Nathan takes the reins planning a special day for Elizabeth that she'd otherwise never experience. In this multi-chapter series there will be some discussions of the past, some tears and some laughter, a whole lot of chemistry, and plenty of talk of their future. Since these two often take deep dives, each post will happily include more than just one chapter. Jump in with both feet! This is going to be one epic date!
A special thanks to the masterful artistry of Instagram's whencallsthemusic. It's been an absolute joy to collaborate. Be sure to watch her accompanying reel released 11/27 before or after reading chapters one through three for an even fuller appreciation of Nathan and Elizabeth's love story.
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Chapter 1: The Letters
Elizabeth's focused eyes re-read the same line for the third time. "When polyvinyl acetate reacts with the sodium tetraborate decahydrate, protein molecules and borate ions form cross-links." Her most detailed chemistry book lay open on her desk, as she used her lunch hour to finish final preparations for their science experiment that afternoon.
The first lab of the school year ended in a bit of a disaster last week when Jack poured every last reactant into a jar far too small to contain the messy acid-base reaction that ensued. The fizzy foam flooded the desk and floor. Elizabeth felt proud of how restrained she'd been at her newest student's literal experimentation. She praised his curiosity, joined him in the clean up, and then later advised the class to discuss with her first any ideas they wanted to test beyond the scope of the outlined lab procedure.
So, out of necessity, she was doing her homework before this next lab, making sure she understood the chemical processes well enough to allow for safer and cleaner experimentation should the children want to broaden their exploration of polymers. "Should" left too much to chance, Elizabeth thought, smiling to herself. The very reason she was deep in a science book rather than enjoying lunch with Nathan was because she knew with one hundred percent certainty that a very inquisitive student, who happened to share her DNA, would be begging to conduct additional experiments on their product.
At the unexpected sound of heavy footsteps, Elizabeth looked up, irrationally hopeful that somehow it was Nathan, even though she'd explained her need to "study" during her lunch hour to prepare for her science lesson.
"Robert!" Elizabeth exclaimed, surprised to see her former student walking through the doorway of the schoolhouse.
"Hi, Mrs. Thornton," he answered in his usual upbeat tone.
"It's so good to see you," she said warmly, stepping out from behind the desk to give him a friendly hug.
"Thanks, Mrs. Thornton," Robert politely responded. "It's fun to be back at the school … to see all the kids. They're growing up so fast!"
As a wave of nostalgia washed over him, Robert quickly turned his attention to the task at hand, trying to suppress the emotions stirring within him from his days as a schoolboy under the tender care of his teacher. He missed their special connection and his simpler life.
Reaching into his side satchel of mail, Robert first pulled out a letter, paired with …
"Oh!" Elizabeth gasped, not only in surprise, but in awe of the stunning fall bouquet Robert withdrew from the mail bag.
The bouquet was a vivid burst of autumn hues, with the rich purple aster and a delicate sprig of fireweed standing tall amid yellow flashes of goldenrod and sunflowers. The coppery Autumn Fire blooms complemented a wild fern foundation, while clusters of purple berries and a single red maple leaf added the perfect finishing touch. They were all bound in what suspiciously looked like one of Allie's hair ribbons.
Elizabeth's hand subconsciously settled on her heart as she inadvertently whispered under her breath, "Nathan."
"These are for you," Robert responded, blushing at her delight, even if only the messenger. Along with the small bundle of flowers, he placed an unmarked envelope in her hand, but offered no additional explanation.
First Elizabeth indulgently lifted the bouquet to her nose, readily inhaling the flowery fall scents. Then, returning her attention to her former student, she assessed his willingness to do her a personal favor. "Robert, could you, perchance, come back by around 3:30 to pick up another delivery?"
"For Constable Grant?" Robert asked, assuming an interchange.
Elizabeth's smile gave him all the answers he needed. Robert couldn't help grinning in response, excited to be a part of something so romantic.
"I'd offer some extra compensation for your effort, Robert," his beloved teacher assured him. "I know this form of mail delivery is not in your job description."
"I don't mind at all, Mrs. Thornton," he replied, and he more than meant that sentiment.
"Thank you, Robert," she said wistfully, taking note of the curly headed young man standing inches above her own height. She sighed at the inevitable passing of time. It was so much harder to bear when children were involved. How she missed Robert as a student – respectful, inquisitive, and always unusually thoughtful for his age.
