CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Suddenly, precisely on time, there was a firm knock on the door. Elizabeth stopped pacing, grabbed one last look in the mirror, took a deep breath, opened the door, and almost fainted. Instead, her mouth fell open, and she was speechless.
The man standing before her could have been on the cover of a magazine from Hamilton, or New York City, for that matter! Nathan was in a black formal dinner suit with a white wing collared shirt and white bow tie. He looked regal with his tall stature, just like the Prince, Rosemary had been teasing her about.
He indeed looked more handsome than she had ever seen any man look, and she was breathless.
"Elizabeth, I've never seen you look more radiantly beautiful! You literally take my breath away."
Nathan took her hands and bent to kiss her on both cheeks. His blue eyes were sparkling! He then took each of her hands and brought them to his lips. When he kissed her left hand, he lingered on her empty ring finger and glanced up over her hand to meet her eyes.
"Darling, are you alright?" His eyes held a mix of concern for her and exhilaration for them.
She nodded and smiled brilliantly.
He brought her ring finger again to his lips and held it there.
Exhilaration, indeed, filled the space between them, spilling over enough to envelop them both completely.
"Nathan, you are the Prince in my childhood Fairy Tales come to life! I've never seen a man look so handsome."
"If I am a Prince, it's only for you, my Love. But I'm sure there has never been a more beautiful Princess. Shall we go?"
He wrapped her in the fur wrap she had hung by the door and led her outside.
Elizabeth gasped. There was a sleigh with a team of horses in front of her house, and she was at once shocked and enchanted.
"Nathan, how did you…where did you…"
He just smiled adoringly at her, and before she knew it, he was lifting her into the sleigh with a knowing smile. Then he covered her with a blanket of fur.
As if on cue, just after Nathan took his place at the reins, large crystalline flakes of snow began to fall softly from the skies as if it were magic, and they looked at each other in awe, moving closer together.
"Look!" and Nathan reached around her, almost embracing her, to point to Lee and Rosemary's front window, where the children had their noses pressed to the glass to see the sleigh, with Lee and Rosemary standing behind. They were all smiling and waving goodbye to them.
"Oh, how adorable!" exclaimed Elizabeth as she and Nathan waved to all. Elizabeth threw the children a gigantic kiss.
And with that, they were off!
Elizabeth had no idea where they were going, but it didn't matter. There were no questions now, just pure delight and joyous anticipation.
They had traveled several miles, when Elizabeth suddenly realized, "As long as I've been in Hope Valley, I don't recognize this road."
He turned to her and raised his brows a bit, "That's because it's a brand new one."
Elizabeth just laughed and shook her head, "So now you're building roads, are you?"
"If that's what it takes to win your heart," he answered with his dreamy crooked smile.
The sleigh ride was pure magic, and Elizabeth was secretly hoping it would never end. It didn't matter where they were going or if they ever even got there. This was enough. This was more than enough.
Nathan was smiling, wondering what he had ever done to deserve this extraordinary woman sitting next to him. He loved seeing her so excited. The smile on her face was worth every second of meticulous planning and work to make all this happen just for her.
Both were perfectly content in the here and now. The couple was alone together, and that's all that mattered.
Riding in a gorgeous sleigh, in the middle of nowhere, with snow gently falling, was simply a stunning bonus.
It was getting darker, and the sleigh lanterns provided just enough light for Nathan to see to lead the horses through the snow.
He finally brought the sleigh to a stop at a lean-to, tied the horses under it, lifted her out of the sleigh, and carried her through the snow.
It was just a few yards, and she was speechless, Elizabeth now knew where they were, but she would never have recognized it.
There were lanterns outside, along the path, and the most beautiful decorations she had ever seen. Evergreen boughs were draped across the front of the house and tied with huge red poinsettias. There was a wreath on the door with a beautiful red velvet bow and two huge pots of red poinsettias flanked either side of the door.
"Oh, Nathan, it's magical."
Nathan opened the front door wide and carried her through it, where he placed her down gently.
Elizabeth gasped. The cabin had been transformed!
There was a roaring fire in the fireplace, and lanterns everywhere bouncing light off every corner. There was a formal round table with beautifully upholstered wingback chairs sitting behind the matching settee that was placed in front of the fireplace. The table was set in the most gorgeous linens, china, crystal, and silverware with a huge bouquet of winter flowers in the center, flanked by two long tapered candles. There was a bottle of champagne chilling beside the table, and the smells from the food were divine and familiar to her. Two tall, beautifully decorated Spruce Christmas trees graced either side of the fireplace. The mantel was decorated with lush garlands of greenery and more red velvet bows. There was a Victrola in the right corner with records. Everything was perfect and impossible to take in all at once, though she was trying her best.
