…This magic moment

So different and so new

Was like any other

Until I kissed you

…And then it happened

It took me by surprise

I knew that you felt it too

By the look in your eyes

-The Drifters, "This Magic Moment

The walk from the schoolhouse was spent in quiet conversation about their days interspersed with shy and blushing glances-on both their parts. Arriving at Elizabeth's house, Nathan had left her on her porch and left to do his rounds, but not before pressing a quick kiss on her cheek first. The other kiss they had shared had also been chaste, not much different than the pressing of lips against a cheek or the back of a hand, but to Nathan-it had been more. So much more. It had been, according to Elizabeth, perfect. Utterly perfect.

It had been years-since before he'd taken guardianship of Allie, to be precise-since Nathan had kissed a woman, and those kisses had not brought an ounce of the pleasure that had flooded his entire being-mind, body, and soul-as Elizabeth's kiss had. The moment had been like magic. It had taken him by surprise, but Nathan was a more than willing participant. He looked forward to the many, many kisses they would share in the future.

Nathan dropped by the jail after his rounds, wanting to check on John and Jenny and Elias. Bill needed John to stay for Jenny's trial and was more than happy to cover for Nathan, wanting to keep busy in the wake of the tragedy. Nathan couldn't blame him. He was just glad that he had parenting and a new courtship to distract him from the traumatic experience.

"Any changes?" Nathan asked John in a low tone by the desk.

"No. Jenny still won't talk. At least she's not refusing to eat anymore." Good, Nathan thought. Carson must've finally been able to convince her not to starve herself. Starvation was a long and horrific way to die. "Elias, on the other hand," John continued, "has actually stopped talking, too, and didn't even engage with Bill when he stopped by while you were out on your rounds."

Nathan raised his eyebrows. He wondered if the gravity of their situation had finally sunk in for him. Unfortunately, it was too late.

Nathan changed and went next door to pick Allie up. They walked to Elizabeth's, nerves (Nathan) and excitement (Allie) building. Allie helped Little Jack into his coat while Nathan helped Elizabeth. The four of them walked toward town, the children between the two adults, Little Jack holding hands with Elizabeth and Allie. Allie and Nathan didn't seem to mind at all walking the extra slow pace needed to accommodate Little Jack's short legs. Allie 'conversed' with the toddler while Elizabeth and Nathan shot each other shy glances the whole walk. It was quite a miracle that one or both of them didn't trip. They were both oblivious to the stares and whispers going on as they passed bystanders.

Nathan ushered their quartet inside Abigail's and was thankful that there was a table for four open. They sat and Clara walked their way. Her eyes lit up when she saw the four of them sitting together. Apparently their walks to and from school together had been noticed and the rumor mill must be rife with gossip and speculation. He didn't like being part of the equation at the center of so much attention, but at least it was for a reason that brought his family and Elizabeth's so much happiness. This time, anyway.

"Good evening, everyone!" Clara greeted, a little too enthusiastically, if Nathan were to be asked. He wasn't.

"Good evening, Clara," Elizabeth answered, her tone measured but with wryness mixed in, making it obvious she knew exactly what Clara was thinking.

It's not like she would be incorrect, but Nathan's shy nature still made him feel uncomfortable. He was certain it would get better with time. Besides, he and Elizabeth were courting, they weren't doing anything wrong, and that's all that mattered.

Clara rattled off the special for the day and took their orders. She was also rather lucky that she didn't bang into any tables or chairs on her way back to the kitchen for how many times she'd looked back at them. Staring could be made illegal, right?

Nathan felt his cheeks heat.

Elizabeth chuckled. "She's just curious, Nathan. Everyone is."

"I know," he said, smiling, trying to let her know that he was going to do his best to ignore the barely inconspicuous stares from the cafe's other patrons. "I'll get used to it." One day. Hopefully.

Allie groaned, startling him.

"What is it, Allie?"

"Can I stay home from school tomorrow? Please." 'Please' came out as a whine.