A sudden brightness of hope crossed Elizabeth's face. "Would you like to come back earlier, say 2pm?"
She quickly looked past Robert to make sure no students were present before she whispered three tempting words, "We're making slime!"
"I wish I could," Robert replied, feeling particularly conflicted. "But after this, I'm filling in at the ice cream parlor until three." Adulthood wasn't all it was cracked up to be, he thought.
"Of course," Elizabeth said, attempting to temper her crestfallen expression. "Wait just one moment then."
She hurried to her desk, and upon returning placed a large coin in Robert's palm. "So, I'll see you at 3:30 this afternoon. But, in the meantime, I'd love for you to get yourself a treat for this extra errand, or maybe two treats," she suggested with an appreciative smile, seeing as the coin would more than cover one serving of ice cream.
As Robert opened his mouth to object, Elizabeth left no room for question as she firmly addressed her former student, teacher voice and all, "I insist." And that was that.
"Thanks, Mrs. Thornton. I'll see you later, then."
Once the endearing curls of Robert's head disappeared out the door, Elizabeth nearly danced back to her desk. With giddy, schoolgirl delight, she again held the stunning bundle of flowers to her nose and breathed in deeply.
Nathan gathering wildflowers. Could there be a more swoon worthy scene?
As Elizabeth slowly and fully exhaled, allowing her imagination to watch Nathan picking every single flower, she suddenly laughed to herself. She was indeed hopelessly in love.
Never before had Elizabeth paid so much attention to scents. But now, since they'd become a couple, it seemed her nose was constantly attuned to every fragrance around her, seeking out any scent that might remind her of Nathan.
Whether it was the subtle, soapy freshness he wore from bathing or the crisp, earthy smell of the outdoors that clung to his jacket, she couldn't help but inhale deeply whenever a possibility presented itself. Any hint of his scent seemed to wrap around her like a memory, bringing the feeling of his arms around her, even when he wasn't there, even when it had already been four long hours since he'd last held her. It was as though his presence lingered in every flower, somehow making her feel closer to him, even in his absence.
When she finally rested the bundle of flowers in a vase she'd pulled from her desk drawer, her eyes caught hold of the white envelope. The letter! She'd been so enamored by the bouquet alone, she wasn't sure how she could've forgotten that there were words in that letter, words written by Nathan's hand … from Nathan's heart … for her. Quickly, though carefully, she tore along the edge of the unmarked envelope.
But before she removed the letter, she lifted the envelope to her nose and, without thinking, inhaled. Immediately, she felt silly, realizing how absurd it was to expect an envelope to carry any trace of Nathan's scent, considering it had long since passed from his fingers. She'd gone too far. Sniffing an envelope?
Yet, to her surprise, the faint, fresh, soapy aroma lingered, and she took a deeper breath, savoring the familiar scent of her sweetheart. To her, it provided a momentary connection to him, knowing that hours would pass before she could experience the real source of that fragrance.
Feeling Nathan somehow near, she now opened her letter, and began reading.
Elizabeth, my love,
Only three words in, and I'm already smiling, though I'm not at all surprised. It's impossible to express how much brighter each day is with you in my arms. In the final minutes of our last date, what I told you continues to be true — I love you more and more by the hour. And I can't help but admit that as the minutes pass, it's almost as if my heart aches to see you again.
In my lonely office, with only Scout, and occasionally Bill for company, I wish for even the littlest moments with you. My mind wanders all too often here at work, reliving past memories or dreaming up new ones.
That being said, I've partnered with Rosemary and Allie to offer you an extraordinary day out adventuring with your favorite constable. You will receive details only on a need to know basis, and these are the first among only a few:
Saturday: plan for every waking hour
Wear riding pants and boots
Pack a dress, as fancy as you'd like, no questions asked
In addition, Mrs. Thornton, you'll have a homework assignment. Please come prepared with three questions for yours truly - two of inconsequential significance and the other of consequential significance (is consequential even a word?) Well, you get the idea. And I promise, dear teacher, I will come prepared as well with three questions for you.
Even just writing this letter, here at my desk, somehow makes me feel closer to you. Know that I'm missing you in this moment, my love, but hoping your extra study time yields the results you want (I know, I know, a painful science pun, but I couldn't help myself).
I'm counting the minutes until I see you again tonight.
