew Jack. I knew your husband well and we became close. He and I worked together on his last assignment. He spoke of you very often. In fact, I felt I knew you very well before we even met."

Elizabeth was in shock. Nathan knew Jack…. Jack knew Nathan. She couldn't believe this was happening. Not at all what she expected him to say!

"Oh Nathan, I don't know what to say…..please go on. Why didn't you tell me…"

"Elizabeth," please forgive me for not telling you sooner. I just wanted to give you time and…I didn't really know how to…bring it up"

"Oh Nathan…I'm so sorry that you had that burden to carry all this time." I can't imagine how difficult that must have been!"

"Nathan, I would love to hear about his last days."

"Elizabeth, I was with him when the accident happened. I was the one that tried to save him. Elizabeth I swear to you, I did everything that I could. There was just no way…"

Nathan bent his head down in sorrow.

"I was there when he spoke his last words... which were about you."

"He fought, Elizabeth. He fought so hard for you. His only thoughts and words were of you. He loved you so very much. I'm so sorry Elizabeth, I tried, there was nothing I could do to save him."

Elizabeth looked down at their joined hands, trying to process all this new information.

"Jack sent me to you Elizabeth. He told me to go to Hope Valley and look out for you always. After his death, I made sure to convey his last wishes to the Mountie leadership. They agreed to honor his wishes and allow me to come to Hope Valley."

"Oh, Nathan. I wish I would have known."

"Elizabeth, I know you must be furious with me not telling you sooner but I…

Elizabeth felt as if she were spinning. Her heart was racing fast and felt a bit faint. Her world seemed to pause as she let the new information sink in.

"I had to keep my distance from you. Yet from the moment we met, I realized everything Jack said about you was true. I totally understood why he was completely in love with you. You are an incredible gift Elizabeth. The most beautiful person I've ever met. I knew I had to guard my heart… and allow yours time to heal. I knew if I became close to you, nothing could hold me back from giving you everything you need and deserve. It was my promise to Jack, to look after you Elizabeth, and in my mind, that went for your heart as well. I didn't want to cause any more pain and heartache for you then already existed. Elizabeth, I hope you understand."

He took both of her hands in his.

"It was never my intention to pursue you. I'm not sure about how you feel about that now. I will leave the future of our relationship to your terms Elizabeth. My mission was to protect you, be there for you and little Jack when needed, and to honor your husband's wishes."

Elizabeth was numb.. Her tears began to flow again, turning into sobs. Nathan moved closer to wrap both arms around her. Their foreheads were together. Elizabeth felt nothing but safety and protection in his arms. He wasn't Jack, he was Nathan... and it felt ok. She absolutely adored Nathan. Especially now. This new knowledge that Jack had sent him, and for him to be honorable and so protective of her heart above all else, encouraged her regards for him all the more. In the past year it became obvious that there was something between them. And for so long she thought he was just shy, or perhaps avoiding her, but she wasn't sure why. Until now.

Jack in his letter told her to not be afraid to open her heart to love again. Was it time now to open her heart to Nathan? Could it be possible to love two men in such a way? She decided it had to be worth the risk.

"Oh Nathan."

They were sitting so close to each other now. The tension between them now was igniting like the flames that provided their only light.

"Elizabeth, can I kiss you?." He said in the most quiet, polite, yet desperate voice.

"Oh, Nathan... please!".

And just like that, she was caught up in a whirlwind of emotions. The past, the present, the future. all happening together in unison. She felt his lips gently come down on hers, gentle but passionate. Hungry, but full of love and regard. She returned his kiss with full passion. She was overwhelmed with how amazing he felt. His warmth and strength. His love for her passed right through his lips and into hers. It had been so long since she had felt this way. It felt perfect. Like nothing else but a gift from God.

"Elizabeth!"

The door to the cabin opened, the midnight air and breeze blew in. Lucas was standing there. He had come to her rescue. Elizabeth and Nathan, lips still lost in a loving embrace, parted to face him