Author's Note:
I wrote the first chapters of Nathan, Julia, and Allie's trip to Brookfield before the recent WHC Christmas Special aired. I realize that some of the details are not accurate anymore, but I hope you will forgive the discrepancies. It's hard to change the course of the ship mid-stream, so I decided to just finish these chapters with my original storyline. Thank you for your understanding, even if I absolutely loved the way things have evolved in Brookfield since Season 1!
Chapter 78. Fun in Brookfield
In the morning, Julia and Allie came down to breakfast arm in arm. Nathan could see right away that something had changed between them. They seemed closer.
Nathan handed Julia a cup of coffee, as she sat down next to him. Allie sat on the other side, and filled her plate with pancakes. Though, she was immediately engrossed in conversation with the children next to her, who were discussing a good fishing spot.
"Allie, do you want to go fishing with us?" Vincent asked.
Allie looked at the girls, "Are you all going?" She inquired.
"Yes, the more the merrier, and we hope to catch enough for dinner." Mary Louise answered.
"Then, I'm in!" Allie told them all, with a very happy smile.
"We only have three poles, though." Christian spoke up. "The rest of us just attach fishing line to sticks, and tie on hooks. We usually do pretty good like that."
"Well, you can show me." Allie told them. "I like fishing."
When the breakfast was all done, and the clean up finished, the kids set out for their fishing spot. Vincent carried their makeshift tackle box and the other kids their fishing poles.
Once they were off, Nathan asked Julia to go for a walk into town. Julia was excited to look around a bit more in Brookfield. And, she loved being on Nathan's arm. He looked so handsome in his casual clothes and suspenders, with his top few buttons open and his sleeves rolled up.
After they had been walking a little while, Nathan looked down at Julia. "Are you having a good time so far?"
"Oh, yes. I'm thoroughly enjoying myself. I really like Lillian and Grace. You were right when you said that I would love them." Julia told him, with a smile. "And, the children are wonderful."
"I'm glad you like it here." Nathan told her.
"It was such a good idea to come for a visit, Nathan. A welcome change, and an opportunity to have some fun before you leave." Julia paused, "Thank you."
"It's my pleasure Julia." Nathan looked down at her. "Allie seems to be having a great time, too." There seemed to be something on Julia's mind, but Nathan wasn't sure how to ask her about it. "Did something happen with her, Julia?"
She looked up at him, trying to formulate what she wanted to say. Julia wanted to tell him about last night, and her conversation with Allie. But, looking up at him, on the walk, she just felt overwhelmed with affection for him. For who he was, as a man of character, and all that he stood for. Finally, she ventured, "Nathan, you are incredible."
He answered slowly, "Okay. I think you are incredible, too. But, you already know that." He looked down at her curious. "What is this about?"
Julia smiled softly, "Allie and I had a long talk last night. She was emotional, being here at an orphanage, seeing the kids and hearing their stories."
The lightbulb came on. "Oh, I didn't think about that." He said softly.
"She's not an orphan, Nathan. She knows that." Julia reassured him. "But she realizes the incredible effect you had on her life. In fact, told me that the only difference between these kids and her…is you."
Nathan looked down at his feet. "I didn't realize that would bother her."
"I don't think it so much bothers her, as it makes her realize how fortunate she is. To have you." Julia told him. "You are her world, and you have always been. And, I think she was just reminded of that. And, she realized that if it weren't for you…"
Nathan smiled and looked confident of one thing. "I'm the lucky one, Julia."
"You always say that. Which is why I said that you are incredible. And truly, you are." Julia told him with a broad grin. "You did such a noble and selfless thing, even if it was because of a promise you made to your sister." Julia had thought about this many times. He had made a sacrifice that had certainly not been easy, for a single man in the Mounties. No matter where he and Allie were today, and how easy it seemed now, it had certainly had its challenges in the beginning. He had made sacrifices, over and over, for Allie. And, Julia was ever aware of it.
Julia continued, "Nathan, I'm aware that your decision back then must have come with great sacrifice on your part. If it hadn't been for taking in Allie, you might even be happily married with children of your own by now." For example.
