Another memorable day of exploring and visiting was wrapping up in Hamilton. Allie and Little Jack were across the room, enjoying in a game of checkers. Elizabeth's parents were sipping fine cups of tea and talking quietly together. Julie was out with Charles for the evening. Elizabeth settled into a comfortable chair, overlooking her parents' spacious backyard in the fading daylight that painted the world golden.
They had spent a week in Hamilton now and still had another week to enjoy. How Elizabeth wished that Nathan could be here! He was never far from her thoughts and always in her heart but oh, to have him in her arms and by her side.
The chime of the doorbell interrupted Elizabeth's thoughts. She could hear the familiar sounds of one of the staff bustling to answer the door.
"Uhh I'm here to see Mrs Elizabeth Grant," she heard a familiar voice say and forgetting all her social graces, Elizabeth nearly ran to the front door and straight into the arms of her love.
"Nathan! You're here! How are you here?" Elizabeth's words tumbled over each other, punctuated by kisses.
"I took the train," he replied simply.
Elizabeth pulled back and giggled, "Of course but I didn't think you'd be able to join us here. Is the investigation over already?" she asked hopefully, her hands resting on his shoulders.
"No, I just have the weekend off," he replied, his arms still wrapped around her waist.
Elizabeth's heart sunk at the news that he'd only be there for a couple days. "We'll make the most of it," she finally said with one more kiss.
Seeing and hearing the commotion, the rest of the family joined them in the large entry one by one.
"Dad!" Allie and Jack called in unison, racing to get to his arms for hugs. Nathan greeted Allie and then knelt down to Jack's level for a moment to say hello. Jack had just begun to excitedly share about their week when Elizabeth's parents appeared in the doorway.
"Grandmother, grandfather, this is my dad!" Jack announced excitedly. Elizabeth glowed with love and Nathan couldn't help but appreciate his boy's introduction.
"Constable, it's nice to finally meet you," William Thatcher said sounding very professional. He took a few steps and stretched out his arm to greet his son in law with a handshake.
"Nathan, please call me Nathan," he offered, responding with a firm handshake of his own.
"Nathan, I'm glad you could make it after all," Grace welcomed him and then gave Elizabeth a look that was hard to read. Elizabeth responded with a look of her own that begged her mother for kindness and an open heart. Clearing her throat Grace continued, "Are you hungry? We could have something brought up from the kitchen."
Nathan glanced at Elizabeth, not wanting to say the wrong thing. She nodded subtly.
"That would be great," Nathan answered with appreciation.
"Great!" Elizabeth chimed in a little too eagerly, trying to be supportive.
"Great, I'll let the chef know we have one more guest," Grace nearly floated out of the room, living up to her name.
Within minutes, the family was offered trays of sandwiches and finger foods for an evening refreshment.
"So Cons…Nathan, did you know Jack Thornton?" William asked right out of the gate. Elizabeth glanced quickly at Nathan who appeared to take it in stride.
"No sir, unfortunately I never had the opportunity to meet him. He's well respected among the Mounties…and among my favourite people." Nathan replied, casting a smile in Elizabeth's direction.
"Dad was in Fort Clay though too!" Jack replied, excited about the connection between his daddy who he'd never met and then man he loved as his dad.
Nathan and Elizabeth both turned quickly toward Jack, unable to hide their surprise at his announcement. Unsure where he had heard this bit of trivia, they quickly attempted to move the conversation along to more comfortable ground.
Later that night, with the children both in bed in their own rooms that they had become more comfortable with over the week, Nathan and Elizabeth finally got a moment alone.
Nathan removed several frivolous pillows before climbing into the grand four poster bed. He was certain he'd never slept in anything so fancy. Pushing those thoughts aside, his mind immediately went to the unexpected statement from Jack earlier that evening.
"I didn't know Jack knew anything about Fort Clay," Nathan began once they were comfortably settled into the large bed.
"I didn't either. Maybe he's heard us mention it before. Or maybe Allie said something," Elizabeth pondered out loud, seeming more confused than concerned.
"Lisbeth, what's going to happen when he finds out the whole truth?" Even in the dark room, Elizabeth could sense the pain etched on Nathan's face.
"I know you've told me you don't hold his death against me but I also know how upset you were when you found out my connection. He loves me, Lisbeth. He trusts me. He calls me dad." Nathan spoke into the darkness, his voice broken with emotion.