"Why? Are you feeling sick? Do we need to go see Carson?" Nathan was about to jump to his feet, to rush off to bring Carson to the cafe instead, when his niece just rolled her eyes.

"No, Uncle Nathan. I just don't want everyone asking me about you and Elizabeth before school even starts," she explained, her expression long-suffering.

"Why would they be asking you?"

Allie rolled her eyes again and Elizabeth laughed at her dramatic but silent response. Nathan was just plain confused at this point. He wasn't sure if he even wanted to ask for an explanation.

"Because the four of us are out tonight. Even those who didn't see us with their own eyes will know by noon tomorrow we were together. Allie will be seen as a goldmine of information since she's with us," Elizabeth explained.

"Ah," Nathan said. "It won't be enough to just say we're courting and leave it at that?" he asked, hoping she would say yes, but knowing already that she wasn't going to.

"Unfortunately not. The students, or girls, at least, will want to know all of the details, especially the romantic aspect. The boys probably won't ask too many questions, though, so as not to appear interested in romance. They're still going to be curious," Elizabeth said, her lips twitching.

"I see," he responded uneasily.

Nathan didn't much like the idea that young girls, girls his niece's age, would want to know about his love life, but he remembered that Allie was a tomboy. She was more interested in fishing and reading than romance and playing with dolls. Romance had never had a place in their lives before. He supposed that was his own fault. He'd had no idea how to raise a little girl, and truth be told, he still didn't.

Elizabeth shot him a sly look. "Although, we could just walk home holding hands." She raised her brow in a challenging manner. "That might save Allie a few questions."

Nathan smiled brightly. "I think that's a great idea."

They would be helping Allie and he would get to hold her hand. It was a win-win for everyone.

"You'll never guess who's in the cafe! Having dinner! Together!" Clara excitedly gushed to Fiona as soon as she reached the kitchen and hurriedly handed the new order slip to Bill without even a glance.

"Ohhh, who?" Fiona asked, eager for some new gossip. It had to be good if Clara's ecstatic mood was an indicator.

Fiona could use some good right news about now since she was still trying to figure out what she was going to do after having joined the unemployed. She'd come to the cafe to spend some time with Clara, trying to distract herself from her soon-to-be dire circumstances if she didn't find a source of income in the next few weeks. She had savings, but they would only last so long. She would either have to go back home to San Francisco or rely on the charity of friends. Neither options were appealing.

"Elizabeth and Nathan!"

"Really?"

Fiona rushed (quietly) to the doorway and peeked around the curtain. And sure enough, Elizabeth and Nathan were sitting across from one another, Allie on Nathan's side, and Little Jack on Elizabeth's. They look like a family, she mused. Well, after that embrace a few days ago, it was no wonder.

While the whole town of Hope Valley knew the saloon owner and the constable were both vying for the school teacher's heart, most people had been certain that Elizabeth had chosen, or would soon, Lucas. They'd gone to Union City together and then there had been some visible tension between Nathan and Elizabeth afterward that had been obvious. It had been speculated by many that Lucas would be victorious. But then the tension had seemed to abate as suddenly as it appeared and the hug Nathan and Elizabeth had been witnessed by many, even amidst the confusion and sad circumstances proceeding the moment.

Fiona remembered seeing the look on Lucas' face. She couldn't help but feel bad for him. Fiona had joined Clara and Jesse at the Queen of Hearts for dinner the night before, and it was obvious that Lucas was not his usual self. He had looked serious in a way he typically wasn't. His smiles had seemed forced and he hadn't conversed with customers like he normally did. Now she knows why. Elizabeth had chosen Nathan over him. It's too bad that either way Elizabeth would choose, one man was going to be hurt.

A thought that Fiona had considered long buried reared its head. Lucas was free to pursue other relationships. She shook her head. No, even if Lucas wasn't courting Elizabeth, it didn't mean he wanted to court another woman. He had clearly just had his heart broken and here she was thinking about him in terms of viability. What was wrong with her?