Nathan shook his head and held Julia's gaze. "But, I don't want to be married to someone else. I want Allie and I want you." He told her matter of fact.
Julia chuckled low. Of course he would say that. "I know, Nathan. Now that's true. But, you didn't know that way back then. Nine years ago, you set aside your own dreams, of success and promotion, of a wife and a family, to take her in. And I know you made a promise to Colleen, and perhaps that was your obligation. But, your heart also said yes, and you took on that great personal sacrifice. All for Allie. And, I find that incredible."
Julia continued, "And, I'm just feeling very blessed this morning. I'm the woman that gets to marry you."
Nathan stopped and turned towards Julia, and wrapped her in his arms. He felt like the blessed one, and wanted her to know. She rested her cheek in next to his neckline, and he held her long. Right in close to his heart, until their racing pulses fell into rhythm. When Nathan finally pulled back, he smiled down at her.
"There's something else, Nathan." Julia told him. He pulled back a little further, so she could continue. "Last night, Allie and I had a very important conversation. I had intended to talk to you about this subject, before I talked to Allie, but it just sort of happened." Julia paused, "She was contemplating what would happen to her, if something should ever happen to you. She was calculating…that if you were gone, she would become an orphan again. But, I assured her that would never happen, because there is your mother, and there is me."
Nathan frowned, sad to hear that the trip to Brookfield had brought up so much for Allie. He had never intended for such suppositions to come floating to the surface.
Julia grinned even and continued, "She was upset, Nathan. And, I shared my heart for her. It just flowed naturally, and I hope I didn't speak out of turn." Julia paused, and looked shyly at him. As she continued, her voice cracked. "I love her, Nathan. She has taken up residence in my heart, just like you." Julia tried to explain it further, though all these feelings were new. "Allie makes me feel like a mom. Once we are married, I don't want to just be her step-mother, Nathan. I would like to adopt her, and be her Mom." And then Julia added quietly, "If it's okay with you."
Nathan smiled down at her, so glad to hear that. He had hoped for it, prayed for it. But he didn't want to ask and he didn't want to push. He wanted the relationship between Julia and Allie to happened naturally. And, he wanted the decision of adoption to be made between the two of them, a decision Julia and Allie made together.
"What did Allie say when you shared all this with her?" Nathan asked curiously.
"She was very happy." Julia told him. "I think she would like it very much." Nathan could imagine that she would. Allie adored Julia, and looked up to her.
Julia had a small confession to make, just between them. "I always knew I wanted to be a mother one day, Nathan. But, when I would look at mothers around me, it was always a little bit hard for me to imagine being one. They all seemed to have something that I didn't have, something that just came naturally. But, somehow, Allie brought that something out in me, that I didn't even know was there. And, I can imagine myself being her mom, Nathan. And, I want to."
Nathan reached down and gently caressed her cheek. He knew exactly what Julia meant, because he had never felt particularly fatherly, until Allie. He had always hoped to be a father one day, but never could imagine himself in that role, until he took in Allie. She did something in his heart, that made him into a father.
"I know exactly what you mean. Allie had the same affect on me. And, I am so happy to hear that you would like to adopt her. It will mean so much to her." He paused, and looked down at her, coming close. "And, it means so much to me."
Nathan slowly bent the rest of the way, and kissed Julia gently. He was pulled in by this tender moment. At heart, he was a family man, and Julia's words and her sentiments touched him to the core. He kissed her long and gentle, and when he pulled back, he gazed down at her. His emotions just right on the surface, he felt his love growing more and more everyday.
"I love you, Jules." He whispered softly.
"I love you too, Lawman." She smiled back up at him. He was so wonderful, she couldn't help but be drawn into him, in such an intense moment. He was everything she had ever dreamed of, and so much more. And she gazed at him for a long time, taking in everything about him.
Finally, after another short kiss, Nathan took her hand again, and turned them towards town. They walked on and quickly found themselves in downtown Brookfield.
They strolled happily along. When they came to the infirmary, Julia was curious and asked to go inside. So, Nathan left her there, and headed to the Mountie office, to see Gabe.