She turned to Nathan, who was watching her take it all in and hugged him tightly. "It's Heaven, Nathan, it's simply Heaven. Thank you, my Love, thank you!"
He bent his head to meet her lips with a long passionate kiss, and if that had been the ending of their date, it would have already been magnificent.
But, their special night was just beginning.
He smiled down at her lovingly.
"Are you hungry?" She nodded expectantly in response.
"Then Dinner is served, Darling!" He seated Elizabeth at the table, lifting the silver server. Everything smelled divine and looked scrumptious like it had come from a five-star restaurant.
How had he possibly done all this? She marveled that he could have thought about all these beautiful details, much less make them happen.
And she knew never to underestimate this man again. Never.
"Would you like Champagne with dinner or later?"
"I'd love a glass now." She watched intently as he popped the cork and barely got the bottle over their glasses without spilling the precious bubbles. They laughed together.
"To our first date, Elizabeth, and many, many more our whole life through." Their eyes connected over those words, filled with love and passion for each other.
"Let's pray," and Nathan took both her hands. "Dear Father, we thank You for the special meal we are about to receive and we thank You for this very special time together. We ask Your Blessings as we start our life as a Couple on this new journey."
And they both smiled and said "Amen" together.
"Bon appetite, Darling!" and Nathan waited for her to start to take the first bite.
"Oh, Nathan, how did you know Pheasant is my very favorite from back home?"
"I may have had some help."
"A few spies, you mean?"
"That too, you know we Mounties have our ways," he winked.
"It's delicious. Everything is delicious, and all my favorites." She laughed, "If I were choosing a last meal, this would be it!"
"Well, thankfully, this is not your last meal!" he said emphatically, then very seriously added, "I don't like to think of the last anything where you're concerned, Elizabeth."
"Nor I, you." They looked deeply into each other's eyes without either being able to look away.
"Think of this as your first 'official' meal with me," he grinned.
"Well, it is our first meal alone," she teased.
"And our 'official' first date," he winked.
Their dinner conversation came easily and flowed throughout the meal. The couple laughed and talked and laughed some more. Although they were dressed formally, there was no formality between them. Instead, there was only a feeling of comfort and ease, like they belonged together, and maybe in some strange way, always had.
"Nathan, when is your birthday?"
"My birthday? I know yours."
"Now, that's not fair, the entire town knows mine!" she teased. "And you're evading the question."
"June 20th."
Elizabeth couldn't hide her look of puzzlement. And Nathan gave her a perplexed look.
"Oh, let's just say your Niece prefers to be prepared. Just like her Uncle, come to think of it!"
"Guilty as charged! I do think family tends to rub off on each other." Nathan laughed. "Is Allie already shopping for Birthday presents?"
"Not a word about that is coming from my mouth, and no, I did not say that!"
"But, Nathan, may I ask you a question? You seem so comfortable with all this. You even thought of all this. I have to admit it does surprise me. It's all so formal. Very pleasantly so, but still a bit of a surprise."
"We've got to work on your low expectations where Mounties are concerned," he teased.
"Elizabeth, my family wasn't rich by any means, but not poor either. It was rough on us financially when Dad was away; it was also rough on us in a million other ways. But we survived, and even thrived in spite of it. Mother rallied and became the strong businesswoman she is today. Anyway, my Mother always said it was important to enjoy the finer things of life. And you, Darling, are the epitome of that. How could I do less for you than the very best? That would not have been acceptable to my Mother or to me. I know I live a more rustic lifestyle, as do you now, but we can always appreciate the finer things, too."
She was looking at him in amazement. Here before her was a part of her life she had left in Hamilton, all recreated in a rustic cabin in the woods that Nathan had elegantly transformed, just for her. Yet their discussion, their closeness was just as comfortable here, as if they were back in Hope Valley in one of their homes.
Elizabeth realized at that moment that with their first date, Nathan was bringing both her worlds together and letting her know he was completely comfortable with every part of her. While at the same time letting her know he cherished her enough to even think of this and make it all happen just for her.
How could she not love this wonderful man? She had never felt more loved, more cherished, or more pampered.
"I noticed in Buxton, Allie was completely comfortable in the little French restaurant Rosemary selected. At first, I thought it might be a little on the formal side for a child. But Allie acted as though she were right at home. Her manners were impeccable, I might add. How in the world did you accomplish that?"
"Colleen lived in Quebec after she married, and she loved fancy restaurants, the theater, any place there was a crowd of people. She started taking Allie to nice restaurants on her birthday as soon as she could walk, showing her off, I think. How could I not continue the tradition? And moving around so much, I decided to expand the tradition in honor of Colleen. Anytime we came across a nice restaurant with good food, I would make it a point to take Allie, not to show her off, but to educate her really, and give her a piece of her Mother."