Love always,
Nathan
Elizabeth read her letter four times through, oblivious to the passing lunch hour. Fortunately, Robert's delivery came just a quarter before the hour, so she'd spent adequate time preparing their upcoming lab that afternoon. Had Robert handed her Nathan's letter earlier, all hope would've been lost for making any sense of proteins and polymers.
From the moment she'd somehow inhaled Nathan's scent from the envelope, only one example of chemistry filled her mind. And that was her predictable reaction to Nathan Grant – a notable temperature change in the form of heat combined with the reliable increase in her heart beat.
"Mrs. Thornton?"
Elizabeth recognized that sweet voice anywhere. Drawn from her mental study of a certain Mountie, her eyes fell upon his daughter, who was standing in the doorway with clear hesitation.
"Hi Allie," Elizabeth answered, smiling at the dear girl she'd grown to love as her own daughter. When Allie didn't respond right away, Elizabeth grew concerned. "Is everything all right?"
"Yes, yes, of course," Allie assured Elizabeth. She felt awkward stepping in and making a suggestion to her teacher. Yet, having witnessed the new propensity in both her dad and her teacher toward distraction, she guessed correctly that they appreciated interventions to redirect their focus.
So, Allie played it casually, attempting to avoid any embarrassment on her teacher's part. "I thought I might start up a new game of kickball with the younger children," she explained, and then told a small fib, "but I can't remember when recess ends."
Elizabeth's eyes widened and she quickly glanced at her watch, sensing what she immediately knew to be true – her set time of ending lunch and recess had long since passed, by fifteen minutes in fact. If Allie hadn't so covertly nudged Elizabeth about the time, she's not sure how long she would've sat there pondering on the chemistry she shared with Nathan.
"Thank you, Allie, for reminding me of the time," Elizabeth smiled humbly. Since no other children had ventured into the schoolhouse yet, she took advantage of their few moments alone.
"It's a little embarrassing, to be honest, how distractible I can be these days," Elizabeth admitted, as she walked toward Allie. A playful smirk spread across her lips as she caught Allie's gaze. "I'd say it's for a good cause, though, wouldn't you?" she asked, before affectionately pulling Allie into a side hug.
"It's for the best cause," Allie replied with a knowing smile. Then, returning to her original excuse, she said decidedly, "So, I guess I won't start up a new game," and turned instead to help gather the reluctant children back into the schoolhouse.
Elizabeth's heart warmed at the clever way Allie gently reminded her of the time. Allie was a Mountie's daughter, that was certain. Though, as Elizabeth watched Allie herd the children, she couldn't help but note her own strengthening maternal love she felt for the teenage girl.
Despite the late return to the classroom, Elizabeth rang the cowbell for good measure, anyway, attempting to maintain whatever degree of normalcy she could manage in her "new normal."
The students filed past their teacher, their eyes extra bright and their cheeks particularly flushed by the bonus playtime outdoors. As much as Elizabeth preferred control in the classroom, she thought with a new degree of allowance, a little extra recess never hurt anyone.
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Within the Mountie office, Hope Valley's constable was facing a similar problem of distraction, though his attempts to focus were soon to become even more futile.
A tentative knock startled him from his thoughts. As his eyes focused, Nathan smiled at the visitor. Immediately, his heart picked up pace, instinctively knowing exactly what brought Robert to his desk long after the morning mail had been delivered.
"Hello, Robert. You made quick work today," Nathan said appreciatively, both surprised and excited that Elizabeth had apparently found the time to respond to his earlier letter.
"I delivered your letter at the end of Mrs. Thornton's lunch time, just like you said," Robert reported, "flowers and all."
Nathan couldn't help asking, "How did she respond?"
"Oh, she was so surprised, Constable Grant … and really happy. She smiled the whole time we were talking," he said, his own lips stretching into a satisfied grin at the memory. No longer in need of his mail satchel for this personal delivery, Robert simply held out the unmarked envelope, handing it over to Nathan. "Mrs. Thornton asked if it was possible for me to return to the school at 3:30, so I'm just coming from there now." Robert explained.
"Thank you, Robert, truly." Nathan reached into his pocket and pulled out some coins, "I want to pay you for the extra back and forth."
"Oh, no need, Sir," Robert said, shaking his head. "Mrs. Thornton already gave me a half dollar," he revealed, beaming. Suddenly, feeling like he needed to defend his actions, he assured the man he saw as a mentor, "I wouldn't have accepted, but she insisted … told me to get an ice cream or two."
