Chapter 61: Back in the Saddle

On Saturday morning, Julia walked to the livery, all dressed in her riding clothes and boots. She was excited about riding, but even more so about spending a whole day with Nathan, just the two of them. Her and Nathan, alone…all day. The thought of it made her heart rate pick up and the heat go straight to her cheeks.

Julia tried to deter her thoughts, by going through a mental list of what was in her basket, to make sure she'd remembered everything. She had made cookies, and packed chicken salad sandwiches, and some fruit. Her canteen was full and ready. And, she had brought a small towel in case they got their feet wet. Actually, she intended to get her feet wet.

When Julia entered the livery, Newton was already saddled. Nathan had taken him on rounds this morning, for the first time in a long while.

Julia's breath caught when she saw Nathan, looking so very handsome. He was wearing a soft white button down shirt with his sleeves rolled up, top few buttons open, and suspenders. His muscles tensed as he worked to saddle Ginger.

When he saw Julia, Nathan stopped what he was doing and immediately came to her. He kissed her cheek in greeting and gazed sweetly down at her. Julia was immediately caught up in the strong emotions between them, as she smiled up at him.

"Good morning, Constable." She said softly.

"Good morning, Jules." Nathan returned. He gently tucked a loose hair behind her ear and let his hand linger on her cheek. "How did you sleep?"

"Very good. I had dreams of a big barn and a paint horse, a beautiful stream, and a lovely sunset over rolling hills peppered with grazing horses." Julia said with a soft chuckle.

"Really? You dreamt of the ranch?" Nathan asked, intrigued. "And, were you all alone in this dream?" He asked, playfully.

"Of course not. Charlie was there, and Rebecca, and Allie…and even Colleen." She told him with a mischievous smile. Nathan let out a huge chuckle.

"Anyone else there with you, on my ranch?" He asked, clearly emphasizing that last part, though he realized she was clearly teasing him now.

"Yes, I'm sorry. I forgot. There was Willow, and Dakota, and Cedar, too." She said with a huge grin.

Nathan looked down at the space between them and nodded slowly, openly flirting. He stepped even closer, which caused her heart rate to pick up. "Sounds like a nice dream, Jules. Wish I could have been there with you." He told her with his crooked smile.

Julia placed her hand on his chest and also stepped closer. He felt his stomach turn to mush. She said softly, "My love, of course you were there. You were the first person I saw every morning and the last person I saw every night…as I closed my eyes."

Nathan's heart began to race as he realized what she was saying. "As in, we were…" he swallowed hard trying to calm his racing heart. "m…married?"

"Well, I hope so." Julia giggled, as she recognized the way he was looking at her. With longing. The very same longing she felt, gazing back at him. This conversation had caused her insides to become putty. "Otherwise, we are no longer upstanding citizens in this community." She told him with a timid grin.

Nathan gazed at her, curious. He swallowed the nervous ball in his throat. "So, how did it feel?"

"How did what feel?" Julia asked quietly.

Nathan wanted to know. "Being married to me?"

Julia whispered, "it was as natural as breathing."

Nathan clearly liked that response, and his face showed it, as he gazed down at her. "I can't wait to hear more about this dream." He told her, once more with his crooked smile. Julia blushed, took a deep breath, and slowly nodded.

Nathan raised her hand to his lips and kissed it, before returning to Ginger's saddle. Julia came over and petted her, and Ginger greeted Julia in return.

When she'd said her proper hello to Ginger, Julia went over to say hello to Newton. He nuzzled right into her neck, as he liked to do, and Julia petted him firmly on the neck. When she'd had her fill of Newton, Julia packed up Ginger's saddlebags with the items from her basket. When they were finally ready, Nathan led the two horses out of the livery. Julia mounted and got set on Ginger, while Nathan adjusted her stirrups and verified the cinch once more.

When he was satisfied, he looked up and asked her, "All set?"

"All set." Julia told him with a broad smile, obviously excited about the ride. Nathan smiled back at her and nodded. He went to Newton and mounted, and then shifted to get comfortable. It felt good to be back in the saddle, for the second time today.