"Nathan, Colleen, would be so proud of that, and how you have raised Allie in general. I know I am."
"Elizabeth, do you remember our first Teacher's conference about Allie. I left thinking, you might have been a bit unsure about my parenting skills. But you listened, and you did your best to understand Allie and me. I'll never forget that. Thank you for that. I guess, we just do our best, don't we? That's all any parent can do, I suppose."
"There are times I feel so guilty, leaving Little Jack when I go to work. And times I feel even guiltier that I won't be able to give him the things Jack would have."
Oh no, she hadn't meant to mention Jack, this was her first date with Nathan. How insensitive of her.
She searched his face, ready to apologize for her thoughtlessness. But there was absolutely no change in Nathan's face.
It was still full of love, now mixed with concern and even compassion. When he spoke, he did so thoughtfully, "You know, I totally understand. Being a Mother to a child of ten who is going on eighteen, when you're a man is next to impossible. Knowing how difficult it would be in reverse, for a Mother to take on what would have been a Father's role, I think Jack would understand your feelings. But you know Elizabeth, Jack will always be in Little Jack's life, in ways you might not be able to imagine now. Jack is a part of you, Darling, he will always be in your heart. I would accept nothing less. Your love for Jack doesn't make me love you less, it makes me love you more. The love you and Jack shared is shown to Little Jack every single day, in everything you do with him and for him. That's the way it's supposed to be. Don't cry, Elizabeth. Please don't cry, Darling."
"Tears of joy, my Love, tears of pure joy. How did you know that's exactly what I've needed to hear? As much as I'm falling in love with you, there's been this tiny twinge of not being sure I'm handling all this in the best way. Even though I know I'm ready for this with us, I wanted to know I was being completely fair and giving you all my love. But I don't have to separate the two, do I? The love I have for you doesn't have to be limited by the love I have for Jack. I can feel it now, my love for you just keeps growing and growing. And that doesn't mean I'm betraying Jack or you."
He knelt beside her and wiped the tears from her face, "No, my Darling, it doesn't. Never be afraid to talk with me about anything, even if it involves Jack, especially if it involves Jack," He grinned, "You know, Elizabeth, we Mounties are Brothers, and we lift each other up. I've got a feeling that in some strange way, that Jack and I are doing just that. If you allow me someday, I'll take care of Little Jack for Jack, without ever taking his place, just filling in for him."
She kissed him with a passion she didn't know was possible. And he kissed her back in the same way. When they finished, he just continued to hold her around the waist and look into her eyes until she was calm again, and could smile back at him.
"Ready for Dessert?"
"You have Dessert?" she was amazed.
"Your favorite," he taunted.
"Crepes with Cherries! Nathan, I'm the only one in my family that insists on Cherries with my Crepes. These are perfect, just like the ones Cook always made for me as a child. Mother would just shake her head, as everyone else at the table ate Crepes Suzette and laughed at me for demanding Cherries. But Crepes Suzette were not for me!"
He smiled knowingly. Elizabeth was going to have to check out Nathan's sources. This man could uncover secrets like no other.
Nathan had scooted his chair next to Elizabeth's and was feeding her, one small bite at a time.
She laughed, "I'm not a petulant child who needs to be fed."
"I don't know...I saw a flash of petulance when you were unsure if there would be Cherries. Open…"
"Oh, my goodness, I don't think anything in this world could taste better." She reached for a second fork and brought a bite to Nathan's lips.
"Scrumptious! More please," begged Nathan.
Elizabeth couldn't resist, and just like at Allie's slumber party, she smeared the next bite down the center of Nathan's nose.
But this time was different. She was going to have to pay. Nathan was relentless, kissing her nose to nose and mouth to mouth, and she was giggling hysterically through all their kisses, but he wasn't letting her go. Cherries were everywhere, and neither cared,
When they finally separated, Nathan took a linen napkin and tenderly wiped her face free of both cherries and sauce, kissing her tenderly as he did so.
After she did the same for him, both unable to stop laughing!
Nathan stood and asked, "Am I presentable?"
"Very."
He returned her flirty smile with one of his own, and then turned to the Victrola in the corner, selected a record to play, and walked back to her, holding out his hand.
"Elizabeth Thornton, may I have this dance?" And with a cheeky smile, he added, "You do owe me one, you know."
Her heart lurched. They were dancing? Nathan had indeed pulled out all the stops.
"You may, and I do," she said both apologetically and excitedly.
As he lifted her to him and took her in his arms, she had never felt more at home.
"Nathan Grant! Where in the world did you learn to dance like this?"