As Nathan returned the coins to his pocket, he was the one compelled to explain, feeling a little sheepish for the extra errands the young man had taken on for their benefit. "We won't ask you to do this often, Robert," the Mountie promised. "But we couldn't do it without you, and I for one appreciate your willingness. I know Mrs. Thornton does, too. It's just something she started for fun," he added, hoping the boy, now nearly a grown man, understood without further explanation.
"I think it's inspirational, Sir," Robert quickly replied.
"You do?" Nathan asked, intrigued by his comment. "How's that?"
"Well, to be frank, one of the reasons I wasn't sure I could be a Mountie was because they seemed so stoic, and that just wasn't me." He looked down as he softly and simply mumbled. "I feel a lot" with a self-conscious shrug. "But seeing how much you love Mrs. Thornton, and Allie, and Little Jack, too, makes me see it all a little differently, you know? Like that acting tough doesn't mean you have to be tough, if that makes sense."
"I'm glad to hear that Robert." The young man instantly grew another two inches at Constable Grant's validation. The uniformed Mountie stood from the desk and walked around it as he asked Robert, "Can I tell you something?"
Not as a Mountie, but as a man, Nathan stood across from Robert and explained, "I didn't grow up around the best men. My father wasn't around much." Nathan suddenly debated how much to tell. But, wanting to prove his point, he divulged more than he normally would. "He was in and out of prison, actually."
Robert's eyes grew wide in response. Though he remembered the shock across town when Constable Grant arrested his own father, he knew better than to ask details.
Nathan leaned against the desk, lowering himself just enough to meet Robert's eyes directly. "So, from twelve on, I worked regular hours at the shipyard to help support my family. And trust me, that was no place for a boy. But I toughened up quickly, and the only way I made it through was by learning to rely solely on myself."
Robert continued to listen, understanding this wasn't meant to be a conversation, and eager to learn from someone he'd always deeply respected.
"Your dad is a good man, Robert, as are you. You've been blessed to have a family who could be there for you in ways mine never could. There's no harm in that. I became tough out of necessity. But, my way wasn't the best way, and I'm learning that now. So, being tough? You're exactly right, Robert. I might be imposing as a Mountie. But what I've found," he said warmly, resting a fatherly hand on Robert's shoulder "is that love is what gives me the most strength and makes me feel the most brave."
As the jail grew suddenly quiet once Nathan finished his words of hard-earned wisdom, the gravity of his lesson settled on the impressionable young man standing before him.
"Thanks, Constable Grant," Robert said, duly somber with what his mentor had just so willingly shared. Pausing a moment to gather his thoughts, Robert added with a heartfelt smile, "That feels true to me, too."
Nathan nodded, acknowledging Robert's words. Holding up the letter, Nathan said with genuine gratitude, "I appreciate this, Robert," returning to what started this unanticipated conversation. He'd held the letter from the moment it was delivered, unwilling to separate from the words of love he knew were contained within the envelope. Nathan stood now, and returned to his desk.
"Anytime," Robert responded to his mentor, "And I mean that, Sir," Unable to find the right words to express the connection he felt to the constable, he instead focused on the source of their shared admiration. "Mrs. Thornton is the best teacher. I just want her to be happy."
"Me, too," Nathan replied as an openly loving smile filled the seasoned Mountie's face.
Robert grinned in response, his young heart thrilled to be such a special part of their love story. "Well, enjoy your letter, Sir," he offered with a knowing look, "and thank you for the advice."
As the door closed, an unexpected atmosphere of romance filled the Mountie office, a place where, naturally, not many love letters had been penned nor read.
Nathan's eyes slowly read every single word written by Elizabeth's hand, trying to hear her voice as if she were reading it aloud.
My dearest Nathan,
Before I declare my love for you, which, not to worry, will be included in this letter, I must fully assign blame to you for taking over nearly every thought of mine this afternoon. How could I possibly focus on science when I knew an entire day of "adventuring" with you is just around the corner? Lucky for you, my lunch time studying prepared me well for our lab and we avoided any further mess beyond what I expected.
I'm clearly excited beyond even the words I can express for our time together on Saturday. You are mighty secretive, Constable, but I will come prepared based on your instructions.
