Chapter 64. Lunch with Rosemary
On Monday morning, Julia walked across the street to the Mountie office. Nathan was already sitting in one of his chairs, holding two cups of coffee, when she got there. She walked right up in front of him, smiled coyly, and pulled a bouquet of flowers from behind her back.
Nathan looked from the flowers, up to her, questioning. "Can't a girl give her beau flowers?" She asked him.
Nathan stood from his chair. "They're for me?"
Julia rolled forward on her toes as she held them out, her other arm tucked behind her back. Her hair was pulled over to one side, and falling over her shoulder in soft waves. He thought her radiant, as she said softly, "Don't you remember? You said I was the one to fill your life with flowers." She said, as she titled her head and gazed at him. "So here I am, doing that."
Nathan just looked down at her for a moment, frozen and blinking a few times, to take in what she had just said. Calculating how to handle this sweet gesture, the kind of gesture that he would make. He opened his mouth to say something and then closed it again. He set the two cups of coffee down, and then he took the flowers from her. Her head was still tilted as she looked at him so tenderly…and his heart was pounding in his chest.
Nathan looked down at the flowers in his hand, and then looked at her again. But this time, his face became…rather mischievous. A big grin spread across his face as he grabbed her by the hand, and pulled her into the Mountie office. Julia let out a little gasp, but laughed as her body had no choice but to follow. As soon as she was inside, he turned and caught her with one arm as he kicked the door closed behind them. He laid the bouquet on his desk, and the reached with his hand to cup her face. She seemed about to protest, but then, he kissed her. Passionate, and gentle, and sweet.
When his lips broke the kiss, he gazed down at her and said, "You already fill my life with flowers, when you love me back."
Julia looked up at him and softly said, "I don't just love you back, Nathan. I love you fervently."
Nathan gazed down at her and felt blessed. Happy. He wanted to make a life with this woman, and he would do everything in his power to do that. And, to make their dreams come true.
"And, I love you earnestly, my darling." He told her. Nathan gave her one more little peck on the lips. Then, he let her go, to search for something to hold flowers, in a Mountie office. All he could find was a water glass, so he made do and set the flowers on his desk, right next to their photo.
Then he took her by the hand and led her back outside, and handed her a cup of coffee.
"I hope it's not cold now," he told her.
Julia sat in the chair, "Well, if it is, Lawman, it was worth it."
Nathan sat beside her and chuckled as he did, completely agreeing with her.
They drank their coffee together and chatted about the day. When the coffees were done, Nathan noticed the time. He took the empty cups and placed them in the office, and grabbed his serge from the hook by the door.
"Jules, I'm sorry, but I need to go. I'm meeting Jake at the livery in 10 minutes, for morning rounds. We are going to do them together all week." He told her.
"Ok, Lawman. I should go open the infirmary, anyway." She replied.
As Nathan shrugged his shoulders into his serge, she stepped forward and helped him straighten it. Nathan closed his office door and took her hand. He walked her over to the infirmary, and then kissed her knuckles.
"See you tonight, Jules, at your place?" He asked her.
"Yes. 6:30." She told him.
"I'm already looking forward to it." Nathan said as he opened the infirmary door for her, and slowly dropped her hand. Then gave her a soft smile, turned, and headed to the livery.
Jake came by the infirmary at noon, to take Julia to lunch. When they entered the café, Clara got them settled at a table on one side. They ordered the specials and were deep in conversation, when about 10 minutes later, Rosemary and Nathan entered together.
Jake and Julia both looked up and waved. Nathan looked nervous when she saw them, but Rosemary just smiled her broadway smile and waved back. Clara started to bring them over nearby, but Rosemary whispered something to Clara. And in the end, Clara seated the two of them at a table in the corner, on the other side of the cafe. Julia found that odd, but Minnie arrived just then to drop off their lunch plates, so it was forgotten.
About 5 minutes after that, Grams arrived at the cafe, for a lunch date with Allie. They both looked over at Jake and Julia, and waved. And then Allie noticed her Dad sitting with Rosemary, and waved at them too. Julia thought to herself how comical it seemed, all of them in the same café, but at separate tables.
When Nathan and Rosemary entered the café, he was a little thrown off to find Jake and Julia already seated there. He would have loved to have joined them for lunch. But, he had asked Rosemary to lunch for a specific reason. One that he would not be able to execute if they were sitting anywhere near Julia or Jake. So, although it had been awkward, he was so thankful for Rosemary, who had spoken up and directed Clara to sit them out of earshot of Julia and Jake.