The pair slowly started up the mountain, riding side by side. But once they both felt comfortable in the saddle again, Nathan picked it up a little. When they got to the first meadow, he put them into a canter, and Julia followed suit.

As they rode, Nathan gazed over at Julia. He found her absolutely breathtaking, with her radiant, happy smile and her hair bouncing and trailing behind.

They continued on up into the mountains. When they got to her meadow, Julia gave Nathan a playful look and took off on Ginger, tempting him to chase her. And, he did. He didn't miss a beat. And, Nathan and Newton were a sure bet, a powerful combo. He caught her easily and passed her, with a brilliant smile.

When they got to the other side of the meadow, Nathan slowed to let her catch up, but Julia blew right past him and kept racing. Nathan smiled and gently kicked Newton to catch her, and they did. Nathan rode up next to her and slowed them to a canter as they climbed.

The pair rode together and crossed a few more meadows before arriving at Nathan's meadow. They rode across it and stopped just next to the stream. They both dismounted and Nathan untacked the horses and let them drink. After that, he tethered them, so they could graze together.

Nathan brought the saddlebags to where he had spread out a blanket, under the oak tree. But then, he turned to Julia and asked her, "Will you take a walk with me?"

Julia answered, "Of course, my love." And, Nathan took her hand and gently threaded their fingers together. He led her along a path, following the little stream for a few minutes. Soon, Julia heard the sound of rushing water, and it became louder and louder, the more they climbed the path. When they came out into an open place, there was a lovely little waterfall.

Julia gasped, "Wow, it's so beautiful, Nathan." He led her closer. The little waterfall rushed down huge stones that had been made smooth by the rushing water. At the base of the waterfall was a shallow pool of dark blue, surrounded by plush green moss. It was just lovely. Nathan watched her as she discovered one of his favorite little hidden gems.

Julia looked up at him, when she realized that he was watching her. "Nathan, is this one of your spots?" She asked him.

"Yes, it is. I know you came up here with Allie and my mother. But, Allie told me she didn't bring you to the waterfall." Nathan said.

"No, she didn't." Julia told him as she watched the water cascading down. She turned her gaze back to Nathan, and he stepped close. He slowly tipped her chin up and bent to kiss her. Julia let one hand rest on his bicep, while the other rested on his chest. When their lips met, the fire was lit immediately. As the kiss deepened, his hand came up to gently cup her face. His other arm came strong around her back. Julia's hand slowly moved up his chest and around the back of his neck. Nathan felt his heart race even faster when her fingers played in the soft curls at the nape of his neck.

When Nathan pulled back a little and broke the kiss, both were breathless. Nathan gazed at her intensely, and stayed close. Then, he slowly pulled her into his arms and held her. As he did, he had to know if she felt the same fire every time their lips met. So, he came close to her ear and whispered. "Do you feel the fire, Jules?"

At his question, Julia's eyes closed. She felt overwhelmed with the fire as she went into his arms. Her lips were so close to his neck as she whispered breathlessly, "Yes. I feel the fire." She held him tight and stayed right there, close to his heart. Their breathing slowly fell into rhythm and she relished the moment of being so close. After her dream last night, when she'd had a little glimpse of the future, when she would wake up next to him, the fire was greatly amplified.

When Nathan finally calmed, he pulled back and took her hand. They walked back down to the blanket, next to the stream. Julia's stomach was so full of butterflies after the intense kiss, that she wasn't sure she could even eat. But, Nathan began laying out a lovely picnic. Julia brought her saddle bag close and set out her offerings: the sandwiches, fruit, and cookies. Nathan took her hand and said a little blessing and then handed her a plate. Then, they ate together.

When they were done, Julia helped him clean up and place everything back in the saddle bags. Nathan laid down on his back to look at the sky, and gently pulled Julia down next to him. Julia snuggled in close to his side, and laid her head back on his shoulder. She loved being so close to him, though it did feel a little too much like her dream from the night before.

As he gazed at the sky, Nathan couldn't take his mind off of Julia's dream. "Jules, will you tell me more about your dream?" Nathan asked her, curious.

"Well, what would you like to know?" Julia asked him.

"You met Colleen in your dream?" Nathan asked her.