As soon as she opened the infirmary door, Julia was met by a spunky strawberry-blond with a sweet smile.
"Hello, may I help you?" The young woman drawled in a British accent.
"Hello. My name is Julia Matthews and I'm the nurse in Hope Valley. I'm just visiting here in Brookfield, but thought I'd stop in to say hello." She told her, with her hand extended.
"I'm Maggie Parsons and it's nice to meet you." Maggie said, shaking Julia's hand. "You are the friends that Gabriel mentioned would visit?" She asked with a smile.
"Yes, indeed. I'm here with Constable Grant and his daughter, Allie. We're staying with Lillian and Grace at the orphanage." Julia told her, looking over Maggie's shoulder at the all the medicines and elixirs so nicely displayed and organized. "You have a very nice infirmary." Julia told her, looking around. It was smaller than the infirmary in Hope Valley, but adequate. And, they had lots of medications and plenty of medical equipment.
"Thank you. I try to keep it tidy." Maggie explained.
Julia and Maggie discussed medical things, including some common ailments and remedies of the region, as well as new treatments. They compared notes and elixirs, and talked shop. They had a lot in common, and both loved their jobs, so the banter flowed easily.
"Do you have a doctor here full-time?" Julia inquired.
Maggie looked around, "No, Dr. Jones from Clearwater comes a few days a week. But, most of the time, it's just me." She explained.
"Well, if you ever need any help, just let us know in Hope Valley. In our infirmary, I work with Dr. Faith Carter, and we could come over, if the need ever arises." Julia offered.
"That's very kind of you. I'll keep that in mind, especially if there is ever an emergency." Maggie told her.
"We have a telephone, so just give us a ring." Julia told her.
"Ok, I will. Thank you." Maggie replied. Julia took one more look around, and moved toward the door.
"It was very nice to meet you, Nurse Maggie. I hope you have a nice day." Julia told her, and exited to the boardwalk.
She walked down to the Mountie office, and found Gabriel and Nathan discussing Mountie business. Julia looked around Gabe's little jail. It was a nice office, and very neat and tidy.
The men finished their discussion, and Nathan looked at Julia. "Shall we go?" He asked her quietly.
"Sure, Nathan. Can we please stop by the general store? I'd love to get some candy for the children." Julia asked.
"Absolutely." Nathan told her.
"They would love that, Julia." Gabriel told her with a kind smile.
Nathan took Julia's hand and headed to the door, "See you later, Gabe." Nathan told him. And, the two men nodded at each other.
Julia and Nathan headed to the general store. When they entered, Nathan introduced her to Joe, the owner.
"Julia, this is Joe Moody." Nathan looked at Joe, "Joe, this is Julia Matthews, my fiancé, and the nurse in Hope Valley." Nathan explained. It felt wonderful to introduce Julia that way, though it was only the second time Nathan had said the words.
"Well, it's very nice to meet you Miss Matthews. I hope you will have a nice visit here in Brookfield." Joe replied. "And, Congratulations to the two of you, on your engagement."
"Thank you, Mr. Moody. I like Brookfield very much, so far." Julia told him, "How long have you lived here?"
"For a very long time. I was born about 70 miles from here, and have never ventured very far." Joe told her. "Where are you from?"
Julia smiled at him, "I'm from back east, a little town right on the coast, in Nova Scotia." She explained.
"Wow. And you ended up all the way in Hope Valley." Joe told her, with a broad smile.
"Yes I did." Julia looked up at Nathan. "Sometimes things just have a way of working out perfectly."
Joe smiled at her and looked at Nathan. "I agree." He explained further. "I met my wife at a youth camp when we were teenagers. We liked each other, but lived far apart." He paused, "But, a few years later, her family moved, and we ended up in the same school. We were together from that day forward."
"That's so sweet, Mr. Moody. I'd love to meet her." Julia told him, looking around.
Joe's smile faded and a sad look washed over his face. "Lysette died quite a few years back." Joe said flatly.
"Oh, Joe, I'm so sorry. I wouldn't have asked if I had realized." Julia excused herself, switching to his first name, in a wave of compassion.