Then, when Allie and Grams entered, Nathan felt nervous all over again, wondering if they would ever get to have this conversation. But, luckily there had been only one table left, so Clara had been forced to seat them far away, and that avoided having Allie within earshot, too.
After they had placed their order, and everyone was seated far from them, Nathan began to share with Rosemary the reason for their lunch date.
"Rosemary, I am very thankful for your friendship. And, I consider both you and Lee dear friends. I know that hasn't always been easy for you, because of your very close friendship with Elizabeth. But, I'm glad you managed to keep both friendships intact, after she and I had our, well, falling out." Nathan told her. Rosemary liked what he had to say so far.
Nathan continued, "Rosemary, I value your opinion greatly. And, well, you already know why I asked you here. You are well versed on the traditional unwritten rules of society, and I would like to hear your thoughts and input." Nathan paused, and took a deep breath. "As you know, things have become quite serious between Julia and I. And, I'm ready to propose." Nathan had to stop there because Rosemary let out a huge happy squeal and clapped her hands together in delight.
"I'm so excited, Nathan! And so happy for you!" She told him, a little too emphatically. Nathan was worried that others would hear.
Nathan smiled at Rosemary, loving how happy she was about his news. He tried to calm her down, by lowering his voice, a lot. "I need some advice, Rosemary."
"Ok." Rosemary followed suit, took a deep breath and calmed down. She managed to lower her voice very well. "Shoot."
"How long do I have to wait, according to the normal customs of "society", before I can ask?" Nathan inquired.
"Well, how long have you been courting now?" Rosemary asked him.
Clara came by and dropped off their order, and Nathan waited until she was gone to answer.
"15 days." He answered with an awkward grin.
"Oh my, that's not very long." Rosemary told him.
"But, I have been in love with her for a long time now, Rosemary." Nathan told her. "I'm just not good at these sort of customs, and I waited way too long, before I asked her to court."
"Well, that's understandable. When was your first date?" Rosemary asked.
"June 3rd, but that's the night Little Jack got hurt, remember? I intended to ask her to court that evening, but you know how that ended." He explained.
"Yes, I do remember." Rosemary told him.
"The first time I asked her to dinner was at the beginning of May, but then I got hurt. We never got to have that date. So, later, I asked permission to pursue her in the second week of May. So, it's been nearly two months, since I made her aware of my intentions." Nathan told her.
"I see. Well, even that's not very long, by most standards. But, Lee and I knew very quickly after meeting each other, that we were meant to be. So, it's not always necessary to conform to societal norms, Nathan." Rosemary paused, wanting to put his mind at ease. "And, I've seen you two together, you belong together. And, I can see the feelings are intense. Probably because of the circumstances of your injury, and her caring for you, those months." Rosemary told him. He nodded as he had to agree with her. "You've spent a lot of time together. And, have been in some intense situations, together. Other couples would have taken six to nine months, or even a year to log that much time together."
Nathan agreed with her, "We did spend a lot of time together, while I was injured. And, we really talked and got to know each other."
"And that's what's most important, Nathan. When you know, you know. And, as far as I'm concerned, any delay now is a waste of time. Delay of the life that you could be living together, as one." Rosemary told him.
"So, I don't need to wait any longer?" Nathan asked.
"Not in my opinion." Rosemary paused, "And, Nathan, the important people in this community, the ones who know you, won't mind. They are behind you. They see you two together and know already. So, I wouldn't worry about it too much." She said with a big Rosemary smile.
Nathan looked as happy as she'd ever seen him. Like it was Christmas morning.
"Thank you, Rosemary." He said, with a big exhale. Nathan glanced over at Julia, happily chatting away with Jake, and he smiled. Big.
Nathan decided, however, that he should probably ask Rosemary her opinion on engagements. He made an effort to appear serious again, though there was no getting rid of that smile. "One more question, Rosemary, if you'd oblige."
"Of course, Nathan. Anything I can help with." Rosemary told him.
"What is the customary length of time for an engagement?" He asked her.
"Well, Nathan, that depends. Some folks get married in a week or two, like our dear Ned and Florence. But, most couples take 3 to 6 months, or even up to a year, mostly because of the wedding preparations." Rosemary paused. "You will need to discuss that with Julia, once she's said yes, to see what she desires. You two will need to make that decision, together. She doesn't have a lot of family left, so I imagine she might want a certain beloved aunt to be present. So, a bit of notice might be necessary to make sure the appropriate family members can travel to Hope Valley." Rosemary told him.
Nathan nodded. "But there are no expectations, as far as social norms?"