Shaking her head, she told herself to stop thinking about how handsome the charming saloon owner was. Even with his somewhat shady dealings those first few days after his arrival and her telling Bill about said 'shady' behavior, she couldn't help but acknowledge how pleasing (visually and in manners) she found him to be. When it became apparent that his attention had focused on Elizabeth, Fiona had put away whatever deeper feelings she could've/might've developed for Lucas and shifted her attention to her job and furthering the friendships she had made in the little town she had come to love so much.

Fiona had also found Constable Grant to be just as handsome. Who wouldn't? And she was young and unmarried, so she constantly noticed unattached men. Just because she wasn't actively looking to get married yet didn't mean she couldn't appreciate a good looking man. Nathan, however, had been so reserved and quiet that Fiona had only ever seen him as friend material. She preferred playful and spontaneous. Like Lucas, her traitorous heart whispered.

With a mental swat on that thought, Fiona went back to her seat at the table in the back, where Clara was waiting for her.

"They look awfully cozy, don't they?" Clara asked, grinning.

"They do," Fiona agreed.

"I suppose that means they're officially courting now, even if they haven't said anything to make it public."

Fiona shrugged. That's certainly what it looked like.

"I think they'll be happy together," Clara continued. "I know people were probably thinking that Elizabeth would choose Lucas because he wasn't a Mountie or that she would choose Nathan because he is a Mountie, like she's trying to replace Jack in some way."

Fiona rolled her eyes. "I may not know Elizabeth as well as you or Rosemary or Bill, but even I know she would never make a decision like that based on those grounds. It's ridiculous."

"I know, but you know how unfair people can be," Clara said.

"Unfortunately, yes," Fiona said, thinking of her former boss. "Well, I'll let you get back to it, Clara. I've distracted you enough for tonight." She laughed, quickly side-stepping Clara's hand swatting at her.

"Oh, stop. You're no distraction," Clara assured.

Fiona smiled as she slipped into her coat. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Bye, Fiona."

She and Bill exchanged waves before she left.

Stepping outside, Fiona took a deep breath of the chilly air. The sun was almost down and the temperature had already begun dropping earlier. She felt listless, having no idea where life was taking her now. Somehow, though, she knew it was going to be okay.

"If you're done gossiping, the order for Nathan and Elizabeth's table is ready to be delivered," Bill said to Clara.

Clara blushed, ducking her head. "Sorry, Bill."

"I was only teasing you, Clara," Bill soothed. "I know you're just excited for them. I am too. We've all been waiting for Elizabeth to find someone she can be happy with."

"I think Nathan is perfect for Elizabeth and vice versa. I know how hard it's been for her to open herself up, to make herself vulnerable like that again. I felt the same way with Jesse."

"I know. And I'm proud of you both for overcoming your fears. I think you found your forever with him," Bill said, placing an affectionate hand on her shoulder.

"Thank you, Bill," Clara said, blinking back tears of gratitude. "I'll deliver those plates now."

"Okay." Bill smiled and went to stir a pot on the stovetop.

Clara got back to work with a smile, feeling happy. Just plain happy, for herself, for her friends, for everyone. And if she was feeling the slightest bit vindicated for essentially forcing Elizabeth to join the single, bouquet-catching hopeful ladies at her wedding reception, so be it.

The design Rosemary was working on went blurry as her eyes began to droop, and she jerked awake. Knowing that she wasn't going to get any more work done, she got out of bed to put her sketchbook and pencils away. She made herself comfortable again, waiting for her husband to join her. Lee was downstairs taking care of the dishes. When she'd called earlier to say she was going to be working late, he had been a dear and taken care of supper, having it ready when she came home. He'd then shooed her upstairs while he tidied the kitchen. She had hoped to get a little more work done.

