Chapter 35 After the Storm
Oh his way home he is stopped by Lee who says everybody is at Elizabeth's as she and Rosemary cooked for everyone who was out in the storm. He taps on Elizabeth's door and Allie lets him in. "Dad", she cries, "Are you Ok?" He hugs her and assures he is fine. . He finds his mother and William entertaining Jack who immediately wants Nathan's attention. Nathan swings him up in his arms and starts to play with him. "Let' see what's in the kitchen" he says.
Rosemary says "Nathan we ate, but we kept a plate warm for you, here sit down and I'll get it". "No rush" he says. Elizabeth comes up to him and he gives her a quick kiss on her cheek. She looks at him shyly. All of a sudden everyone begins to leave. Lee pleads exhaustion and Rosemary says "Let's get you home to rest" His mother and William leave as they say they are tired. William says "How about a chess lesson Allie" and she goes willingly with them. Nathan says "Hey save a game for me." Allie says "Dad it's OK, I know you are tired and you want to talk to Mrs. Thorton. You have been really busy, another night".
Suddenly Elizabeth and Nathan are alone with Little Jack. "That looked a little obvious Elizabeth what's going on" he asked. "Really they know you have been working hard as they have and everyone knew it would be an early night. I think they also want to give us some time" Elizabeth says. Nathan still holding Jack says "I missed you"; Elizabeth puts her head down and blushes. She says "Nathan last night"—he stops her and says "Please tell me you think that was as amazing as I did". Blushing Elizabeth says "Yes , it was really amazing". "I think we may have really found something here Elizabeth and I promise I will not let my guard down as much in the future, but I can dream. When I am with you I feel soooo words can't describe it Elizabeth." Nathan says. Elizabeth replies "I know Nathan it just feels really special". "Please don't be shy around me Elizabeth, I think our shared passion is incredible and so special and our secret" Nathan states. "Thank you Nathan for saying this as I feel the same way." Elizabeth confesses.
Little Jack then claims their attention and the moment is broken. They discuss the day and school will be off for one more day. Elizabeth wants to work on her book as Laura can now get through and watch Jack. She is going to write tomorrow at the Coulters as the house will be empty and she hopes to get a lot done. She has promised she will have a rough draft done by the end of the year and she is worried about that. Nathan says "well I will do my best not to interrupt you and let you alone so you can concentrate. However is there any time on Saturday night where we can have a date and spend some time alone." Elizabeth says "I would love that, but good luck finding a private spot for us our group continues to grow. It's not so simple any more Nathan" she says smiling. "I know I think you may be getting your wish to have a houseful of people" he replies.
"I better go and check on Allie" he says. "I will let you know about Saturday, I have some ideas". With that he stands to go and they kiss.
Once home he finds his mother fondly watching Allie play chess with William. Nathan asks his mom if she can watch Allie and Jack on Saturday night and she agrees. After some pleasant conversation William says "I should go". Maura walks him to the door and he kisses her on the cheek. Nathan and Allie are shocked and send glances back and forth at each. Maura turns from the door and serenely says "I am tired I think I will go up" , Nathan says "MOM?" Maura says "I am a grown woman and can do as I please, I don't question you Nathan". He is left staring up the steps and Allie has wisely kept quiet. Nathan turns from the steps and says "Why do I feel like I am 10 and just got reprimanded." "Wow Dad I didn't think you could mess up, welcome to being a kid again" Allie says Maura's voice drifts down . "I heard all that". Nathan just shoots Allie a look.
