Author's Note: Thank you all for the kind reviews. I never knew what to expect when I started this process so I am glad you are enjoying the story. My apologies for taking so long to update. This chapter was written a few weeks ago but with the S8 finale shocker, I've been going through a grieving process. However, I will be continuing to update this story and giving Nathan and Elizabeth their great love story.

The next morning, Elizabeth knocked on the Coulter patio door and let herself in as usual.

"Mama! Mama!" screamed an excited Little Jack as he ran over to his mother.

Elizabeth quickly scooped him up and showered him with kisses. "How's my precious boy?"

"Good" said Little Jack as he snuggled his head against Elizabeth's shoulder. Her heart was melting at the gesture.

"Elizabeth! You're here! Good morning!" Rosemary walked in right behind Jack wearing jeans and a black scoop neck t-shirt. Summer was winding down so the days were still warm but early mornings and evenings were now getting cooler as Fall quickly approached. Abby followed closely behind her mother also wearing jeans but with a purple Rapunzel t-shirt instead. She ran over to Elizabeth and hugged her legs.

"Hi Auntie Beth!"

"Lee and Carson are at the golf course this morning and they are grabbing breakfast there as well so that gives us some time to talk." said Rosemary with a smile. "I did invite Faith but the kids had some stuff going on today. Come sit down. Breakfast is ready. We were just getting dressed."

Elizabeth carried Jack over to the table while holding Abby's hand with her other hand. She placed each child into their booster seat and then sat down. Rosemary placed a bowl of scrambled eggs topped with chives in the center of the table. She brought over 3 bananas and a bowl of cut up melon. Finally, she brought over a plate of fresh bagels along with a platter of lox and 2 flavors of cream cheese. She poured coffee for herself and Elizabeth and orange juice for everyone. Elizabeth and Rosemary served themselves and the kids.

''So tell me"

"Tell you what?"

"Elizabeth! You know very well what!"

Elizabeth laughed and nodded at Rosemary. She thought back to the night before and how she didn't want it to end. After the kiss, she and Nathan spent more time on the dock and then it started to get chilly so Nathan drove Elizabeth home. They talked the entire way home. This time they talked about Elizabeth and Allie's upcoming show. Nathan had some ideas about it and Elizabeth was pleasantly surprised by how detailed and sensible his ideas were. When he finally dropped her off, they ended the night with another passionate kiss in his car and a promise to see each other again soon. Elizabeth could hardly sleep after that. She wondered if Nathan had had a similar night.

"Elizabeth! Elizabeth! Where did you just go?"

"Oh I'm sorry Rosie. I was just thinking."

Rosemary gave her a sly smile. "About Nathan no doubt?"

Elizabeth smiled and nodded once again.

"Oh Elizabeth! I'm so happy for you! I want all the details."

Elizabeth gave Rosemary a shy smile. "Oh Rosie, I don't know where to begin. It was such a perfect night and I didn't want it to end. Nathan was a perfect gentleman. He brought me roses again and then we went to Yost's for dinner. There was no shortage of conversation. Everything just felt so right." Elizabeth took a deep breath and continued. "After dinner, we took a walk over by the docks and we discussed my fears a bit. Nathan wants to work through them with me."

"And how do you feel about that, Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth noticed that the children were finished eating but waiting patiently for the adults to finish too. She knew that wouldn't last very long so she stood up and lifted Jack and then Abby out of their booster seats. The Coulter family room was connected to the large kitchen so Elizabeth walked the kids over to the family room and got them settled with some toys. Then she came back to the table to rejoin Rosemary. Both women turned their chairs so that they were facing the family room side of the kitchen and their now active children.

Rosemary continued to wait patiently as she watched Elizabeth take a bagel out of the basket and add cream cheese and lox to it. Elizabeth popped the piece in her mouth and closed her eyes momentarily to savor the taste of it. She finally continued speaking.

"Rosie, I feel so many things right now. But it was surprisingly easy to be so open and honest with Nathan. I was not expecting that at all." Elizabeth started to tear up. "I know this sounds crazy after such a short period of time but I think I'm falling for Nathan and falling hard and fast. How could this happen? Jack hasn't even been gone 2 years yet."

"Elizabeth, sometimes when you know you just know. There is no time period on love. You and Jack shared a beautiful love story but that doesn't mean you can't have another great love story with Nathan or someone else for that matter. Jack would have wanted that for you and you know the rest of us want that for you. And for what it's worth, Nathan is a wonderful father to Allie. So you should have no doubt that he would be a wonderful father to Little Jack should the time come. I'm sorry if I'm pushing the cart before the horse but I know you well and I know this isn't just a casual fling."

"Rosemary, we kissed. Twice." Elizabeth smiled as she recalled the events of the prior night once again.

