‘When Calls The Heart’: Erin Krakow Talks Season 10 Finale & Confirms Chris McNally’s Future
Erin Krakow has opened up about the dramatic end to Season 10 of When Calls the Heart, including her character’s relationship with Lucas (Chris McNally) and Nathan (Kevin McGarry) and what that cliffhanger means for Season 11.
To get readers up to speed, this season saw Elizabeth (Krakow) grow distant from Lucas despite previously accepting his marriage proposal. With Lucas running for governor, which would mean leaving Hope Valley if he won, Elizabeth decided to call off the engagement and end the relationship in the penultimate episode.
The season finale saw Lucas elected governor, and Elizabeth was there by his side to offer her support. However, towards the end of the episode, a mysterious figure pulled up in a car to confront Lucas. In the final moments, a concerned Bill (Jack Wagner) interrupted Elizabeth and Nathan to tell them that Lucas urgently needed help.
With how things ended, some viewers wondered if this was the show’s way of killing McNally’s character off. However, that is not the case, as Krakow confirmed in an interview with ETOnline.
“We’re not gonna lose Chris McNally,” she stated. “I mean, he’s fantastic. I can’t imagine that. Our show just grew and changed when we brought in Kevin and Chris.”
David Dolsen / ©Hallmark Channel / Courtesy Everett Collection
Krakow promised that the questions raised at the end of the Season 10 finale will be answered early in Season 11. “I can say that the good news is that those questions will be answered,” she said. “And pretty much right away, so we’re not gonna have to wait too long in season 11 to get those answers.”
However, she did say that “the Nathan and Elizabeth journey may be a bit slower,” adding, “but we will be dropping hints as much as we can.”
Hallmark/YouTube
Talking about Elizabeth’s break-up with Lucas and her lingering connection with Nathan, Krakow shared, “And then I think that there is just maybe something happening in Elizabeth’s heart that she can’t quite deny as much as she once tried.”
Krakow also acknowledged how some fans might be disappointed by the end of the Elizabeth/Lucas romance, admitting, “It may be tough on some of our fans, but what I really appreciate about it is it’s a story of two people who still have a very deep love for one another.”
“I think that they were just being true to what was in their hearts, and you can’t argue with that,” she continued. “They are being true to their authentic self, so, I mean, I think it was the right move.”
When Calls the Heart, Season 11, TBA, Hallmark Channel
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Definitely liked Elizabeth and Lucas together better than with Nathan. Not happy when the writers ended their relationship.
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Putting Elizabeth and Nathan together is like her trying to replace Jack in Little Jacks eyes. All her confusion started when she gave little Jack his father's Mounty hat. Lucas more of a stable kind of guy and is better suited to Elizabeth's character, background and upbringing. Nathan is a good guy but immature in the relationships. Both men can protect them in that respect but Nathan brings more direction to where the story can go. Nathan's character would be just a regurgitation of the Jack and Elizabeth story. The only way the story could change is if Nathan left being a Mounty for some reason and pursued a different career in Hope Valley.
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I want to see Nathan and Elizabeth together. And spead up the story. Too slow moving.
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Elizabeth needs to grow up. As the governor’s wife she could have done more for education and make a positive impact for more children than teach in a one room school house. I have seen Kevin in other Hallmark movies as the romantic lead and to me he comes across as very animated and his romantic scenes seem forced and unemotional. I’m really sorry to see Lucas and Elizabeth part. Not sure if I have any interest in watching season 11.
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I totally agree with you. I can’t watch it any longer. The writers got it wrong
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I feel her chemistry has always been with Lucas, I feel like the writers decided to do a 180 when they got backlash over her Lucas pick. It doesn’t seem true to Elizabeth’s character for her to go that gas with Lucas just to break it off later. It feels more like a soap now then a progressive show.
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These comments by Erin don’t bode well for the reunion of Lucas and Elizabeth. But who knows, we have been misled before. However, while there should be a separation of time from the break up to her getting with Nathan, if that’s what is goi g to happen, dragging it out won’t be good. I stand by my comments before that Elizabeth and Nathan getting together is not creative, it’s just a retread. Plus the show shouldn’t continue to completely revolve around her love life.