"Mother's always loved to dance. In fact, she taught Colleen and me when we were very young. As Colleen got to be older, she made me sub as her practice partner! I got to be pretty good at it since Colleen demanded perfection," laughed Nathan, remembering the long hours he had spent with his sister, patiently teaching her the more difficult steps that had eluded her.
"You can say that again. You are an extraordinary dancer! You absolutely amaze me. I never imagined you would enjoy dancing at all. Not my rough and tough Mountie!"
"Most Mounties can dance you know," his look caused Elizabeth to giggle. "Besides, how could I not enjoy dancing with you in my arms?"
He bent to kiss the top of her head, then turned her around on their makeshift dance floor.
He stopped only long enough to add another log onto the fire and change the record.
They danced together for what seemed like hours, flawlessly dancing through most of the records Nathan had selected for the evening. His taste in music was vast, and they had danced to all variety of rhythms and tempos, neither wanting the music to end, both melding together as if they had always danced with each other.
Nathan finally slowed their steps as the last slow song was coming to an end, drawing her even closer and kissing her with both passion and tenderness, as though this were their very first kiss together.
This was a kiss neither wanted to end, but when their lips finally broke from each other, Nathan looked down directly into her beautiful, sparkling eyes, with their depth reflected back in his own.
"Elizabeth Thornton, would you do me the great honor of allowing me to officially court you?"
"Why Constable Grant, this is only our first date!" she teased, but she felt oh so giddy. Elizabeth quickly grabbed him in a huge bear hug. "Oh, Nathan, I would love nothing more! Yes, yes, and yes!"
Nathan picked up Elizabeth and whirled her around and around. The love between them was electric. And their happiness exploded into fits of laughter, which quickly turned into tenderness...
"Here, come sit with me by the fire," he said as he grabbed both her hands. "Let me get a blanket. I have another surprise or two."
"Nathan, there can't possibly be more. You've spoiled me rotten as is. I've never had such a perfect night."
"Oh, there's more, Elizabeth. And I think you'll like it very much."
She turned to watch him intently as he stepped toward the first tree, reached under it, and picked up something that appeared to be made of leather, wrapped in a gold velvet ribbon which was tied in a beautiful bow.
"This is for you, Darling," he said simply and handed it to her.
"I bought it for you a long time ago, when I didn't even know if we could ever possibly be together. But I knew then you were in my heart, and that you would always remain there, no matter what happened or didn't happen between us," Nathan said quietly.
"This was meant to be yours, Elizabeth."
Elizabeth's gaze on his face was tender and full of love. She slowly moved it to the golden leather book he was handing her, and gently untied the velvet bow and ribbon.
It was an original collection of Emerson's poems, her favorite poems, and as she turned back the cover, she could see it was a signed copy.
"Nathan." It was all she could say.
Tears started to flow.
"Darling, please don't cry. I just want you to have this to make you happy. I just want you to know how special you are to me, how much you matter to me, how much I love you."
Again Nathan was tenderly wiping her tears, kneeling in front of her.
She was finally able to string a few words together through her tears
"Do you know...how much this means to me? I have...never received a more perfect gift. I will treasure it...my entire life. Because it's a signed collection of my favorite Emerson poems...yes, but mostly because you chose it for me and gave it to me. How can I possibly thank you, Nathan?"
"By enjoying it, my Love. Just enjoy it!" and he kissed the last of her tears away.
"Come read to me," she begged, and she opened the book to her favorite poem.
Nathan sat beside her. He held her close as she nestled into him. He took the book in his free right hand and glanced at what she had chosen. When he saw her selection, he smiled, closed the book, and laid it down on the side table by them. He turned, took both her hands in his and gazed longingly into Elizabeth's eyes, he quoted the poem word for word from memory, exactly as the poem was written on the page she had selected.
In a rich, but soft and clear voice, the words reached the very depths of Elizabeth's soul.
"This is my wish for you:
Comfort on difficult days,
Smiles when sadness intrudes,
Rainbows to follow the clouds,
Laughter to kiss your lips,
Sunsets to warm your heart,
Hugs when spirits sag,
Beauty for your eyes to see,
Friendships to brighten your being,
Faith so that you can believe,
Confidence for when you doubt,
Courage to know yourself,
Patience to accept the truth,
Love to complete your life." (5*)
Nathan finished and slowly began kissing her shoulders, her neck, then her face and finally her lips. The resulting kiss they shared was something neither had experienced before. It was raw in their need for each other and, at the same time, resolute in their commitment to each other.
Neither could speak, so they sat in silence, wrapped in each other's arms, watching the fire crackle and pop, the only sound in their world.
(5*) Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) "This Is My Wish for You" (written in the mid-1800s), Public Domain