"Yes. And, we became good friends." she answered.

Nathan looked down at her, loving this information. He was sure that Julia and Colleen would have been good friends, if they could have known each other.

"And we rode together, everyday." Julia told him.

"Who rode together?" He asked, curious.

"You and me. Sometimes we rode with your Mom, sometimes we rode with Allie, sometimes we rode with Colleen. And, sometimes you rode with Charlie. Or me with Allie and Colleen." Julia shared.

Nathan chuckled. "That's a lot of riding."

Julia giggled too, and turned a little bit towards him. "Yes, it was."

"And, what else did we do, Jules?" Nathan asked her.

Nathan noticed the way she blushed then. She mentioned that they were married in her dream, so he could easily imagine. He blushed too, at the thought of waking up next to her.

Julia swallowed hard and answered, "There was a lot of kissing."

Nathan turned toward her, and smiled. He liked that. He was absolutely sure he would never grow tired of kissing her. And, if the fire was any indication, he was quite certain there would always be a strong passion between them.

Nathan knew it was dangerous to ask her any more than that. So, he let the sleeping dog lie. His heart was already racing at the thought of just kissing her. To think of anything more at this point, would just bring more longing. And, he didn't want to spend the rest of the day trying to shake it off. So, he didn't let himself go there.

"Which horse did you ride, Jules?" He asked her, decidedly changing the subject.

"Sometimes Willow, sometimes Cedar." Julia told him. He nodded and then thought of something he'd wanted to ask for a little while now.

"Jules, would you ever consider getting your own horse?" Nathan asked her. He knew they would eventually need to get her a horse, considering what he had in mind for Bill's land. And, all of those dreams and plans most definitely included her. In fact, she was at the very center of those hopes and dreams. Without her, it would all be nothing.

Julia smiled up at him. "Of course I have considered it. It would be a dream come true. I just don't know where to start looking. And, I wouldn't even know when I'm ready. Don't I need to get a little better on horseback first?" Julia asked. She honestly wanted his advice.

"You are a good enough equestrian at his point, to merit your own horse. And, if and when you are really serious about it, I would be happy to help." Nathan told her. "But, you are also welcome to borrow Ginger anytime you like."

Julia smiled and told him. "Ok. I'll think about it."

Nathan nodded and turned back to look at the sky. "Julia, I know we haven't played one question in a while, but would you allow me just one more?"

Julia gave out a little giggle and said softly. "Ask away, my love."

"Ok, great. Then here it goes." Something that Nathan had wondered about for a long time now. "Jules, one question: where did you get the idea for One Question?"

Julia leaned back and took in the bright blue sky. The clouds were so stark white in contrast against the blue, and it was just beautiful. She took a deep breath.

It was an emotional story, for her at least, but she wanted to share it. So, she just started, "You remember the story of how my parents met, right?"

"Yes. Your dad met your mom at her family's café." Nathan of course, remembered.

"Well, my father liked my mom from the moment he laid eyes on her. He asked her dad permission to date her, but she was only 16 at the time. Mom's father was strict, and told my Dad that his daughter was too young to date, even though many of her friends were already dating or married." Julia paused and then continued. "Well, since her father hadn't given permission, my father wouldn't ask her out. He respected my grandfather, and wouldn't go against his wishes." Julia had always liked that about her dad. "So instead of courting, in order to see her and spend time with her, he would come into the café every single day. He just wanted to get to know her. And, each day when he came in, they played a little game called "One Question". Everyday he would ask her one question, and she would answer. And of course, she started asking him one question, too. And well, they got to know each other. And…eventually, they fell in love."

Nathan shifted and turned toward Julia. He had no idea that this was where one question had originated. He shifted up on his elbow to watch her now, and she just laid on her back, watching the sky.

"And, what happened next?" Nathan wanted to know. He needed to know.

"Well, eventually, Grandfather saw that my father's intentions were pure. Not to mention that he observed my Dad's character and perseverance over that entire year." Julia turned her head to look at Nathan. "So, as soon as Mom turned 17, my grandpa allowed them to court." Julia explained softly.

"And, then?" Nathan somehow knew there was more. His gaze was fixed on her.