"It's okay, Miss Matthews. You couldn't have known." Joe told her, with a sad look. "She was one of a kind."
Julia nodded, and told him. "I'm sure she was, Joe. And, thank you for sharing your story with us."
Joe nodded, and asked. "Were you looking for something in particular?"
Julia smiled, "I wanted to buy some candy for the children at Lillian's." Julia glanced over Joe's shoulder at the candy sticks. She pointed. "How about some candy sticks?"
Nathan nodded. "They would certainly like those, Jules." There was a myriad of colored sticks in different jars behind the counter.
"Mr. Moody, how about a mix of different colors? And, I'll take 12 of them, please." Julia told him. She pulled her coin purse from her pocket and fished out the appropriate payment.
Joe took a paper sac, and counted out 12 sticks of colored candy. He handed the sac to her. "You can't go wrong with these. Everyone loves them."
"Thanks, Mr. Moody." Julia said. She looked into the bag, sure the kids would love them. And, they would get two each.
She and Nathan walked about Joe's store and had a look around. It was very nice and everything so neatly arranged. A few minutes later, they bid good-bye to Joe and headed back out on the boardwalk.
Nathan and Julia took a last stroll around town, and then went to lunch together, at the hotel. Grace was working today, and Chuck was already seated and eating alone, when they entered. After saying hello to Chuck, Grace escorted Nathan and Julia to a private table in the corner. It was nice to have some time alone, as the children would likely be gone most of the day on their fishing excursion.
Nathan and Julia enjoyed each other's company. They discussed Nathan's upcoming travel and time in Union City. There was a lot of work to be done, but he was excited about all of it.
When they were done with lunch, they slowly walked back to the orphanage. As they walked, Nathan held Julia's hand in the crook of his arm. He loved the way Julia moved, and the way her dress swished. She had put on her lavender dress today, one of his favorites. He was having a hard time taking his eyes off of her, and enjoyed having her on his arm.
Shortly after Nathan and Julia arrived back at the orphanage, the children arrived with their catch. They had managed to catch ten nice trout.
Nathan helped the children clean the fish and prepare them for Ms. Winters, so that she could cook them up for dinner. Then, the children headed back outside to play hide and seek.
So, Nathan took Julia's hand and threaded their fingers together. He led her onto the porch, to the rocking chairs. They sat down next to each other, and just enjoyed rocking there, next to each other, on the huge front porch. Nathan leaned his head back and gazed out at the children. He felt relaxed and wistful, and enjoyed the moment. In the back of his mind, he was ever aware of the separation that was coming fast upon them.
Nathan looked over at Julia and asked softly, "Jules, tell me what it was like to grow up on the coast."
Julia felt very relaxed as well, her head laid back on the rocking chair. She smiled over at Nathan and thought for a minute. Then, she tried to do it justice, "Well, it was very nice, I guess. We have a salt creek that backs up to the big house, and a little dock that goes up and down with the tide. And that's where dad always kept the little john-boat, the one that got pulled out to sea, with us in it." She told him with a little chuckle. She enjoyed her memories and it showed. She closed her eyes and was right back there, on the little dock. "There's the salt air and the sea breeze and the birds. We always have a lot of gulls on that dock. And, on the salt marsh, there's the tall salt grass, and lots of herons and egrets."
His gaze was fixed on her as she talked. By her description, he could picture it.
She continued, "Lots of new boats arrived every spring. And then the races would begin in June. Almost every weekend, there was a race." She paused and looked out at the children. "Lots of tourists in the summer. When I was really young, my grandparents still had the café and it was always busy in the summer. Jake and I used to hang out there a lot, while Dad was working. We were probably in the way more than anything, but those were wonderful days."
"Tell me about your grandparents, Jules." He asked.
"Grandpa Charles was strong but kind. I never once heard him raise his voice. He was even-keeled and very patient. Jake and I made our fair share of trouble in his cafe, and he was always gentle with his words, even in his correction. He was firm, but spoke with kindness." She explained to Nathan.