What I liked about the past two seasons was as Elizabeth and Lucas’s relationship was developing and deepening, at the same time we were seeing storylines for the other characters. Now it seems we may be going back to more about her love life again. This is supposed to be about things on the frontier from her perspective not always about her.
I’m not really sure what the writers/show runners are trying to do or where they are taking it but it’s not translating in the final product. This was a good show but this past season did not demonstrate any continuity to the previous seasons.
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I always pulled for nathan and elizabeth to get together!! Love both lucas and nathan but elizabeth and nathan always made more sence!!
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I respect your opinion but to me, having her go with Nathan just seems like she’s still trying to find Jack. Meaning I feel like what she sees when she looks at Nathan is Jack, and not Nathan. That’s why I feel that if she does go to Nathan, it’s not a creative storyline. Let’s be honest too - we have no idea what she’s going to do as they (writers, actors and show runners) comments after past season have ended have mislead us, so I don’t put much weight on their comments now. Last year they were all excited for a wedding and the comments made led you to think Lucas and Elizabeth were going to continue to challenge and grow together, then without any real conversations- they just break up. They needed to develop this breakup of the expect us to believe it.
Overall, I feel the writers/show runners and Erin herself as a producer has “jumped the shark” on this. Even with Lucas becoming governor, there are so many more intriguing storylines to be had if Lucas and Elizabeth stayed together than not.
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Well I'm happy to hear that Chris ( Lucas) Isn't leaving the show that's good to know but disappointed that the romance between Nathan and Elizabeth in wilElizabeth l be slowly brewing instead of trying to get Lucas and Elizabeth back together romantically again. Elizabeth and Lucas deserves each not Nathan and Elizabeth it was never hinted at between. Elizabeth had a romance with a Mountie and his name was Jack Throton why put Elizabeth through that again with Nathan. And please bring back Abigail maybe she'll help talk some sense into Elizabeth
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Lucas is leaving the show.
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No he's not leaving the show, I've wished that Nathan was leaving the show and that the writers would bring in a new love interests for Elizabeth if it's not with Lucas.
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Agreed
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Disappointed for sure. I was looking forward to a Lucas, Elizabeth wedding. Nathan is such a boring character and just feels like Elizabeth trying to replace Jack with another mounty. I felt like Lucas and Elizabeth's Love story was so real and to go back on that now just feels like she doesn't know her own heart and isn't true to the character. Plus Lucas is hot and Nathan's is not even good looking and his interactions with Elizabeth make me cringe.
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Yes yes yes
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I really think the writers got it terribly wrong. I’m not disgusted. I am extremely disappointed to the point that I won’t watch again and I’m sure I’m not alone. The sky as Elizabeth pairing was so I. Point. There was a deep love and chemistry between them. I like Nathan but not for Elizabeth, I’m sorry to say. There is no chemistry. None what do ever. I did see chemistry between the doctor and Nathan. That would have been great. Good bye for me. I can’t watch anymore.
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Very disappointed. I like both Lucas and Nathan so my feelings aren’t because of who Elizabeth is with. But, she chose Lucas. What she’s doing now goes against the t core values of those Hallmark has always professed to hold. What happened to supporting your partner through thick and thin? Working through the tough times? She gave up way too easy. She has only shown concern for herself. Is that the type of role model you want to portray? And she definitely isn’t putting Little Jack first. He has developed such a great relationship with Lucas, his buddy. Now she’s gonna tear that apart? I know this is just a tv show, but if Elizabeth was my real life friend, I would be quite disappointed in her actions. At this point I don’t feel she’s worthy of any man. People turn to Hallmark to see the good in people. This is not that. I doubt I’ll watch another season.
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I am disappointed we are going back to another Elizabeth and the Mountie story. I was looking for something fresh.
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I’ve always thought that she would chose Nathan I was shocked when she chose Lucas. I will be thrilled to see that happen. I also want Lucas to be ok and stay on the show. Hoping they will bring back Abigail too.
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Yes, I’m really hoping that they will bring back Lori Laughlin as Abigail. The story line between her and Henry was/ is a great opportunity for development.
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I want Elizabeth to stay with Lucas! They have a chemistry that is apparent. Please don’t break them up.