"Nathan, you're not responsible for Jack's death. Nothing you did or didn't do caused it. And that's what Jack will hear and know because it's the truth." Elizabeth reached across the bed and gently tucked her dainty fingers into his much larger hand.
"I'm just not sure he'll be so forgiving," Nathan said quietly, as a single tear dropped to his pillow.
"Has Bill ever told you about Doug?" Elizabeth asked suddenly as if remembering something. She rolled over to face Nathan.
"Uhh no," Nathan replied, a little disoriented by what seemed to be an abrupt change in subject.
"Years ago, Jack was approached about leading a squadron in the Northern Territories. He considered it but turned them down. A few weeks later, the town was full of men in red serge, a squad headed north being led by his friend, Doug. Doug was young and optimistic and full of life. He was eager to go join the battle. He said that he'd been asked because Jack had turned down the assignment. Then, not too long after, news came that Doug had died. Killed in the line of duty. Jack really struggled. He blamed himself for Doug's death."
"But he wasn't…" Nathan started to speak and then realized exactly why Elizabeth had shared this story.
"How did he get through it?" he asked instead.
"Doug's mother came to visit. She told Jack he wasn't to blame. She reminded him that Doug was excited to go. He had wanted to be there. I think it helped. I know it did actually. And Jack accepted the assignment to the Northern Territories. He was gone for months. I think going there helped him feel like he'd done his part to make it right."
Elizabeth paused for a moment. Carefully she moved over until her head rested on his pillow, leaving them face to face in the dark.
"Nathan, I'm not sure you'll ever have the pleasure of meeting Charlotte Thornton," Elizabeth stifled a giggle knowing he wouldn't be able to fully appreciate that idea, "but from his widow, please accept the truth that you are not responsible for Jack's death in any way. Jack was honored and excited to get the call to go to Fort Clay. So excited that we cancelled our honeymoon."
Both shared a small laugh then before he could dispute in any way, Elizabeth continued, "And Nathan, just like Jack went north, you came to Hope Valley. You have faithfully and honourably served at his former post. You have loved the town he called home and the town loves you too."
Silence fell in the room once more as Nathan absorbed all that Elizabeth had spoken. He hadn't known how similar a story he and Jack shared. The guilt of a death they didn't cause. The desire to make things right by going and doing. The kind and honest support of a grieving woman. The entirely unexpected idea that of all the people out there, Jack would understand him touched his heart in a way he could barely comprehend. A healing balm of peace covered over the wound that guilt and fear had reopened.
After a few minutes of silence, Nathan asked, "So what will we tell Little Jack? When will we tell him?"
"Well he knows you were both there. He seemed to think that was pretty great. We'll just keep filling in details naturally as it comes up." Elizabeth stated simply. "But there's not a single detail that will implicate you, darling. You're not to blame. Jack will hear this story from the people who love him, and Jack Sr, and you the most."
Nathan tenderly placed his hand on her cheek, "Lisbeth, I love you. I love you so much."
"And I love you. More than I could ever say," Elizabeth replied before leaning in to kiss her husband.
"So how long do I have you here?" she asked, effectively changing the subject.
"Just a couple nights. I have to head back Sunday afternoon," Nathan answered her.
"How would you like to go on a date tomorrow night?" Elizabeth requested playfully.
"Mrs Grant, how forward of you!" Nathan teased, then pulling her in tight to snuggle, he continued, "I'd love that."
"We could go out for dinner and movie. Oh or dancing!" Elizabeth sounded excited at the possibility.
"Hunny, do you miss the city life?" Nathan responded, surprising Elizabeth.
"No! No, not at all. I prefer Hope Valley's pace. But we might as well take advantage while we're here," Elizabeth answered easily.
"Then how about dinner, a movie, and dancing!" Nathan suggested with a chuckle.
Elizabeth laughed in response, "Oh! A real night on the town!"
"It'll be the bees knees!" Nathan replied, feeling much more lighthearted after their previous conversation.
"The what?" Elizabeth asked with a giggle.
"I don't know. I heard some young recruit say it in Capital City this week. I think it means something good," Nathan chuckled.
"Oh my! Are we out of touch with the young people?" Elizabeth continued to snicker.
"Say it isn't so," Nathan joked.
It felt good to hear his laughter after a deep and emotional conversation. Nathan could always make Elizabeth laugh but making him laugh was the best. He deserved the uninhibited joy.
Slowly, silence began to take over once more and Elizabeth moved slightly to lay her head on his chest.
"Good night, darling," she said with a yawn.
"Good night, my love," he replied, placing a kiss against her hair.