"Nathan, it's 1919, and times are changing. And, you are not 20 years old, and neither is Julia." Rosemary chuckled.
"That's exactly what Allie said." Nathan chuckled. "I think her exact words were "at your age, Dad". I've never felt old a day in my life, until right then." He said with a little laugh.
"She's so funny, that Allie. But, she's right, Nathan. If you were 20 or 22 years old, then social norms would indicate a 6 to 12 month engagement. But, at your age, 2 or 3 months is perfectly acceptable." Rosemary liked how happy he looked at her response. "Why? Were you hoping for a fall wedding?"
Nathan couldn't contain his smile. "Maybe."
"Oh, I do love a wedding in Autumn!" Rosemary said with a broad happy smile.
"But, I can't put the cart before the horse." Nathan told Rosemary. "I have to ask her first."
"Yes you do!" Rosemary said excitedly, clasping her hands together. "And, when do you plan on doing that?"
Clara came by to collect the plates and offer dessert. Rosemary and Nathan ordered both pie and coffee.
Again, Nathan waited till Clara was gone to answer. "Well, I have a little plan that I'm working on. I'm building something, as part of the proposal. So, I will ask her as soon as it's ready."
Rosemary smiled, "Oh Nathan, that's so romantic. Do you need any advice on the plan?"
"I was hoping you would ask that." Nathan told her.
So, he proceeded to tell her the whole plan. She interjected and gave plenty of good advice. Though, she was pretty impressed. His plan was terribly romantic, all on its own. And, he was right, he knew Julia well, and had planned something just perfect for her. Something that she was sure to love. He had done perfectly well all on his own.
"I have to say, Nathan. You are terribly romantic. I never realized. I don't think anyone realized. And, I love seeing this side of you." Rosemary told him, with a big grin.
"So, you think she will like it?" Nathan asked her.
"Nathan, she will love it. And, she will love it most of all because it's you." Rosemary paused, "Nothing makes her happier, than you." Rosemary told him. And then she got a coy smile and said, "I'm pretty sure you could propose out behind the livery with a wadded up shoestring, and she would say yes to you."
Nathan chuckled, thinking that Rosemary was probably right. Especially if Julia felt anything near to what he felt for her. Nathan glanced over at Julia again, and she just happened to look his way at the same moment. He held her gaze for a few seconds and she smiled at him, and gave him a cute little wave. And, just like that he was undone. Feelings and emotions, that he had been convinced would never be in the cards for him, came washing over him, once again. From across the café, in a noisy room full of people, he felt it. That confidence that he was right where he was supposed to be, about to do exactly the right thing, with exactly the right person.
And, he smiled. Rosemary recognized that confidence, and when he looked back at her, she smiled, too.
"Sometimes I still can't believe my luck." Nathan told her softly.
"Nor can I believe mine, Nathan. You and me, we aren't that different, after all. Do you remember our conversation in the library? Just before Elizabeth, well, broke your heart?" Rosemary asked him.
"Yes, I do, Rosemary. You compared my pursuit of Elizabeth to your situation, when you followed Jack here to Hope Valley and tried to win him back." Nathan replied.
"Jack broke my heart, but right around the corner, was the love of my life. And, if Jack hadn't rejected me, I would have missed out on Lee altogether." Rosemary told him. "You and me are very similar, actually. And, our stories are very similar."
Nathan nodded, understanding perfectly. "I don't regret a thing, Rosemary."
"Neither do I, Nathan. That heartbreak put me in exactly the right place, for Lee. And, he's my soulmate. And, your heartbreak put you in the perfect place, to meet yours." Rosemary surmised.
Nathan nodded, and looked one more time over at Julia. It was as though she felt him looking at her, because she glanced over again, at just the right moment, and gave him a little wink.
"Well, I can't wait to hear about this epic engagement, Nathan. And, the Valley Voice will be waiting with great excitement, to print all about it." Rosemary told him with a playful smile.
"Well, I've been hard at work in my workshop. I need a few more days to finish it, and then Joseph and I will need a day or two to get it all set up. I am hoping it will be ready in a week or two." Nathan told her.
"Well, you keep me posted, and I'll keep my eye on her ring finger." Rosemary said with a little wink.
Just then, Jake and Julia walked up to the table, and said hello.
"Hello, you two." Rosemary answered back. "How was your lunch?"
"Delicious, Rosemary, and yours?" Julia asked.
"Oh, the pie was just wonderful today wasn't it?" Rosemary asked them.