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If she ends up with Nathan it’ll only be because he can’t get over Her dead husband
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I don’t see my couple, Lucabeth, getting back together at this point after Elizabeth let her feelings be known or lack of toward Lucas. Anything happening between Nathan and Elizabeth will be anti-climactic and boring.
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Agreed, but they have misled us before.
I still think she is trying to replace Jack.
And for us to believe that she chose Lucas b/c he was “safe” is also ludicrous - do they not remember he has a bit of a past that they really have never brought forward? I think is what makes him less “safe” than Nathan.
I just don’t believe after all of last season that was all a lie - I get that circumstances make relationships hard, but you don’t just quit without a real conversation.
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I agree. Elizabeth is weak and will probably go to Nathan, which is unacceptable, so I am through watching this series. I didn’t like Lucas getting hurt.
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I’m sorry I can’t watch the show any longer. The pairing of Lucas and Elizabeth was wonderful. Amazing chemistry and a deep love. They were exciting to watch. Nathan and Elizabeth is horrible. There is absolutely no chemistry. None! I think she’s confused and still mourning Jack thinking he can replace Jack. Puleeze let her come to her senses please. I’m out sad to say. I used to love the show. Nathan belongs with the doctor. Now they have chemistry. Bye when ca lol is the heart. I just can’t watch this mistake any longer.
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I totally agree with the 95% majority... Elizabeth and Nathan...make me puke. Too predictable, and Nathan has the personality of a sleeping turtle 🐢. I haven't liked this actor's character in any of the shows he's been in. We also didn't start watching WCTH to drone on as a soap. I very much agree that it's time for Lori to return, and let's develop a story there with Henry... he's actually my wife's favorite character. I also think it's time for Jack Wagner's character to have a bigger roll...In his old age, he's gotten much better as an actor as compared to when he was starting out on General Hospital.
We will watch the start of season 11, but our patience is growing thin. The writing is getting old and too predictable. If this continues, then it's time to wrap up the show.
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I feel the show is too much around Elizabeth love life. I saw her come alive with Lucas. There’s no romantic spark in Nathan in this show. He is a great actor in other movies which I love! Nathan will just be replacing Jack who I loved and only watched the show because of his character. Guess won’t be watching season 11
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I think its messed up that she continues to hurt both Lucas and Nathan. Elizabeth needs to step back and figure out herself before she hurts anyone else. It’s not just about her. She flirted with both from the beginning. I know it’s just a show but I don’t like the turn after all she has put them both through.
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The writers jammed way too much into these last few episodes. Nothing seemed real or with purpose. You’re gonna be governor…..is selfish after she promised to love and support Lucas. Blah
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Writers need to do better. Elizabeth losing credibility. She seems more fickle and lacking conviction, which makes for a weak protagonist. Her deep connection with Nathan was never really established, other than him also being a Mounty, so her sudden change of heart is not convincing, unless she is really that shallow. Is her decision because of her feelings have changed for Lucas, because she doesn't want to leave Hope Valley or because she has feelings for Nathan? Writers should have foreshadowed this storyline long before Nathan being held hostage, and not because of a jacket (can't remember if it was a jacket, hat or glove???). Very silly, guys. Not at all convincing and very forced emotions by Erin's acting -with reason. That scene in the stables with Henry was not one of her finer moments. Definitely not Erin, she's usually flawless, but it's clear she had little motivation. Doesn't matter if she ends up with Nathan or Lucas, someone new, or no one -writer's need to tighten up their storylines. At this rate, the Nathan-Elizabeth connection makes as much sense as if Rosmary and Lee would ever head to splits-Ville. Just sayin'...
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I think a mistake is being made if the show is reversing their decision and bringing Nathan back as Elizabeth’s love interest. About all that can be said for him is he is a tall Mountie with absolutely no personality. There are simply no sparks when they are together. In factElizabeth isn’t bubbling over at any time.
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I think Elisabeth should stay with Lucas if she goes with Nathan iam not watching no moreeeee
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I.wish they would leave Elizabeth and Lucas alone put them back together he is much more suited for her than Nathan I will not watch next season if they don't put them back together so please writers pay attention to the views
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#getlucasandelizabethbacktogetherromantically
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If it is Nathan then I am moving on. It is a boring relationship. Lucas added excitement and tenderness.