Thank you, Nathan, for setting aside an entire day just for the two of us. I love you more than you can imagine, more than the stars in the sky, and somehow only feel complete when I'm with you.
You have my heart forever,
Elizabeth
Her words immediately spread to his heart, captivating every curve and crevice. How could they not? Perhaps, it may be atypical by society's standards for a man to be romantic, but it was his belief that expectation was only in place because few men knew the experience of being loved by a woman like Elizabeth.
Despite being at work, Nathan allowed his mind to wander, just for a moment, fantasizing as to how he might respond if Elizabeth were ever to deliver such a letter herself. Based on past experience, he knew the first step he'd take – locking the door to avoid interruption. As Nathan indulgently considered the actions he'd take next, his hopeful eyes jumped to the door at the sound of footsteps.
When it was Bill who unexpectedly strode in, Nathan immediately attempted a blank stare, all too aware of Bill's unique ability of perception.
"Was that Robert I just saw?" Bill asked innocently, attempting to covertly discover any new information on Nathan and Elizabeth.
Bill had been present a couple of weeks ago when Robert delivered the initial unmarked letter from Elizabeth, inviting Nathan on their first unchaperoned date. Knowing what Bill implied when mentioning Robert's visit, Nathan didn't waste time getting to the point.
"Bill, there's no need to play it casual with me. I know exactly what you're doing."
"Fine by me," Bill answered quickly. "I prefer being blunt anyway. Did Robert bring by another letter from Elizabeth?"
Nathan couldn't help his revealing smile.
"I see," said Bill, needing no confirmation. Deciding to continue with this refreshingly open candor, Bill asked, "How are things going between you and Elizabeth?"
Nathan noted the underlying smile tugging at Bill's lips. Since Bill himself had rescued the family of four from their road trip fiasco, Nathan knew of Bill's delight at the mounting evidence that Nathan and Elizabeth were no longer moving as slow as molasses. In fact, it felt like they'd jumped aboard an express train, and neither man could be more pleased with the improved pacing.
Appreciating their deepening friendship, Nathan took a moment to confide in Bill. He detailed the family schedule they'd started on the first day of school, and described his surprise at how natural it felt to already integrate so fully in their day to day lives.
"Is anything holding you back now?" Bill pressed, anxious for this family to make it official.
Nathan shrugged his shoulders with some frustration and released a sigh. "Time," he said simply. "The days are flying by. The family moments are priceless …" Nathan suddenly slowed, touched by the instant memories that flooded his mind. "That Little Jack," he said, smiling with a distant look in his eyes, "And Allie!" Nathan added. Looking directly at Bill, he expressed his wonder. "I mean, Elizabeth is opening her heart in ways I never imagined!"
Bill smiled warmly, knowing just how much this family of four needed each other.
"But …?" Bill said, wanting to focus in on the reasoning behind any potential delay.
"It's a challenge to schedule in time for just the two of us, which is why," Nathan said, holding up Elizabeth's letter triumphantly, "I sent a letter with Robert today. He delivered it to Elizabeth at lunch. I arranged with Rosemary and Allie to watch Little Jack this Saturday."
"Count me in, too, Nathan, anytime. I may not be the obvious choice for a babysitter," Bill said gruffly with a smirk, "But …
"Thanks, I appreciate that Bill, and I know I'll take you up on your offer," Nathan added, grateful for the growing connection he could feel between the two of them.
"In fact," Bill piped up, instantly flooded with a brilliant idea . "I'm suddenly free to babysit your desk. It's not quite four. Go find Elizabeth, and enjoy an hour or so together before you both need to head home."
Nathan was about to respond with a, "Bill, you don't have to …"
But instead, he graciously declared, "Thanks, Bill. I owe you one."
"Yes, you do," Bill quipped, "and, as you know, I'm always content to be paid in details."
Nathan raised a warning finger. "Within reason," he replied, knowing Bill's insatiable curiosity needed boundaries.
"I'll take what I can get," Bill said with acceptance.
"Done," agreed Nathan, and in only seconds, he'd picked up his serge and was out the door, unwilling to waste any of this precious time changing from his uniform.
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Author's Notes:
It's been incredible writing this second date, one that is more about the present and their future rather than repairing the past. I hope you enjoy each chapter. I love to know what felt particularly fun or touching to read, so any comments are definitely appreciated!
These characters belong to Hallmark's "When Call's the Heart." Any dialogue used from episodes is written in italics.