Rosemary started flailing her arms and squealed. "Elizabeth! Oh my goodness I was not expecting that just yet but that's amazing!"

Elizabeth laughed at her enthusiastic friend. "Nathan and I weren't expecting it either but it just happened naturally."

"How did it feel?"

Elizabeth appreciated that her friend was more concerned about her personal feelings rather than the specifics of the kiss. Rosemary knew that Elizabeth would share those personal details if she wanted to.

"It felt so right. So right." Elizabeth said simply.

"Elizabeth, I am really happy for you. I know I keep saying it but I really mean it and I'm happy that Nathan is going to help you work through your fears. You know that I'm always here to do that as well."

Rosemary reached over and hugged Elizabeth. The best friends stayed like that for a few minutes until Rosemary continued.

"Not to abruptly change the subject but I do know that the anniversary is coming up later this week. Have you decided what you're going to do yet?"

Elizabeth nodded at Rosemary. "I think I'll take Little Jack to the cemetery to visit Jack's grave."

"Would you like us to come along? Or at least drive you? We can both rearrange our schedules."

"You and Lee are very sweet and have given me way more than I deserve. I'm not sure how I can ever repay you for all the support these past couple years but I'm going to try."

"Elizabeth! There is nothing to repay. You and Little Jack are family to us and we love you. Families support one another."

"Well, I want you to know how much I love and appreciate you and Lee and Abby. And you are part of my family too." Elizabeth added with a smile. "I think we will be ok alone. Last year was very rough but I'm in a different place now mentally. So I'd like to do this on my own."

"You certainly are in a different place. Beauty rises from the ashes. Just let me know if you change your mind. I haven't missed a day of rehearsals yet but I do have off days available to me and I will not hesitate to take one for you."

"Thank you Rosie! I appreciate that."

Elizabeth helped Rosemary clean up while the children continued to play. She noticed Jack's eyes starting to droop as it was approaching his late morning nap time. So she scooped him up and said her good-byes and thank yous to Rosemary for babysitting and for helping her through the date. Elizabeth grabbed Jack's overnight bag and walked back home through the connected backyards. Jack was already half asleep on her shoulder.

As she walked over to the stairs to take him up to his room, the doorbell rang. Thankfully it didn't startle Jack enough to make him cry. So he just continued falling asleep on Elizabeth's shoulder while she answered the door. Elizabeth opened the door and looked down. There was a beautiful bouquet of colorful flowers in Fall colors. She bent down and picked it up and brought it inside. Elizabeth quickly went upstairs to put Jack down in his crib. Then she came back downstairs and opened the card that had come with the flowers.

Elizabeth,

I had a wonderful evening last night. Thank you for deciding to take a chance on us. I look forward to spending more time together soon.

Yours,

Nathan

Elizabeth had tears in her eyes as she tried to curb the butterflies in her stomach. She reread the card 3 times and finally picked up her phone to text Nathan.

Good morning Nathan.

Thank you for the beautiful bouquet and the card. You are spoiling me, Detective! Last night was perfect and I also look forward to spending more time together.

Elizabeth

Since she didn't get a lot of sleep, Elizabeth decided to lie down while Jack was napping. She took her phone upstairs with her and got settled on her bed. A few minutes later, she heard the ringing sound signifying a new text message.

It's my great pleasure and honor to spoil you, Elizabeth. See you in class Tuesday. N

As much as Elizabeth wanted to reply to Nathan asking him to make plans again, she also appreciated how thoughtful and patient he was very purposely being with her. Elizabeth knew that she was in danger of falling in love with Nathan so she wanted to make sure this was done right rather than rushed. She wasn't quite sure how long that approach would last though because she was already missing Nathan. Thankfully Tuesday was 2 days away.

Elizabeth replied: Sounds good! Enjoy your Sunday. E

Nathan quickly liked the text with the heart reaction but he didn't reply this time.

Elizabeth smiled as she put the phone down on the bed next to her and then quickly drifted off to sleep while dreaming of a certain tall, handsome detective.

Over at the Grant house, Nathan also was smiling as he put down his phone on his dresser. He had been unsure about whether to send another bouquet of flowers so soon after giving her the roses but he really wanted to do something romantic after their first date. So, he had settled on a beautiful Fall bouquet. He also had thought about delivering the flowers himself but he didn't want to be too pushy. Nathan knew how difficult this must be for Elizabeth and he didn't want to trigger any discomfort. He was filled with gratitude that she had even agreed to go out to dinner with him.