Dottie had called from Union City early that morning and wanted a series of dresses designed for a woman having a costume party on New Year's Eve. The theme was the Elizabethan Golden Age but with a modern twist. Rosemary was delighted by the challenge, if not the time constraint. It had been a while since she'd had to design anything, and she liked getting back to the creative process that had taken a back burner in favor of the day-to-day business of the dress shop. Not that she didn't like doing that, either, it just wasn't designing. Balancing books and managing inventory were not glamorous activities, but someone had to do it.

Lee came into their bedroom and by the hunch of his shoulders, Rosemary knew he needed to talk to her about something important, and probably something she wasn't going to like. She braced herself as he sat on the edge of her side of the bed.

"Lee?" she asked worriedly. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, nothing," he said, raising his hands to placate her. It didn't work.

She gave him a look, and he caved.

"Nothing is wrong, per se, but I do want to talk something over with you."

"Okay…" She waited expectantly.

"Well-" he hedged, "I was wondering, considering everything that's happened lately, if you would be opposed to delaying our vacation until after the New Year?" Lee ducked his head, like he was expecting a very vocal scolding.

Normally, Rosemary wouldn't've hesitated to let her displeasure be known on this subject, so his reaction would've been warranted, but not this time. "I thought about asking if we could exchange our tickets, but Susannah wants us to meet both of her children. I thought she might be offended if we didn't come…"

Lee smiled sheepishly. "Actually, I already called her. She's okay with us waiting. Patrick will be home for Christmas Break and she said it would be nice to spend time together during the holiday season. We'll still be here for Little Jack's birthday and Christmas, so don't worry."

Lee had thought of everything! Rosemary smiled and leaned forward to express to her husband her gratitude in a kiss. "You're an amazing man, Lee. I don't mind pushing our vacation back again. I think we're needed here, for now."

A secret part of her was glad to be staying. It meant she would get to watch Elizabeth and Nathan's courtship unfold. She was eager to see their new love blossom. Plus, she wanted to be here for Elizabeth, to support her in any way she needed. Watching the children so the couple could get to know each other better as just the two of them would also be important, in her opinion.

Elizabeth stood on the porch in front of the cafe with Nathan, Allie, and Little Jack. Dinner had been wonderful. Elizabeth had learned more about Nathan and Allie's lives before coming to Hope Valley. Fort Clay, however, had thankfully not been mentioned. Allie had asked many questions about what Hope Valley was like when it was still called Coal Valley and a mining town. They were all getting to know each other beyond their pre-established roles. It was a process Elizabeth was loving.

Little Jack was tiredly rubbing at his eyes so Nathan picked him up before Elizabeth could, settling the toddler on his left arm. His right hand, he held out to Elizabeth, which she gladly took.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Ready," she said, lacing their fingers together. With Allie on her other side, the foursome set off for home.

Later, after the evening had come to a close and everyone had gone home, Elizabeth was sitting in the rocking chair in the nursery. Little Jack had put up a bit of a fight before falling asleep, so Elizabeth had needed to rock him longer than usual. She didn't mind. Soon, he wouldn't want to be rocked or read to sleep every night. She also supposed that she should probably start calling him 'Little' Jack less often now. He was growing so fast-too fast.

She let her mind wander here and there as she held her son, no particular thought taking root. Memories flashed across her mind from when Abigail, Rosemary, Molly, and Florence had come to help decorate the room. She chuckled, remembering how she'd been only days-not that she'd known at the time-away from giving birth and she'd not even had the crib assembled.

Before she could caution her brain to slow down, Elizabeth saw in her mind the image of Nathan sitting in a rocking chair, looking down at a tiny bundle of blankets he held in his arms, an expression of awe on his face. A baby, their baby, nestled in the blankets.

Oh, she thought, the sweet picture bringing tears to her eyes. Elizabeth wanted that. She wanted a baby with Nathan. And not just one. Perhaps two? three? more children. Logic then reasserted itself. She looked around the room. Neither her house nor Nathan's would be able to accommodate that many people. It would be much too cramped.