"It didn't take long, and there was only one question left, that he was burning to ask her." Julia told him, as he held her gaze. He knew, without a doubt, what that one question was. He didn't even need to ask, it was the same question he was burning to ask. And, the fire was burning strong now, as he looked down at Julia.

She was so very beautiful laying next to him on the blanket. Her hair was framing her face as she gazed at him. Her dimple was evident on one side and her lips seemed to draw him in. Her blue eyes were deep with emotion and her cheeks rosy.

Nathan rasped, "And how long were they engaged, after he asked that last question?"

"I'm not sure, actually." Julia said softly. That was a question she'd never thought to ask. "They were married when she was still 17. So, it must have been less than a year. My mother was still in her studies then, so that might have slowed them down a bit." She surmised.

"Really? What did she study?" Nathan asked, curious.

"Mom wanted to be a writer. So, she studied literature. But, she never finished her diploma. There weren't any universities in Peggy's Cove. And she didn't want to be away from my dad for a single day. So, to leave him and go away to university, was out of the question." Julia explained. "She was happy to just be a wife, and run the café."

"So, did she ever write?" Nathan asked.

"She did. We have quite an extensive library at home, and using it, she studied literature on her own." Julia told him. "And, she wrote. I have her manuscripts at home in Peggy's Cove. She wrote some lovely novels. I have no idea if she ever tried to publish any of them. My Dad always tried to encourage her. But, then she died so young…"

Nathan now understood where Julia's love for reading and her knowledge of literature came from. "That's perhaps why you like to read." He told her with a smile.

Julia turned her head to look at him again, "Dad made sure Jake and I read a lot. His way of keeping us out of trouble was to keep our noses in books." Julia giggled. "It worked for the most part. But, we still managed to end up in the Coast Guard's custody, and we both spent our fair share of time in detention." She finished with a smile.

Nathan chuckled at her. "Somehow, I can absolutely imagine it."

At that, Julia gave him a brilliant smile. It was a hot day, and all this talk had her feeling a bit mischievous. So, she sat up, and started to remove her riding boots.

Nathan had already known that they would end up in the water. So, he sat up too, and started removing his own boots.

Julia had her feet bare in the blink of an eye, and was in the process of rolling up her pant legs, when Nathan swooped down and grabbed her up. She screamed gleefully and let out a a steady stream of giggles as he carried her. She began squirming in his tight grasp, and he too, was laughing heartily. He carried her to the water, and had intended to gently set her down, once they were knee-deep. However, once he was in, and the water about halfway up his calf, he slipped. And, down they both went, laughing and screaming, into the water. On the way down, Nathan managed to lessen the blow to both of them, by sort of sitting down. But, they both ended up soaking wet, from the chest down.

The water was cold, shockingly cold. So, Julia quickly entangled herself from Nathan's grasp and managed to stand up. The breath was completely knocked out of her, from the shock of the cold water. But, when she finally managed to make noise again, all she could do was laugh. In fact, they were both laughing so hard, neither could even manage to ask if the other was okay.

Nathan managed to stand also, and he just pulled Julia into his embrace. And, there they stood, in the middle of the stream, soaking wet and wrapped up in each other's arms. Laughing. Uncontrollably.

Eventually, Nathan pulled back and looked down at her. He managed to sputter out, "Jules, are you okay?"

Julia stayed close in his arms, desperately needing his body heat to keep warm. But, she rested her chin on his chest and looked up at him, with chattering teeth. "Only my pride is injured." She said with another giggle. "And, you, my love?"

Nathan replied, in between chuckles. "Only my pride and my backside." And they laughed together once more. She held tight to him, trying to warm up. And, he ran his hands up and down her arms and back, trying to create heat, to warm her up.

Finally, Nathan leaned down and scooped her up again, eliciting another surprised little scream from Julia. She wrapped her arm behind his neck and held on tight. He carried her out of the water, careful this time. Once on firmer ground, he fixed his gaze on her. He couldn't help himself, but was drawn in by their close proximity. He brought her over to the blanket and slowly set her down, right in the sunshine. When he straightened, their bodies touching, it was impossible to make any of his muscles move. Nathan was drawn in by the depth of emotion in Julia's bright blue eyes. And, he moved to kiss her.