Nathan's dating record wasn't very stellar or plentiful for that matter. He also knew he was already falling for Elizabeth so he didn't want to do anything to jeopardize their budding relationship. Nathan had a strong fear of pushing Elizabeth away due to his profession so he was trying very hard to be purposeful in his interactions. He had enjoyed the brief text exchange just now but it had been really hard not to ask Elizabeth out again. He missed her already and wanted nothing more than to see her again before Tuesday afternoon. But he had stopped himself from pushing too hard.

Since the late Summer weather was still decent, perhaps he would ask Elizabeth if she and Little Jack might join him and Allie for a day at the local amusement park, AdventureWorld. Allie still didn't have a lot of homework on weekends since it was early in the school year. So, Nathan thought he might ask Elizabeth in class on Tuesday. Satisfied with that plan, Nathan quickly undressed and hopped in the shower. He had spent a good part of the morning riding Newton and then out for a 2 mile run. His thoughts were filled with a certain theater professor as he let the shower water flow over his body.

When he finished showering, Nathan quickly dressed and headed downstairs as Allie came in from spending the night at Emily's house. She smiled as she saw her uncle coming down the stairs. She knew immediately that his date with Miss Elizabeth had gone well because her uncle's demeanor was very relaxed and happy.

"Hi Munchkin. How was Emily's?" asked Nathan as he hugged Allie. Nathan didn't notice the grin on Allie's face as she hugged him back. She knew that her uncle only resorted to his childhood nickname for her when he was really happy about something. Allie didn't have to ask what or whom he was happy about.

"Just fine Uncle Nathan! But I'm glad to be home with you. I missed you."

"I missed you too Kiddo! I always do. Are you hungry? Maybe we can go out for brunch? It's almost noon."

Nathan was already grabbing his wallet and keys knowing what Allie's reply would be.

"Sure! I'll just run my bag up to my room."

Nathan watched as Allie ran upstairs with her bag. He knew she would also freshen up and maybe change clothes so he quickly sifted through the mail pile while he waited.

Allie came back down about 10 minutes later and the Grants headed over to the Hope Valley Diner. They were seated quickly and both realized they were starving. Nathan and Allie both ordered their favorite omelettes along with toast and breakfast potatoes. Nathan ordered coffee while Allie ordered iced tea. They sipped their drinks as they waited for their food.

"So Uncle Nathan, how was your date with Miss Elizabeth?" Allie asked as she batted her eyes at her uncle.

Nathan smiled at Allie. "It was very nice thank you. We both had a great time. What would you say if we invited Miss Elizabeth and Little Jack to join us at AdventureWorld before the weather gets too cold?"

"That would be fun, Uncle Nathan!"

"Oh good! I was thinking about asking her when I pick you up from class on Tuesday."

"Sounds perfect"

Nathan was sometimes in awe of how mature Allie could be. This was one of those times.

"So Allie, it doesn't bother you that I'm seeing Miss Elizabeth?" asked Nathan as he reached across the table to hold Allie's hand.

Allie thought for a moment before answering. "Uncle Nathan, you've given up so much in your life to take me in. It's time that you did something for yourself too. You are young, smart, and handsome and you should have a family of your own…"

Nathan interrupted "Allie! You are my family and always will be, no matter what."

Allie smiled at her uncle and continued. "Anyway, I know it's been a short time but I can see how happy you are around Miss Elizabeth or when you talk about her. You light up like a Christmas tree. And you deserve to be happy. I like Miss Elizabeth too and Little Jack. Maybe we can all be a family together one day. I'm sorry if that's too forward."

"Come here sweetheart," Nathan let go of Allie's hand so she could join him on his side of the booth. She sat next to him and he immediately put his arm around her and leaned down to kiss her forehead.

"You are just like your mother. Do you know that? 10 going on 17. You are the most important person in my life and that's not going to change. If you ever feel like you're not, I want you to tell me immediately. As for Elizabeth and Jack, they've been through a lot too so I expect we will be taking things very slowly for now."

"Ok Uncle Nathan"

Allie reached over to hug her uncle as the food was brought to their table. She then moved back over to her side of the table and started picking at her omelette.

"Hey Al, you know I already think of you as a daughter?"

"Yeah. But I sometimes wish that could be official, so that you could be my real dad. Then if you ever get married, maybe I could have a new mom and siblings too." Allie said as she looked down at her plate.

Nathan put down his fork and reached over for Allie's hand again. "Al, I had no idea that you felt this way. You know that you can tell me anything, right? I don't want you to bottle stuff up inside, especially something like this."

Allie slowly nodded.

"Well then, I will call my lawyer tomorrow and ask how we can make things official."

This time Allie didn't need any prompting. She jumped up and ran over to Nathan's side of the table again and engulfed him in a bear hug. Both of them had tears in their eyes. Although Nathan had said he planned to take things slow with Elizabeth, he couldn't help but wonder if Allie's dream of having a family with her would one day become reality.