"Grandma Jewel was compassionate and sweet. She saw people, and she could always tell when someone was having a bad day. She spent a lot of her time sitting with people and giving advice. I think Grandpa Charles spend most of his day searching for her, only to find her sitting with patrons at the restaurant and talking through their problems. She probably should have been a therapist." Julia told him, with a little chuckle. "She used to spend a lot of time in prayer. At the cafe, she put a box by the front door, for prayer requests. And, it was always full. And, she really would pray for each of those little pieces of paper. Most of the prayer requests were anonymous, but she was faithful to pray for each one everyday, before she closed up."
"Wow. I like that. I would have liked them, I can tell." Nathan told her.
With her head laid back, Julia turned her head and looked over at him. "And, they would have loved you." She paused, and lifted her head in emphasis. "And, Allie. They would have adored Allie." Julia looked out at her, running and playing with the children. "Allie has just the kind of spunk Grandma Jewel loved."
"What else can you tell me about home?" Nathan asked, wanting to know more. He enjoyed very much hearing about Julia's family, and where she came from.
"Not far from our house we had some fresh water ponds. They were full of salamanders, and newts, and frogs. Lots of huge bullfrogs. They would sing so loud at dusk, in the spring and summer. And, every evening we had huge lightning bugs. I loved to catch them in jars and put them next to my bed." Julia chuckled low. "I killed my fair share, probably a couple million over the years."
Nathan chuckled. He also loved lightning bugs. It was one of his favorite things about summertime, and they always had a ton on the ranch.
Julia continued, "There weren't many days that went by, when we weren't out on the boat, or on the water. Life revolved around the tide table, and the clock. And, the water was always moving. The tide was either coming in, or going out. And, well, you better know which before you went out on the water, or it could be dangerous." Julia remembered so many times she and Jake had almost gotten into trouble because they had miscalculated the tide. "It's something you just get used to, like the sun rising or setting."
Nathan looked at her. He loved to hear her reminisce. "It sounds wonderful, Jules." He squeezed her hand, as he asked her. "Will you take me there one day?"
"Oh, Nathan. You don't have to twist my arm very hard." Julia told him with a thoughtful smile. "I would love to take you." She paused, and thought that it went both ways. She would also love to see the ranch. "If you promise to take me to Airdrie."
"I would love to take you home with me. It's been too long since I've been back." Nathan looked out at the children, pensive.
"Tell me about it." Julia, too, was feeling wistful, after reminiscing about home. She enjoyed hearing Nathan talk about the ranch.
"Well, you've seen Colleen's paintings." He turned his head to look at her. "She painted things pretty true to form." He paused, "The sky always felt huge on the ranch. Lots of green rolling hills, with pristine streams running through. Big rocky cliffs, and bright vivid colors." He explained. "While you were always on the water, we were always on horseback. Even when Colleen and I were too small to handle a saddle, we were on the back of a horse, riding bareback." He chuckled low. "I think Dad and Charlie started giving us chores on the ranch just to aim our energy in a productive direction, since we were all over the ranch anyway."
"Whether helping when cows needed to be moved from one pasture to another, or checking and repairing fences, or helping out when a horse needed to be shoed, we were always eager to pitch in. And, it never felt like work, but was just part of life." He told her. "And, when it was foaling season, well…that was extra special. Calving season, too. It was always my favorite time of year. Watching new life birthed on a ranch...well, there's nothing like it." Nathan explained. Julia tried to picture what it must be like when a colt or calf was born, and she couldn't. But, she would love to see it one day. It must be something very wonderful.
"On the ranch, we've got a pretty big corral set up for training, and there's always a horse to work with. Someone is always breaking or training a horse in that corral. Whether it's Mom, Charlie, or Ruth, our horse trainer. The corral is always busy, and it's beautiful to watch." Nathan told her. "I spent a lot of my childhood perched on the fence of that corral."
"Oh, I would love to see it." Julia told him quietly. "You must take me, Nathan."
"You can count on it, Miss Matthews." He looked at her and twisted their hands together playfully, between them. "You can ride my paint horse."
Julia smiled big at the thought. She could hardly wait, "Oh, could I?"