"Yes it was. And the coffee, too." Jake told her. "The café never disappoints."
"Really? Don't tell Clara, but I thought the coffee was just awful today. I couldn't drink mine at all." Rosemary told them.
"That's strange. Mine tasted just fine, Rosemary." Nathan told her.
"Mine, too." Julia told her.
"Well, that's odd. Maybe I got a dirty cup." Rosemary said with a grossed out face, and then she shrugged it off.
"I didn't realize you two were old pals." Jake said, looking curiously at Nathan and Rosemary. They looked like they were up to something.
"Oh, yes. Nathan and I go way back. We're thick as thieves, and always have been." Rosemary told them, with a confident nod.
Nathan smiled his lopsided grin and said. "That's right, old pals indeed. From way back."
Julia looked curiously at them both, not sure she believed that. But she could only smile, because she hoped they really were good friends, or at least becoming good friends. It made sense somehow that they would be old friends. Something about their personalities meshed well. So, she hoped it was true, or soon would be.
"Well, we better get back to work. Just wanted to say hello." Jake told them.
"See you back at home, Jake." Rosemary told him. "And, Julia, it's always nice to see you."
"You too, Rosemary." Julia said. "See you later, Lawman." Though, Julia hadn't meant to call him that in public. It had slipped out by complete accident, and she realized a little too late. So, as her face turned beet red, she quickly headed for the door.
But, Jake, with a huge mischievous smile, immediately picked up the relay, "Yea, Lawman, see you later." Jake said toward Nathan, as he followed Julia out. Laughter erupted immediately, and Jake could still hear Rosemary and Nathan laughing as he went out the café door.
As soon as she was outside, Julia turned around to face Jake, giggling uncontrollably. "Jake, you are not funny!"
"Au contraire, Julia. I'm very funny, evidenced by your laughter." He told her with his upturned hand and a big teasing chuckle. Julia had to admit, it was funny. And, better to laugh than be embarrassed, which is what she had been previous to his funny save.
"Ok, big bro. You are a little bit funny." She told him, with a cute smile. They walked toward the Mountie office and stopped just outside.
"Got big plans this evening?" He asked. "You did say see you later, just before you said, Lawman."
"Yes, I'm cooking him dinner tonight." She joked.
"Well, have fun, Sis. And, I'll see you around." He told her.
"Yea. It's fun to say that, right? Now that we live in the same town we can say: See you around." Julia surmised, with a happy grin.
"Yes, it is great, isn't it?" Jake asked.
"Bye, Jake." She called out.
And he said one more time, "See you around!", and gave her a little wave, before heading back to the Mountie office.
Nathan worked hard all day on the training manual, and left work early. Then, he went home and worked a few hours in the workshop. His project was coming along nicely. He had managed a few hours, here and there, last week and several hours over the weekend.
However, today, time got a away from him. When he realized the hour, he had to hurry to take a bath and get ready for dinner at Julia's. His hair was still wet, as he practically ran to her door. He hated to be late, and even with all his effort, he was just that…a little late.
He knocked three times, and she opened with a happy smile. She looked just beautiful standing there, in her apron. Underneath it was the lavender dress that he loved on her. The one she had worn on their first date, when Little Jack had gotten hurt. And her feet were bare, and her hair was up in a messy bun, with tendrils falling all around.
"Sorry, I can't leave the stove long, Nathan. Please come in!" Julia called out as she hurried back to the stove. She was mixing a sauce, and as he entered, it smelled lovely.
Nathan walked up behind her and looked over her shoulder. She smiled at his nearness, just behind her. It was uncanny the effect he had on her. She could almost feel his body heat, as he stood so close behind her. Every cell of her body was keenly aware of his proximity.
Julia teased him in a soft voice, "You can stay, as long as you don't distract me." She kept stirring with her wooden spoon.
"You cannot know how tempting that is." He teased her back, just above a whisper. "I'm wondering now, what exactly would count as distracting?"
Julia giggled, "I can ask you to wait outside, you know."
But, he wasn't deterred. "I'm wondering, would this count as distracting?" He asked, as he stepped even closer behind her. He could see her stand up a little straighter. "Or this?" He asked, as he leaned down and kissed her shoulder, on the bare skin just next to her collar. As he pulled back, he could see gooseflesh pop out all over her neck. "Or this?" He asked as he kissed her on the cheek from behind. He could see her take a deep breath.
Julia took a second deep breath, stepped to the right, turned, and pointed very enthusiastically with her wooden spoon. Sauce dripped on the floor. "Maybe you'd like to have a seat in the salon?" She said, with a little too much gusto, clearly kicking him out of her kitchen.