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I am definitely loosing respect for Elizabeth and this show of unexpected indecision and lack of integrity. Her backtracking on her commitment regardless of the circumstances, just to reincarnate Jack's image, is pretty shallow, just as the storyline between her and Nathan is hollow. Very unreliable character (weak writing), -she seems quite a silly at this point. There are so many storylines that lack substance (like the town's Pastor's wife having more faith than him), in the last two seasons. At this point, am almost expecting for Rosemary and Lee to head for divorce over some silly distraction in Season 11.
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I feel the comments are harsh, I love the show and I'm always disappointed that season ends to soon. I can understand why she has doubts.
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I feel the same way. Elizabeth and Lucas should get married in season 11. Lucas was so
great with Little Jack. I was very disappointed when Elizabeth and Lucas broke up.
Where is the Love story Elizabeth was suppose to write when she was with Lucas professing
here Love to Him in the Library. If they do not put Elizabeth back with Lucas. That will be the
end of me watching season 11.
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I am torn between Lucas and Nathan. I first wanted Nathan and her to pair up. I then was disappointed when Lucas came into picture. Lucas grew on me as the season went on. I could definitely see why Elizabeth would not like her life in the city.
I am excited to see Nathan and Elizabeth back together. That has been how I have felt from the beginning. I think people will start to like Nathan again as their relationship develops more. Nathan will be on camera and be more in the story. So excited for next season
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I want be watching if they put Elizabeth and Nathan together..
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Not good
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I think the chemistry was between Elizabeth and Lucas. I was happy when they ended up together. Not to be rude, but the character of Nathan has no personality and would be better suited for another. Also of Elizabeth was not sure, she should not have excepted Lucas’s proposal. At this point I think I have decided not to watch next season.
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I fully agree. A very weak and selfish decision. The show is ruined for me
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The show is officially ruined for me. Elizabeth is being selfish all the time and self centered at this point. It’s ridiculous for the show to have drug on her inability to choose for so long, to have her choose and now back out and “wish her heart was in it”. She shouldn’t have ever been with him in the first place if she didn’t love him. And if she loves him, how can you choose a place over the love of your life. How can you tell
Him You’re fine with him running and then leave him. If he didn’t run, your wouldn’t have a town. I just think this is so morally wrong and so I can’t even stand Elizabeth’s character anymore. And I can’t watch a show where I hate the main character.
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That's what I've wanted to know, Why did Elizabeth choose Lucas over Nathan if that's was going to be the case between them then? Why did she tell Nathan that she's not inlove with Nathan that she see Jack Throton in Nathan and she'll be loving the idea of Jack Throton in Nathan and it wouldn't be fair for neither one of them so why would she of to go through that again with Nathan? Why did she expect Lucas proposal if she wasn't inlove with Lucas or her heart wasn't in their relationship between them? Why did she take off her wedding ring in order for her to move on from Jack Throton finally to Lucas? I mean did she ever loved Lucas or was she just stringing him along toying with his emotions like that and her students hit the nail on the head with those questions I mean she couldn't even answer them saying that two people were just better off as friends oh please Elizabeth don't give that you know that you and Lucas were more than just friends.
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The breakup is not surprising and when she chose Lucas initially, it was alluded to then that her story with Nathan was not over. Elizabeth has never wanted the kind of life that she ran from initially, so it does not surprise me that she chose to break off the engagement and stay in Hope Valley. She is choosing to place her dreams first. This was foretold in the eposode where her family comes to visit and her mother implies that They should "move to the city" so that Lucas could do "bigger things" than Hope Valley can offer.
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I shouldn't be surprised by the negative reactions from others but frankly, I am. I always felt that Elizabeth's heart was with Nathan, but she was afraid to lose him like she did Jack, or was afraid that she was simply trying to replace Jack by choosing the man who came to town to fill the open mountie position, so she chose Lucas as the "safe" choice. Change is hard, & I get that. Everyone was so angry when Jack was killed off. I remember reading posts from people saying they were done watching (wonder how many actually did stop watching, & how many are now pro Lucas and complaining again). I always thought Elizabeth & Lucas were too different, and not a good fit. Great for friends, but not to be more. I'm excited to see what next season brings.