"Yes, ma'am." He told her, as he lightly kissed the back of her hand. He liked the idea of taking her and showing her where he grew up. And, he would love to see her riding one of their horses, over the rolling hills of the ranch. He could just imagine her poised on Domino, riding and looking so beautiful, with her long sandy hair trailing out behind her.
The kids finished their game and went around to the back yard to get the ball. As Julia and Nathan continued to rock on the front porch, Nathan saw Gabriel walking toward the house, coming from town. Julia followed Nathan's gaze and recognized the red coat coming their way.
Julia smiled and asked Nathan low, "Gabe really adores Lillian, doesn't he?"
Nathan chuckled. That was an understatement. "Yes, he does." Nathan paused. "I hope he will do something about it soon."
"Lillian is discreet, but I'm pretty sure she feels the same way." Julia surmised.
Nathan looked over at her, his head still laid back on the rocker. "Do you think so?"
"Haven't you noticed the way she looks at him? The way they look at each other?" Julia looked at Nathan, and smiled. "It reminds me of someone I know."
Nathan's eyes lit up. "Are you talking about me, Miss Matthews?"
"No." Julia admitted, "I was talking about me." Nathan's heart began to race at the thought of Julia looking at him with affection. He, too, remembered those early days when she consumed his thoughts day and night. His heart would skip a beat just thinking of her. And, it still did. Every single time.
"You used to look at me with affection?" Nathan asked, teasing her.
"I'm sure everyone could clearly see the way I felt about you." Julia gave a soft giggle. "It's what made it so hard to care for you as a nurse." She continued in a whisper, "I was so sure that everyone could see right through me."
Nathan liked hearing that. And, he was sure that everyone could see right through him, too, from the first moment he laid eyes on her. "And, now?" Nathan teased her a little more.
"I don't care if the whole world knows how much I love you, Nathan Grant." She told him, proudly. "You deserve so much love, more than I could ever give you." She said softly. "But, I intend to try to live up to you…Mr. Grant."
Nathan kissed her hand again. "I love you too, Julia Matthews." He gazed at her intensely, to make sure she felt the weight of his words. "And, your love is exactly what I need, and all that I want."
Gabriel arrived at the porch, and gently pulled them from their sweet moment. Nathan Grant was all she ever needed, too. His love fit her just perfect, and she knew that it would only grow in the many years to come, as they walked through life, together.
"Hello again, Gabe." Nathan said, slowly dropping her hand and coming to stand beside him.
"Hello you two. Have you had a nice day in Brookfield?" Gabriel asked them.
"It's been just lovely, Gabe." Julia told him. "And, the children were blessed on their fishing trip. We are having trout for dinner!" She said, bragging on them.
Gabriel was so glad to hear that they were enjoying their time in here. Especially after all Nathan, Julia, and Allie had been through, between the attack and Nathan's arrest. "I'm very glad to hear you are enjoying yourselves. And, I like trout." Gabriel stepped to the door. "I'm just going to say hello to Lillian." He told them, excusing himself with a knock on the door.
Nathan and Julia looked at each other and smiled, knowing. Lillian came to the door, and invited him inside. Nathan and Julia stayed outside to let them have some time together.
A few minutes later, Gabriel came back outside, though he had abandoned his serge, in the heat. "Nathan, Lillian says there is a problem with the latch on the gate to their garden. I'm just going to take a look." He reported.
"I'll come with you, Gabe." Nathan told him, and the two men walked around the back of the house, towards the vegetable garden.
Lillian stepped out onto the front porch with Julia. "It's such a beautiful day, isn't it?"
Julia replied, as they sat together in the rocking chairs. "It really is." She looked at Lillian and told her, "I'm so glad we came."
"Are you having a good time?" Lillian asked her as they rocked.
"Oh, yes. You have built such a lovely home, Lillian. And, the children, they are amazing." Julia told her.
"They are each a gift." Lillian surmised, simply.
"Life is full of wonderful gifts, if we have eyes to see." Julia told her. Lillian looked at Julia, agreeing wholeheartedly.