Nathan chuckled and went to sit down. When he did, he noticed the wildflower bouquet and the photograph Allie had given her, his photo, next to her bed. And then he looked around curious, and spotted the lighthouse, right next to Allie's dried bouquet, on top of the bookshelf he had given her.
Julia was focused on her sauce. When it was done, she set the pan to the side. Then, Julia carried over two glasses of red wine and handed one of them to Nathan, as she sat down.
"Hi, Jules." Nathan said, smiling playfully at her. She thought him so handsome in his blue checkered shirt with the sleeves rolled up above his elbows. Of course, the top buttons were all open, and his hair was still damp. His brown slacks and suspenders were perfectly fitted to his slender, muscular frame.
"Hi, Nathan." She answered, smiling back at him. "Cheers." She said as she held out her glass. He clinked his against hers, and they took a little sip.
Julia looked at the clock, realized the time, and went to check the oven. "It's ready!" She said, excitedly. "Would you like to move to the table, Nathan?"
Nathan stood and came over to the table, which looked very nice. Julia had decorated with a light brown table cloth, and sprinkled flowers all around. There were two short candles in short candleholders, that threw beautiful stars around the room, as they flickered. "Can I help do anything, Julia?"
"Nope. You can just have a seat and relax. I'm going to serve the plates, and I'll be right over." Julia told him, cheerily.
But first, Julia set the salad, bread, and butter on the table. Then she went back over to the stove and served a plate, and set it in front of Nathan. "Wow, Jules, it looks amazing." He told her.
Then she served her plate. But before she sat down, she turned her back to Nathan and removed her apron. Then, she pulled two sticks out of her hair, and it all fell down around her shoulders. She softly combed it back in place with her fingers. Then, she turned and sat down. She served him some salad, and then did the same on her own plate.
"I hope you like it. It's one of my Grandfather's old recipes, Poulet au Whiskey. Or, Whiskey Chicken, though I think it sounds so much more fancy in French." Julia told him.
"It looks and smells amazing." Nathan told her. "Jules, this is the first time you have cooked for me, at your home."
"Wait, really?" Julia asked in disbelief. But, he was right. Other than the cookies, and picnics, and things she made for Allie's party, this was the first time she cooked for him, at home.
He took a first bite, and thought it delicious. He smiled, and told her, "It's delicious, Jules." And she finally exhaled.
They ate happily, and together, enjoyed the nice meal.
"How were your rounds with Jake?" Julia asked him.
"Very good. Not much to report on. Hope Valley is rather boring, most of the time. But, I like it that way. It means everybody's safe." He told her.
"And, Jake's getting the hang of it?" She asked.
"Yea. I think Hope Valley is a lot like his last posting. Small, with some outskirts and settlements, and lots of ground to cover. So, it's an easy transition for him." Nathan told her.
Nathan suddenly stopped eating to ask her something, something he didn't want to forget. "Jules, I'm planning to go to Benson Hills on Thursday, to place the furniture order for the Mountie classroom. And, I was wondering if you'd like to come with me? It's a very nice ride, there and back. And, we could have lunch together in one of the little cafés. And, maybe there are some things needed for the infirmary? We could pick up supplies for you, too? They have a nice book store. And, I need to pick up your charm from the jewelry store. What do you think?"
"It sounds like fun. And, I would love to spend the day with you, Nathan. I just need to ask Faith, if she could spare me. I don't remember many appointments on Thursday, so it might work. But, I'll need to talk to her about it. Can I get back to you tomorrow?" Julia asked.
"Yes. That's perfectly fine." He replied.
They ate a while longer, and when Nathan's plate was empty, Julia asked him. "Would you like some more, Nathan?"
"I would love a little more, Jules. It so good." He told her.
She served him seconds, and then sat back down.
"How was your time with Rosemary, today at lunch?" Julia asked him.
"It was a nice long catch up. It's been a little while." Nathan told her.
"Long catch up. You guys go "way back"? Is there something you're not telling me, Constable?" Julia asked with a playful smile.
Nathan didn't know how he could keep anything from Julia. That task was only made harder, by the way she was looking at him. She was sure he was up to something, and tilted her head at him. And, when he didn't manage to say anything, she asked, "Are you okay, Nathan?" He suddenly didn't look very good.
"No. I mean yes, I'm totally fine. And no, there's nothing more to tell." Nathan said. "Rosemary and Lee became good friends of mine, over the last year or so."
