Chapter 10 the Date
Carson continues to monitor Nathan and while his shoulder has healed Carson doesn't like the ongoing bruise Nathan has. He will allow Nathan back to work next week, but only for light duty and no horse riding. Nathan is upset but dutifully tells Gabe and Mountie headquarters and Gabe will stay for the next two weeks.
Nathan moves his focus to his first date with Elizabeth. Since Nathan can't ride his options are limited at this time, but he thinks he has figured it out. Allie goes off to her sleepover wishing Nathan good luck—she wants to know his plans and he refuses to tell. She tells him to stand tall, look Elizabeth in the eye and talk to her and tell her nice things. Elizabeth dresses carefully, Rosemary floats in and offers advice and wants to know what is planned. She is frustrated when Elizabeth has nothing to share.
Nathan goes to Elizabeth to take her on the date. He is nervous and almost speechless when she opens the door as she looks so beautiful. "Elizabeth" h breathes, "You look so beautiful". Shyly Elizabeth looks down and slightly blushes and says "Thanks so much". With that Nathan puts out his arm to escort her and the butterflies are gone for each other. Puzzled, Elizabeth allows him to escort her to his backyard where he has turned his back yard into a romantic setting. There is a little gazebo lit by lanterns with a small table beautifully decorated with a lace tablecloth and a wildflower centerpiece. In the other corner of the yard is a beautiful fire pit ringed by stones with wooden seats and cushions. Elizabeth is shocked and says "Nathan?" Nathan tells her he wanted the first date to be special and because of his injury his options were limited.
Elizabeth is thrilled when he seats her and offers her champagne. Bill has provided an artful and beautiful dinner and Elizabeth is mesmerized. Nathan states "You didn't think I could do this? Did you?" with a smile. Elizabeth admits she didn't realize Nathan has this romantic side to him. Nathan states "I wanted to make this special for you as you are special to me" Her eyes just shine with emotion. Nathan lightens the moment by suggesting a toast to many more special nights like this.
During dinner Elizabeth talks of growing up in Hamilton and her decision to move to Hope Valley. She laughs at some of her memories of learning how to live in a frontier town and learning how to manage the classroom. She talks of her decision of deciding to remain in Hope Valley after Jack passed and how she can't imagine living anywhere else raising Little Jack.
They move to the fire pit and Elizabeth admires the seats and cushion and Nathan tenderly gives her a blanket and they look at the stars. She is impressed with his knowledge and Nathan said he learned it all from his Uncle Nate. He was his mother's older brother and once there were problems with his father they went to live with uncle and aunt who had no children. They had a farm and a lake house and Nathan loved it. It was clear he idolized his uncle who taught him how to ride, fish, woodwork and astronomy. He described the uncle as strong and quiet who loved to dream and fix things and solve puzzles. He had some business and hoped Nathan might follow in the business. When Nathan chose the Mountie path his family was supportive of this as well. Elizabeth remarked " You sound a lot like your uncle and you solve puzzles just in a different way. Nathan then says I am not half the man my uncle was. ":
Nathan gets up to fill their wine glasses and turns and sees Elizabeth in the moonlight. He sits next to her and tells her how she is more beautiful than the stars. They stare at each as gravity pulls them together for a kiss which is tender but passionate—they break apart and look wonderingly at each other and kiss again. They pull apart and catch their breath and then just hold each other. Nathan walks her home and asks her if they continue down this path of getting to know each other. Elizabeth speaks from the heart of how much the night has meant to her and she looks forward to deepening the relationship. Nathan smiles and gives her a chaste kiss. He then asks if he can take Little Jack fishing tomorrow—with Allie and Gabe which she agrees to.