At that very moment, Nathan and Gabriel walked around the front of the workshop and went inside, for tools. Julia looked at Lillian, and giggled. Then she whispered low, "Speaking of gifts…"
Lillian chuckled back, and nodded in agreement. "Yes, they are." Julia had just been talking about Nathan, but was so happy to hear Lillian's response. It meant that she felt Gabriel was a gift, too, and that was a good sign.
Julia leaned her head back in the rocking chair and looked out over the landscape, so happy for this little interaction with Lillian. She was sure that everything would come together in the Lord's perfect timing for Lillian and Gabriel, just as had happened for her and Nathan.
After a long time rocking in silence, and looking out at the beautiful view, Lillian rose. She was really enjoying the sound of the children laughing and playing on the side of the house, but she needed to finish the dinner preparations. "If you'll excuse me, Julia. I need finish up some things for dinner."
Julia rose with her, "I'll join you, Lillian. I'd love to help." And, the two ladies went into the house, together.
The dinner was just wonderful. Mrs. Winters had perfectly prepared the trout, and Julia and Lillian had made roasted potatoes to go with them. Grace had made a salad, and peach pie.
Chuck joined them again for dinner, and Julia understood why Grace had chosen to make peach pie, once she brought it out. Chuck's face lit up, and he exclaimed that peach was his absolute favorite.
Once the pie and coffee had been served, they all retired to the salon together. Grace enthusiastically told made-up stories, while the children acted them out. They had a few simple props, and were so cute acting them out impromptu, as Grace obviously made them up as she went along. It was a lot of fun to see the easy camaraderie between the children, and the easy rapport with Grace and Lillian. They made a lovely family, and provided a wonderful safe place for each other. And, it was a joy to spend these few days with them.
After the stories, Julia pulled out the candy and passed the sticks out to the children. They ate a little, and saved a little. After they'd had their fill, the children were tired. It had been a full day of fishing, playing, and acting. Lillian and Grace took them up to bed, and Allie went too. When the women came back down, Chuck asked Grace to take a little walk. Nathan took Julia's hand and led her to the front porch, while Gabriel and Lillian stayed in the salon.
When Julia and Nathan got outside, he led her down the porch, to the bottom step, so they could look up at the stars. Nathan pulled Julia close, and she leaned back on his chest, as they gazed up at the heavens. The sky was so big, and there was not a cloud in the sky. The stars seemed so clear and close, as they leaned back together. Julia had the feeling that she could almost reach up and touch each sparkling light.
"They are lovely, aren't they?" Nathan asked her. Though, he was looking more at Julia than the stars, finding her so beautiful in the moonlight. She smelled of lilies and he thought it absolutely his favorite scent. He breathed her in and sat, content to hold her close.
"So lovely." She replied just above a whisper, snuggling in even closer to him. His arms came strong around her and held her strong. His nearness made her heart race.
Nathan slowly pulled her hair to the side, and kissed her neck, just under her ear. That made her heart race even faster, and he felt it. Gooseflesh broke out over her shoulder, and she returned her gaze up to the starry sky and tried to catch her breath.
They stayed close for a long time, until they saw Chuck leave, and then a little later, Gabriel. Finally, Nathan spoke, "I should let you get to bed, Jules."
Julia slowly rose and Nathan reluctantly turned her back toward the house. They climbed the steps, though just before entering, Nathan turned her towards him. He slowly cupped her face and kissed her, slow and tender. Julia relished his closeness and his tenderness, as he drew out the kiss. When he pulled back a little, he stayed close and let his thumbs caress her cheeks. His tender touch sent the butterflies into motion deep in her belly. He looked into her eyes and confessed, in a breathless whisper, "I love you."
Julia smiled, thinking those words her absolute favorite in all the world. And, the emotion with which he spoke them rendered her nearly speechless. She managed a faint whisper in response, "I love you, Lawman, with all my heart."
He turned towards the door, and slowly led her inside and up the stairs. Before they turned towards their respective sides of the house, Nathan kissed her one more time, on the cheek.
"Good night, my darling." He whispered.
"Sweet dreams, my love." She answered.
And, they went their separate ways, to bedrooms on opposite ends of the house, though they dreamt all night, of each other.