"Ok, Lawman. I won't ask you anymore about it. And, I like that you are friends." She told him with a kind smile. He was acting a little bit strange, but she trusted him completely, and something told her to just let it go.
Nathan decided to change the subject. "This is a nice recipe, Jules. Where did you learn to cook?"
"Well, as I said before, this was an old recipe from my grandfather. I found it stuck in the pages of my family's old French cookbook. But, I also learned a lot from our neighbors. Remember I told you about my best friend, Sarah? Her dad was the lighthouse keeper and they lived in the keeper's house, just below it?" Julia asked him.
Nathan nodded, "Of course. And, her brother was John, right?"
Julia chuckled low, "Of course, you would remember that part."
"Only because he broke your heart." Nathan told her quietly.
Julia smiled, "Well, their Mom was an amazing cook. And, since she knew my Mom wasn't around anymore, she let me tag along whenever she taught Sarah domestic lessons. You know, the things Moms teach their daughters, like cooking, cleaning, washing, ironing, and mending? Those kind of things." Julia explained. "Oh, and don't forget, the piano." She said with a raised finger.
Nathan thought that was really sweet. He told her, "That was really kind of her. Mom has been doing that sporadically, with Allie, over the years."
"Nathan, you seem pretty domestic yourself, but I would also be happy to teach Allie anything, if you ever needed. Or if she would like." Julia told him. "I may not be an expert on certain things, but I get by."
"Thanks for that, Julia." He told her. "Maybe you can ask her, and see if she'd be interested?"
Julia nodded, and said, "I can do that." Then, she stood and collected the plates. She took them to the sink and set them in the wash basin.
"Coffee or tea?" She asked.
"Herbal tea sounds nice." He told her and she set the water kettle on the stove.
She set out the tea pot, added some leaves inside, and brought two tea cups to the table. And, a plate of cinnamon cookies.
When the hot water was ready, she poured some in the tea pot, and carried it over. She sat back down across from him. As they waited for the tea to steep, Nathan stood and walked over to admire her father's paintings once again. And, he ended near the bookshelf. He looked back and forth from the lighthouse carving to her father's painting. He could see a few small mistakes, but they were small details that only the craftsman would notice.
"There are a few faults." He told her. "Little imperfections."
Julia served the tea, and said. "Like any work of art, Nathan. And, like any one of us." She told him. "But, little imperfections are what make it even more endearing."
Nathan walked back over to the table and sat down with her. "I know what you mean. In woodworking, it's often the case." He told her, thinking of his current project. "Little notches in the wood, or places where the tree was injured, only add to the beauty of the wood when the piece is finished."
"Such a beautiful thought, Nathan. And when you look at a piece, and you really love it, you love those little imperfections, too." Julia told him, with her gaze intensely fixed on him. She added in a quiet voice, "It adds to the character of the piece."
"Are we still talking about wood working?" Nathan asked softly, with a little chuckle.
"I don't think so." Julia looked at him shyly. "But, are you ready to look at my photo album now?"
"Oh, that was your lead in to the photo album?" He chuckled low.
"Maybe." She told him with a shy smile. She stood and retrieved it, and then brought her chair over right next to his, so they could look at the album together. She leaned over close in her chair, so that she was barely touching Nathan's shoulder. As if it were a reflex, he instinctively put his arm around her. Then, she tucked her bare feet under her skirts.
Nathan opened to the first page. There was a very worn photo of a young couple sitting on the steps of a huge, Queen Anne Revival style house. "That's my mom and dad, just married, and that's our house. Jake and I call it the big house." Julia told him, and Nathan could see why. "Jake has a painting of Dad's, that he actually modeled after this photo. The painting is really beautiful because he added color and more light."
Nathan looked down at her, loving how close she was leaning in, to explain. She looked so beautiful talking about her family. He looked at the next page, "And, who is this baby?" Nathan asked her.
"That's Jake. He was chubby wasn't he?" Julia asked with a giggle. She drank some of her tea.
"Yes, he was very round." Nathan chuckled. He turned the page and there were two more baby pictures.
Julia leaned over close, still explaining. Her perfume smelled so good, he was trying hard to keep his focus on the photos. She pointed. "That's Debbie." Another chubby baby. "And, that's me." A lot less chubby. And, she had dark curly hair when she was born. A lot of it.
"Look at all that hair." He told her, half teasing her.
"I know! It's crazy, right? And, you can't tell by the photo, but it was red." She told him.
"Red?" Nathan chuckled, looking at her again. She nodded, and was so animated and enthusiastic.
