AN: A bit long for an actual drabble but didn't feel like making it it's own story. I have not seen any of the S11 episodes but the preview for episode 3 inspired this. If you fall into the St. Lucas or the only thing I can do is bash Lucas camps then this probably isn't for you because he's the grey character he was introduced as though perhaps he is recognizing his own faults a bit here.

Lucas sighed as once again Elizabeth quickly disappeared after changing pleasantries with him. He supposed he couldn't blame her. He had been awfully pushy in the past - what with his fake dates and "just friends" trip to Union City. Not that he had looked at any of those things that way but he had been willing to let Elizabeth keep her facade if it kept her from running scared. Being a gambler, he had learned to read people just like Mounties did. He liked to think he was even better than some Mounties. It was why he had let Nathan play the part of gentleman and give her space while he used a little subterfuge. He had been willing to take the gamble that when the Mountie finally spoke his heart, Elizabeth would come running to the option that didn't feel as real.

That she would come running to him.

As he watched Elizabeth's quick steps take her quickly around the corner, Lucas smiled. His plan had worked for a while. Still, things kept happening that reminded him that she still had feelings for Nathan Grant. Feelings that were not superficial or safe.

His speech about letting her go to follow her heart had not been a ploy. He had truly thought she would go running to Nathan. He was who she was supposed to be with. Even he had seen it.

But then she had come running back to him. Lucas sighed. He had let himself believe that it was true love because for once in his life he had found a place that called to him. Hope Valley felt like home - something that he had thought he would never find. Elizabeth had felt like a way for this town he had come to love to start accepting him as something other than the mysterious outsider.

Now it seemed as thought Elizabeth was trying to avoid him when most of the rest of the town was ready to accept him as one of their own. Acceptance was something that he had a feeling Judge Avery would never be able to do when it came to him.

As Ned called out to him from the steps of the mercantile, Lucas put his thoughts aside and called out a greeting. He would have a conversation with Ms. Elizabeth Thornton. He just had to find a place where she couldn't run away from him.

Though he hadn't wanted to resort to cornering her in the school house, Elizabeth had left him no choice. Other than a quick check to make sure he was doing okay, she hadn't wanted to have a long conversation with him. He had something to say, and he planned on saying it before he left to go back to Capitol City.

Entering the school house, the gambler turned governor saw the quick glimpse of surprise that Elizabeth quickly masked.

"What brings the governor to our school house?" Elizabeth asked.*

As he walked toward the front of the school house, he felt the glances from the students as they pretended to be focused on their school work. Stepping close to her, Lucas kept his voice low.

"I have a question for you?"* Lucas told her, watching the emotions flit through her blue eyes.

"Now might not be the best time," Elizabeth told him in a hesitant voice.

"You've been avoiding me. I figured it was harder for you to run here."

"That's for sure," Elizabeth muttered.

Lucas smiled. He couldn't fault her for her frustration. "Just give me five minutes."

He waited as Elizabeth considered the request. Lucas thought that she was going to deny it at first. For once, he told himself that he would accept that from her and not push. Instead though, she sighed and turned to her class.

"I want you all to continue working. I am going to step outside for a few minutes to speak with Governor Bouchard," Elizabeth told her students.

Turning to him, she motioned to the side door. Lucas nodded and headed toward it. Opening it, he held it for her to exit first. Once outside, they went down the steps and took a couple of steps away from the school house.

"What did you want to ask me?" Elizabeth asked, turning to face him.

Knowing she wasn't going to tolerate small talk, Lucas chose to ask the direct question no matter the results. "Why are you still dancing around your feelings for Nathan instead of becoming the family you all deserve?"

Elizabeth's mouth dropped open as she looked at him in shock.

Lucas smiled. "I saw you at his birthday party. You both still have feelings for each other. You and I both know that your feelings for him were deeper than anything you ever felt for me. Allie deserves a mother in her life and Jack a father. A man who is actually ready to be a father and not just trying to be the little guy's buddy."

Elizabeth smiled. "You were out of your element with him but you tried. I appreciated that."

"Thank you," Lucas said. "I thought I had stayed away long enough for you and Nathan to sort things out. I didn't come back to make things more difficult but I think I have."

Elizabeth nodded. "I've hurt Nathan in the past and I think he is doubting me again with your arrival," she admitted.

"I can't say I blame the guy," Lucas said. "So perhaps it is time you stop trying to protect your heart and take the risk for true love. Even I could see your feelings for Nathan. It is his uniform that scares you - not him. The truth is though Elizabeth that danger is all around us. As a politician I am more aware of that. Don't let fear rob you of true happiness."

Elizabeth looked at him in shock. To be honest, he was surprising himself with his little speech.

"And now I've said my piece. I'll let you get back to your class. Embrace life Elizabeth - with the man and young lady that can make you and your son truly happy."

With that, Lucas turned and walked toward town. He had done what he needed to do. Now, it was up to Elizabeth and Nathan to figure out the rest.

*Dialogue taken from season 11 episode 3 preview.