Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 12, Part 6, Page 76

"So, what do you think about Hope Valley so far?" Nathan asked Dee.

"The countryside is beautiful especially with the mountains in the distance!" Dee smiled.

"Yes, I agree, this is one of the most popular towns in the area." Nathan told her. "I am looking to make this my permanent home to raise Allie."

"I can see why. Plus everyone has been very nice to me." Dee remarked.

"I'm glad that you have met some more folks today."

"You know Nathan, the children out at the farms and ranches have a long walk to school, do they come in the winter?" Dee asked.

"I'm not sure as Allie hasn't mentioned anything like that to me. I would think that they come in by wagon if they can't walk." Nathan added.

"So, then I should check with Elizabeth, but if there is a problem, maybe I could go out to them. It's just that I don't want them to miss any chance of playing an instrument or getting voice lessons." Dee explained.

"Well then that sounds like the best idea." Nathan agreed as he poured 2 glasses of wine for them both.

"Nathan, it's really none of my business, but I actually want to ask you something if you don't mind." Dee started. "I heard from Faith that you and Elizabeth have a relationship that you just broke from a few months ago. Is that true?"

With that Nathan put his glass down. He looked away for a few minutes, then turned and looked straight into Dee's eyes. What seemed like an eternity to Dee, he finally answered her. "I guess it's time I shared this part of my life with you. Some of it is true, I was keen in pursuing a courtship with Elizabeth. She had given me cues for 2 years of her interest in me. We were friends and with her being Allie's teacher, I began to like her more than just a friend. I was very awkward in asking her for a date."

"No, not you Nathan! You're so easy-going with everyone." Dee was stunned. "So, did you ever ask her out?"

"No matter what I tried, after I got my nerve, she had an excuse every time. I started to tell her that I knew she had feelings for me, like I had for her, but she would run away." Nathan explained.

"Oh, Nathan, that must have been frustrating, especially if she led you to believe it was mutual."

"It was not just frustrating, but it hurt. Not only did she choose Lucas Bouchard instead of me to court her, but she compared me to Jack her late husband." Nathan shook his head. Then he stopped, his face burst into a smile and his mood was happy once again as he said, "Dee, I haven't thought about Elizabeth ever since I saw you this summer."

Dee looked stunned and felt herself blushing. Her thoughts were spinning. "Nathan, I don't know what to say." as she looked off in the distance.

"You don't have to say anything. Not now. I just need to let you know that I learned my lesson, and I will not hold back my feelings again. I've always enjoyed being your friend. As children, we had some really fun times and the memories are great. Now, though as adults, I no longer see you as a child, but as a beautiful, smart young woman." Nathan complimented Dee.

Dee didn't know what to say or think. Here was her old friend telling her that he enjoyed being with her and that she was beautiful. Dee's heart was pounding and she had to get up and walk back to the stream.

Nathan got up too and followed her. As he approached, she thought she'd faint when he put his arm around her. "Are you all right Dee?" he asked concerned.

"I'm just surprised Nathan, I never expected to hear this. I mean, I've been thinking of you as a handsome, kind man who is a great Dad to Allie. I've enjoyed getting to know Allie and your Ma and feel so accepted and cared for by them both. Now you say these sweet words." Dee turned and looked at him.

"Dee, I don't know where this is going between us, but I do know that I like it. I want to be more than 'old friends'. If you feel the same, with your permission, I'd like to court you." Nathan asked hopefully.

"But Nathan, what about me working with Elizabeth? Do you think this will be a conflict for us? I want to be her friend as we are working together." Dee asked.

"Don't worry about her. She is a very strong woman who when she sets her mind to something, she'll see it through. So, I'm sure she'll work with you just fine."

"Well Nathan, I would be honored for you to be my suitor! I'm looking forward to enjoying my time here with you." Dee laughed.

With that, Nathan looked in her eyes deeply, brought her close to him and gently kissed her.