"It all fell out after about a month, and then I didn't have any hair at all, until I was two. And, then it was very light in color." Julia told him with a giggle.
Nathan turned the page, and there was Julia and Jake posed together, standing in front of her Dad's boat. They were about the same age as the painting where they were seated on the deck. "That's the photo Dad used to paint the boat picture." She pointed to it, hanging on the wall. "He just put us seated on the deck, in his painting." Nathan could see that, as he compared the photo to the painting.
On the next page was a photo of her, Jake, and her Dad, though they were all a bit older. "How old are you there, Jules?"
"That was taken just before Jake left for the Mounties, so about ten, and he, seventeen." She told him. She looked so young, with long flowing hair, blonder than it was now. And she was tall already, and indeed, lanky. But, in a young tomboy-ish, although pretty, kind of way.
Nathan turned the page, and there was a photo of Julia posed in front of a small sailboat. She was in a swimming costume, and tan. "And here?" He asked.
"Fourteen." Julia told him. In the photo, she was tall and thin, but again, in a beautiful, graceful way. Her legs were long and skinny, and her hair pulled back, but cascading over one shoulder. Her cheeks were tan and her freckles more pronounced. Her eyes, even in a photo without color, were piercing. And, a medal hung around her neck. He pointed at it, and she told him simply, "I won a small regatta."
"You won a regatta?" Nathan asked, part shocked, part amused, and looking at her.
"Yes. All the boys in the area were really mad about it." Julia said proudly, as she looked up at him shyly, and with a small giggle.
"How big was the area?" Nathan asked, curious.
"Three counties." She answered, matter of fact. "That's why it's called the Tri-County Youth Regatta."
"Three Counties." He said, under his breath. Unbelievable. "And, how many girls were there in this competition?" Nathan wanted to know.
"Three." Julia told him. "This could also be the reason I wasn't very popular with the boys that year." She chuckled.
"Perhaps that was it. Because even though you were tall and skinny, you were, just as I suspected, still very beautiful. Jules, if you were unpopular with the boys, it was not because of your looks." He bent close and told her with a cute smile.
Julia looked up at him and smiled back. He turned the page and there was a photo of Julia with her Dad, much older. They were dressed to the nine's and Julia was smiling proudly. Her hair was up in an updo, with little white flowers interspersed, and curly tendrils coming down. She had a beautiful formal dress with lace at the bodice, and dangly earrings. She wore darker makeup around her eyes, and was absolutely stunning.
"My Dad won an award, for ship building, and they had a big ceremony and a dinner. He took me as his date." She told him, proudly.
"Wow, Jules. You are…stunning. How old were you there?"
"Nineteen. They had a fancy photographer and we were in the newspaper in Halifax." She told him with a happy smile, remembering.
"I bet your dance card was full all night long." He told her, unable to take his eyes off of the photo. He was now trying to think of a good reason to get her dressed up fancy.
"There was no dancing, Lawman! It was a dinner for guys who build ships." She said with a hearty giggle. "Though, the mayor of Halifax was in attendance."
He gazed at her, amused. She looked at him, and smiled. They seemed to be stuck like that for a long few seconds. Until Julia asked him, "Would you like to turn the page?"
Nathan returned his attention to the album. The next photo was a posed photo of a big group of nurses. "That's my graduating class from the nursing program in Halifax." Nathan spotted her right away. She was in the back row, and had a radiant, happy smile. She was by far one of the prettiest girls in the photo. She stood out.
The last photo in the album was an old worn wedding photo, of her parent's wedding. Julia's mother looked so young, and beautiful. Nathan flipped back and forth between the photo of Julia at nineteen and her mother's wedding photo, in which she would have been seventeen.
Julia saw what he was doing and smiled at him, amused. "You favor her, Jules."
That made her happy, because everyone always told her how beautiful and how lovely her mother was, inside and out. "I'm glad you think so."
"She was a real classic beauty, Jules." Nathan told her. In the photo, Julia's mother wore a wedding gown with a beaded empire waist and long sleeves that made a sort of heart on each hand. Her hair was in a loose and swagging updo with a lovely veil that fell down around her shoulders and back. And, Julia's dad looked so proud and handsome, like he was the luckiest man on earth. Just the way Nathan was certain he would feel on their wedding day.
"Thank you, Nathan." Julia told him. "I think so, too. And, they look so happy, don't they?"
"Yes they do." He agreed.
"They were happy, Nathan. Their time together was short, but abundantly happy." She told him, with tears in her eyes. He couldn't take his gaze off of her, at how deeply she was affected, talking about her parents.