When their lips met, all he could think about was her dream. How wonderful it had sounded to wake up every morning, next to her. Every morning, gazing into those bright blue eyes. And every evening, kissing her, just like this, before drifting off to sleep. He was certain it would be next to impossible to ever have a bad dream, laying next to her. He was getting impatient, to see that dream become reality. Very impatient. He needed to ask her soon. But, Nathan had some things to prepare first, and he would go see Joseph right away, about it. He would need Joseph's help to put his plan in motion.

When Julia finally managed to pull away from his kiss, she was undone. She stayed close as he gazed at her so intensely.

Nathan, too, was overcome with feeling and held her tight. He kept her close and whispered, "I love you."

Julia held his gaze, as she whispered back, "I love you, too."

Nathan realized how cold she looked, and felt horrible for getting her wet. "Jules, I'm sorry I dunked you."

"I forgive you, Cowboy." Julia said with a little giggle. "I should dry out just fine. And, well, you'll just have to keep me warm till then." She teased him.

Nathan looked up to the challenge as he looked down at her. "Well, let me move the blanket and we can warm up in the sunshine, together." Julia nodded, and he disconnected from her. They grabbed the blanket at the corners and moved it over into the full sunshine. They laid down next to each other, though Julia cuddled into his side, for warmth.

They stayed like that a long time, until Julia noticed Nathan's long, slow breathing and realized he was asleep. She felt suddenly very sleepy and closed her eyes too, just for a moment.

When Nathan roused, he had absolutely no recollection of where he was. His dream had been so intense. As he opened his eyes to find himself curled up and completely spooning Julia, it felt completely normal. Until he realized they weren't in their bed, as they had been in his dream, but on a blanket in the sunshine.

Nathan leaned close and kissed her on the base of her chin, almost on her neck. And, she roused with a deep, happy chuckle. She too, had no recollection of where they were. She had also been somewhere else, in her dream. And, they had obviously been together, in that dream.

Julia snuggled farther back into his embrace, without even realizing it. But as she came to, she blinked and opened her eyes. And, she slowly remembered they were in the forest, laying in the sunshine.

Eventually, as they passed from sleep to awake, the realization hit them both, that they had no idea what time it was. Nathan slowly turned his upper body and reached for his saddlebag. He fished inside and pulled out his pocket watch. And, when he saw the time, he sat up, abruptly.

"Jules, it's 4:30 p.m." He told her. "Is that okay? I can't believe we slept for so long. What time are we supposed to arrive for the Social Club tonight?" Nathan asked, worried.

"We are expected at 8 p.m. But, I will need a little time to get ready, now that you dunked me in the water." Julia teased him, with a playful smile.

Nathan chuckled and replied, "Well, if you hadn't been so distracting." He told her.

"So, it's my fault we got wet?" She giggled, playfully.

"Definitely." He teased her back. He leaned down and gave her one more little kiss, before pulling her up to standing. They packed everything up and loaded it all back in their saddlebags. Nathan walked over to the horses, untethered them and tacked them back up. He put the saddlebags back on, and checked all the gear.

Once they were all set, he helped Julia mount and get settled. Then he did the same. They made quick time getting back down, racing each other and just enjoying being together. And, when they entered the livery, they both had just enough time to untack the horses and rush home to get ready for an evening among friends.

Though, Nathan made a quick stop off on the way home. He stopped by one of his neighbor's row houses, to check on the new Mountie, who had just arrived today.

Author's Note:

After all the tough-to-take BTS photos this week, and in particular, the photo of Nathan's boots as S9 wrapped, I thought we could all use a sweet, easy chapter with all the feels. So, enjoy, and let this one carry you into the weekend, full of hope.

I'm almost finished with the next chapter, and hope to get it up tomorrow. (Actually, the two were supposed to be one chapter, but I decided to cut it in two as it just became way too long.) So, hopefully you'll get the rest tomorrow, or as soon as I can get it edited and uploaded.

Blessings to all of you, until then. And, as always, thanks for your feedback and encouragement.