Chapter 25

As much as Nathan didn't want to wear his uniform while riding with Sarah, he was doing his rounds so it was necessary. While Nathan was getting dressed he thought about the conversation he'd had earlier with Elizabeth. He knew it was painful for her but nothing he said was untrue. He also knew that he'd not spoken in anger but was honest with her. While Elizabeth might struggle with what he'd said, he knew that she had friends like Rosemary who would be there to help her process it. Nathan felt like he'd closed a chapter in his life. After feeling like he'd been in a holding pattern since that fateful day at Ft. Clay when Jack Thornton had been killed, Nathan was finally ready to write a new chapter for himself and Allie.

Sarah was looking out the window of her apartment and saw Nathan making his way on Newton and leading Bridget behind him. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw him in his red serge. She thought maybe she was a bit shallow since her first thought was how incredibly handsome he looked sitting high on his horse wearing his uniform. Sarah knew good looks were only skin deep. Her relationship with Tom had taught her that. Nathan was so much more than his good looks. He had all the qualities Sarah was looking for in a man; kindness, selflessness, caring, honesty, bravery. His relationship with Allie showed her what a wonderful father he would be.

Before Nathan could even knock Sarah had opened the door and invited him in. Nathan stepped inside Sarah's apartment and looked around. He'd never been inside before. It was small but her taste was flawless and she'd managed to use every bit of the space efficiently. "Sarah, your apartment is beautiful. It fits you perfectly." Sarah was dressed in some very modern riding pants that Nathan couldn't help but notice how they showed off her long, slender legs.

"Thank you Nathan. It works for now." Sarah had packed some food for their lunches and the two of them made their way downstairs to the horses. Nathan introduced Sarah to Bridget. "What a pretty name for a horse. How did Allie come up with that?"

"Bridget is an Irish name that means power, strength, vigor and virtue. Allie thought it sounded perfect for her horse."

Nathan asked Sarah if she remembered how to mount the horse. She said she did but wasn't sure she could manage on her own. Nathan stood behind her ready to offer assistance if needed. Sarah put her foot in the stirrup and pulled herself up with very little assistance from Nathan. "I think you know more than you let on," Nathan commented admiring her athleticism that allowed her to get herself up onto Bridget the first time.

Nathan gave Sarah some basic instruction. Sit up straight in the saddle, and lean slightly forward. Hold your reins in one hand down by the saddle pad. When you want to turn just move the hand with the reins to the right or left depending on which way you want to turn. Sarah was a quick study and soon they were off on the route Nathan followed every day. They rode quietly for a while just enjoying the beauty of the late Fall day with colorful leaves and the chill in the air that was invigorating. Their conversation started with Nathan asking about the dress shop and how Sarah was adjusting to the differences between Hope Valley and Union City. "Oh Nathan, I can see why everyone loves Hope Valley so much. I've never lived any place that is as welcoming as our town is. I can see why people move here and never want to leave."

"I agree, I'm so glad Allie and I decided to stay instead of taking the promotion I was offered."

Sarah hadn't heard that Nathan and Allie had had the option to leave. "When did that happen?"

It was Christmas almost two years ago. I was offered an inspector position in Union City."

It was not lost on Sarah that had Nathan accepted his promotion they would have been living in the same city with little likelihood that they'd have ever met. "Why did you turn it down?"

Nathan could almost read her mind. "I turned it down because I knew how happy Allie was here. She'd made friends, was doing well in school, it didn't seem fair to uproot her again just as she'd gotten so comfortable here."

Once again Sarah was touched by Nathan's selflessness. Not many men would turn down a prestigious promotion so their daughter could stay where she was happy.

"Nathan, you never cease to amaze me. Your heart is so good." Sarah reached over to touch his arm. Nathan stopped Newton and felt the current that coursed through his body.

The two continued riding for a bit further before deciding to stop for lunch. Nathan spread out his blanket and the two sat down. Nathan realized he'd not had much breakfast and that he was starving. Sarah unwrapped sandwiches, fruit and fresh cookies she'd made after church. "This looks delicious. I forgot I haven't eaten all day. Thank you for bringing this."

"It's the least I could do after you fed me last night – again!" Sarah laughed. "I think next time I want to have you and Allie over to my apartment for dinner."

"I think we would both enjoy that very much."

"Very good, does 6:30 Wednesday work? I'm off in the afternoon so it gives me time to cook." Sarah had never had anyone to her apartment let alone entertained there. It felt right that her first guests were Nathan and Allie.

"Perfect, we'll be there." Nathan was already looking forward to it.

After they'd eaten Nathan took Sarah's hand in his. "Sarah, I want to tell you something. I talked to Elizabeth today after church. I told her I forgave her."

Sarah knew how Nathan had been struggling with whether he was ready to forgive Elizabeth for the heartache she'd caused. She also knew it was an important step if the two of them were ever to have any kind of future together. Looking down at her hand in his she replied. "Nathan, I know how much thought you've put into this and how hard that must have been for you. How do you feel now that you've spoken to her?"

Nathan didn't think he could put into words the answer to that question so instead he pulled Sarah to him and brought his lips to hers. She was startled at the intensity of his kiss but she soon lost herself to it running her hands through his hair holding him close to her. In spite of the cold temperatures Sarah felt the heat between them. Nathan was breathless and thought certainly Sarah must be able to feel his heartbeat. His rough but gentle hands cupped her face looking into her eyes and she realized she was powerless to his gaze. Finally Nathan spoke. "Sarah, you are so beautiful. I feel as though I'm ready to start a new chapter in my life and I want you to be in it." Sarah wasn't sure if she could breathe. Never had she experienced the rush of adrenaline that she'd just felt during their kiss. Knowing that Nathan wanted her in his life was everything she could hope to hear. Trying to find her voice Sarah whispered "Me too."

They sat for several more minutes with Nathan's arms round Sarah both lost in their own thoughts.

Finally Nathan sadly admitted he needed to finish his rounds.

As Sarah started packing up their lunch she realized she would be happy to stay in this beautiful spot all day with Nathan.

They rode quietly. Nathan's thoughts were full of Sarah. He could barely concentrate on his rounds.

They made their way back to Hope Valley and headed to the livery to take care of the horses. Finishing up there Nathan walked Sarah back to her apartment. He still needed to go to the office and write up his reports but first he took Sarah in his arms and kissed her with a passion equal to what they'd shared earlier. "Constable, if you kiss me like that again I can't guarantee you're going to finish your reports today." Sarah teased. The wave of disappointment at the thought of leaving Sarah almost felt physical to Nathan.

"I will stop by the store to see you tomorrow if that's okay." Nathan was already counting the hours until he would see her again.

"I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. Thank you for the ride today."

"And thank you for lunch." Nathan tipped his hat and gave her a smile that told her he was thanking her for more than the food.