And unlike so many others, I think the writers are brilliant! And a cast as talented as the WCTH cast can make anyone a believer, if they just keep an open heart & mind.
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I think Nathan and Elizabeth will have a strong friendship. One of the last scenes where she is visiting Jack's grave and, revealing what was really in her heart was very moving. I think she appreciates Nathan as a dear friend. Though she cares for Lucas I see why she made her choice. Everyone in Hope Valley has been her and Little Jack's family. They care for them and protect them...she could never leave them. Next season will be... in my guess... full of more adventures and not a lot of romance...living as a community and good friends. Little Goldie will be older...so her and little Jack will probably find some mischief.
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I’ve got to say is, ugh ! If the writers are going backwards to the Elizabeth/Nathan thing I’m going to just stop breathing all together in disappointment , I’m sorry but Nathan is booorrrrrrriiiiiiinnnnnngggggg ! And why on earth would we go through a replay. Please let’s move on with Lucas and Elizabeth having an awesome life together. And focus on other storylines. What’s wrong with E & L having a great future together as husband & wife with little jack. There are other couples on this show you know …….. E & L forever !!!! ❤️💕🫠
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I love the show,However I never thought Lucas was her best choice.I hope Nathan will be the love of her and little Jack's life.Or bring back Jack into the picture. Where he was captured or injured he couldn't get home.Let John find out and have tell Elizabeth. She waits with anticipation for his arrival home .She cares for him as his days of being a mountie is over.That would solve the problem between Lucas and Nathan..If not Nathan is my choice.The show it great regardless
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I think Elizabeth and Nathan should have been put together and Ill say no more about that but no matter the outcome I will continue to watch because it's a great SHOW..some comments on here sound as though people are talking about their own family. I like the show and look forward to watching but I know it's not my personal family and I believe in the writers that they will keep it interesting
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I feel that Nathan and her have a spark when there together, something always lights up between them. She isn't ready to marry Lucas if she has any feelings at all for nathan
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I like Lucas but I love Nathan! He has grown on me. I think he showed how great of a person he is when he respected Elizabeth’s new relationship! He was hurt but he manned up! That was sexy as hell to me! I love the way he adopted his niece and loved her like his own which means he would love a kid that wasn’t his own (Jack).
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I wish they didn’t kill off Jack. I loved him and Elizabeth together. He should just come back and maybe he was on a top secret mission. And to protect her and hope valley they had to believe he was dead. I mean I don’t think anyone can fill his shoes.
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You mean how it was with David Michaela's ex fiancé whom she thought was dead in a war before she married Bryan Sully. As much that wouldn't be a good idea look at what happened with that but at least Michaela has chosen Sully not David or Andrew whomever he supposed to be at the end of that episode. I think Elizabeth heart is confused again on what she wants and her students hit the nail on the coffin by asking Elizabeth why didn't she get married? They didn't know what to do about voting for Lucas and Elizabeth didn't know how to answer them by telling them that some people are better off as friends you mean you and Nathan right not you and Lucas you didn't give back his engagement ring maybe there's still hope for you and him both.
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I wish that they didn't kill off Jack. Jack & Elizabeth had such wonderful romantic chemistry together ❤️ I would like to see them bring back Daniel as Jack. Have Nathan & the Doctor get together or Nathan & Fiona. Bring back Abigail to be with Henry. Oh well I love the show, so I will continue to watch no matter what happens.
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I was always disappointed that Elizabeth and Nathan didn't wound up together I think that they loved each other but she was always afraid of getting hurt again because of Jack dying the storyline with her and Lucas was okay but that was putting her back with somebody who was putting her in the situation that she grew up in and that's not what she wanted she likes living in the small town and raising her son there and I think she's always loved Nathan so I'm glad it's putting the storyline back toward that
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I wanted it to be Elizabeth and Nathan, I am thrilled! Just don’t drag it out too long.! I always thought it was fear that made her not pick Nathan!
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I was happy that Elizabeth broke it off Lucas. I was not happy with her choice the only reason I started watching again this season is hoping she break up with Lucus. Nathan is a better choice for her.
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Elizabeth’s heart beats Na-than Na-than. Sorry not sorry I’m all for the family man!
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Agree. Na-than
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