An idea began to take shape. The land Jack had bought came to mind. Elizabeth had returned the lumber to Lee after she'd returned to Hope Valley, no longer having a need for a bigger house. But she'd not been able to bring herself to give it up completely. It had put a strain on her finances, but she'd made it work. She would go there often, being able to feel Jack's presence. It had been a nice place to take Little Jack to play when the weather was nice. She would tell her son stories about his father, point out their initials carved inside the heart on that log. It was bittersweet, as it was a reminder of a future that was lost to her. Maybe it didn't have to be that way anymore. Maybe it could represent a new future.

The next evening, Elizabeth's stomach was all a flutter in butterflies-had been the whole day, to be honest. Tonight was her first official date with Nathan! Maybe that wasn't precisely true. Did dinner out with the children count as a date? She thought so. A family date. That's what she decided to call it. So that would make tonight a couple's date. She laughed at herself, thinking she sounded silly. It must be the nerves, she thought.

Bill had been by not too long ago to pick Little Jack up, having volunteered to have some quality time with his godson while Elizabeth and Nathan were out. He'd whisked Little Jack up into his arms and told her to have a good time with a wink. He'd missed her deep blush because he'd promptly walked out, making sure to whisper in a not-so-quiet tone all about how he was going to spoil the boy with sweets all night.

Elizabeth took a deep breath and smoothed out her skirt-not that it needed it-again, looking herself over once more. When Nathan had first asked her to go to dinner, she had thought to splurge on a new outfit. She had looked forward to spending some girl time with Rosemary at the dress shop while browsing through new arrivals. She even wanted to take Allie with her. The girl might not have much interest in clothes, but Elizabeth was sure Allie would enjoy Rosemary trying to cajole her into buying something much too fancy or the not-so-subtle hints that she would design a 'masterpiece' for her that could not possibly be finished in time.

The dress she had chosen was new, but Elizabeth had not worn it yet. It had been a gift from Rosemary some time ago and the occasion to wear it had never seemed to come up. Tonight, however, felt right. The pattern was the same as the dress that Rosemary had given Wilma Lawson to make a couple years ago. Instead of a light blue, Rosemary had used a sapphire blue, and it was lovely. Rosemary said she'd chosen the darker hue because it brought out her eyes.

She'd kept her makeup light, a little mascara, some blush, and a hint of berry-tinted balm on her lips. Her jewelry she'd kept simple as well. She'd pinned part of her hair back with hair combs, allowing a few strands to fall forward to frame her face. Elizabeth was aware her outfit was more modest than first dates usually called for, but this felt more natural. Grand and extravagant didn't always mean better.

Elizabeth was practically hovering in front of her door, so when there was a knock, she answered immediately. She must've surprised Nathan with her swiftness because he didn't say anything after she opened the door. He just stared, with his fist still raised and his mouth slightly open. She was about to apologize when he spoke.

"You look beautiful, Elizabeth," he said in awe, his mouth then going slack again before he awkwardly thrust out the bouquet of flowers he held toward her.

She blushed and took the flowers. "Thank you. You look very handsome as well, Nathan." And he did. She could now allow herself to appreciate his handsome visage. Something that she had, until very recently, not allowed herself to acknowledge. He was wearing the same suit he wore to Clara and Jesse's wedding. The blue material of the jacket also brought out his eyes, which were sparkling. It was a captivating sight. A sight that may have kept her attention all night if Nathan's voice had not broken her from the trance she was caught in.

"Huh?" Elizabeth asked dumbly, not having heard what he'd said at all.

"Are you ready?" Nathan asked for the second time, she guessed.

The amusement dancing in his eyes had her blushing. Elizabeth averted her eyes. "Uh, yes." She cleared her throat, placed the flowers in a vase on the desk by the door and grabbed her coat. "Yes, I'm ready." Stupid butterflies, she grumbled internally.

Nathan helped her into her coat, and they set off for town, arm-in-arm.