Nathan closed the album and set it on the table. He stayed close to her, and spoke to her softly, "We would be happy too, don't you think?"
Julia gazed back at him and said, "Yes."
Nathan leaned even closer to her then, and placed his hand gently on her cheek. She seemed to lean into his touch in such a way that made his heart skip a beat. He swallowed hard as he gazed at her, feeling overcome with emotion for her. He leaned closer still and kissed her, sweet and gentle. She responded to his kiss and he deepened it. They were suddenly in the deep together, as the love flowed between them.
When the kiss ended, he stayed close and gazed at her. He gently caressed her cheek with his thumb. When he dropped his hand, she took it in both of hers and turned it over in her lap.
Julia gazed down at his hand, hardy and worn. Her voice full of emotion, she whispered, "I love your hands. They are so strong and masculine. Made rough by a man that works hard, who uses his hands to labor." She gazed up at him. "But, when they touch me…" she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, overcome with emotion, "they are so tender." She paused, opened her eyes to gaze back at him, and kissed his hand right in center of his palm, where it was the roughest. "I don't feel any calluses or rough spots…I feel only you, and only love."
Nathan could feel his blood run hot at her words. His mouth went completely dry at her sentiments. He had to shift in his chair and take a deep breath to control his emotions. Finally, he leaned forward and took his tea cup. It was cold now but at least it was wet, so he drank.
Julia could see he was clearly flustered, and she hadn't meant to do that to him. So she let him have his hand back. She stood and went over to the wash basin and picked up her water pitcher. Keeping her back turned, she poured a glass of water, and drank it down slowly, letting her own heart rate return to normal. Then, she filled the basin and washed the dishes. As she rinsed them, Nathan came beside her with a towel, and started drying.
He looked down at her and smiled. She washed the rest of the items, handing him each dish after she rinsed it. They made a good team, when they could think straight, she thought to herself.
After the dishes were done, and put away, Nathan glanced at the clock. It was getting late.
"Jules, I should go. It's getting late." He told her with a reluctant grin. Julia nodded and walked him to the door.
"Did you like my photo album?" She asked him.
"Yes, very much. Thank you for showing me, and for sharing all of your lovely stories with me." He told her.
"I wonder if you might have an album of your own to share with me, sometime?" Julia asked with a curious playful smile.
"I might." He teased her. "Though it might cost you another delicious dinner, to see inside it."
"You've got yourself a deal, Lawman." She told him, putting her hand out to shake on it. He took her hand but didn't shake. He placed a featherlight kiss across her knuckles, instead.
Then Nathan stepped close and opened her hand. And, he slowly placed her hand on his own cheek, interlacing and intertwining his fingers on top of hers, as he did. And, he leaned into her touch as he looked down at her. Her heart was beating loud in her ears, and she was sure he could hear it. He said, just above a whisper, "I love your hands, too, Jules. And your touch." He saw her sharply draw a breath as soon as her hand touched his face. His heart skipped a few beats. Then, he let her hand slowly drop from his face and he pulled her into his embrace. He held her a long time, until their racing hearts and their shallow, nervous breathing, was in rhythm.
When he pulled back, he tipped her chin up and kissed her. Slow and tender and long. When the kiss ended, he gazed down at her and told her, "Jules, I love you."
She answered him back in a whisper, "And, I love you."
Nathan leaned down and kissed her on the cheek, and then stepped back. His hand trailed all the way down her arm, slowly past her wrist, and to her hand. Then he lifted her hand, and kissed it, too.
And then, he opened the door. He stepped through, keenly aware of how hard it was becoming to say good-bye.
Julia stepped to the door way and watched him as he stepped back, went down her little stoop and onto the ground. "Good night." He told her.
"Sweet dreams, my love." She replied. Oh, they will be, Nathan thought to himself. Then he started out towards home. He turned one more time just before he was out of sight, and saw her silhouette still frozen in the door frame. He gave her one more little wave, and he was gone.
Author's Note:
It was time for a little steam, was it not? I hope you all had a glass of cool water handy, and enjoyed the chemistry. Just remember, still waters run deep.
Secondly, I thought it was high time for a lunch date with Rosemary. Don't you just love Rosemary? Though it was never explored in the show, I always thought Nathan and Rosemary would have been good friends. So, I decided to give them a chance at that friendship, in my story.
And, thirdly, once I opened Julia's photo album, her backstory just wrote itself. The chapter got a little long, but I enjoyed writing it, and I really hope you enjoyed it, too! I know Nathan sure did (=