CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Finally, Elizabeth whispered, "How in the world did you know my favorite poem from memory?"

"Because it happens to be my favorite poem too." he smiled softly at her.

"As soon as I was old enough to read, I tried to get my hands on every book I could. I was a voracious reader, maybe because I was on the shy side. Mother said I never slept. She always caught me reading instead. Books were my best presents, besides my baseball glove, of course." he grinned, "Oh, and my first horse!"

He continued, "I loved Shakespeare, Emerson, Dickens, Thoreau and later Zane Grey. Those are my favorites, but with a lot of others thrown in."

"When I realized I was to become responsible for Allie, a little panic set in. I remembered this poem from Emerson, wrote out a copy and placed it in my Bible. I've read it every single night since I've had her, relying on it to keep me focused on giving Allie what she truly needs in her life."

"But now, Darling, when I read it, I think of you and realize that you are my world. I've never felt about anyone like this before. You just keep filling up my heart, and my heart just keeps getting bigger and bigger, for you to fill up more of it. Elizabeth, I love you so very much."

"I love you, my Darling! I don't even know how to say this, Nathan. This love we have, it's so intense that sometimes it scares me. Even before we admitted our love to each other, I knew the intensity was there, and somehow it scared me then, too, because it's so different for me, but in the best way. I know I loved Jack completely, but this is different, in a way I don't understand. Is it because I lost Jack, and I value love more? Is it because we're older than Jack and I were when we fell in love? It's almost like we've always known each other, my Love, in some strange way! I suppose I shouldn't question it. I just know I am so very grateful for it, for our love."

Then she couldn't resist adding, "Darling, have you ever been in love before?"

"No, not love, Elizabeth. I've dated and had short relationships, but there was never enough there to progress to love." He laughed softly, "I guess that's why falling for you rattled me all the more. And I did fall, Elizabeth. When you walked into my office that first day to introduce yourself, you were the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. And the strength you showed in coming to me and welcoming me, which I know had to be so very difficult for you. It astounded me. To be honest, I wasn't expecting that. I don't know exactly what I was expecting, but it sure wasn't this beautiful, strong creature standing before me, full of intelligence, kindness, and even fire. I think you captivated my heart in that very instant. All I could do was think of you, and then warn myself that I couldn't get close, because of what I did for a living. It was horrible, Elizabeth, a war of my heart vs. my head. That's why I kept you at a distance, and I think on another level, it was respect for Jack. Also, I just felt you needed more time."

"Elizabeth, can I tell you something?"

She looked up into his face, "Anything Nathan, absolutely anything."

"The Inspector's position. I had indeed applied for it before coming to Hope Valley. But Elizabeth, I accepted it to protect you. I knew we were getting closer, and I was afraid, not for myself, but for you. I was more frightened than I have ever been in my life because I didn't want you to have to go through the Mountie thing again. So, I decided it would be best to just leave. Before we got closer. I didn't want the job at all after moving to Hope Valley. I didn't even want to leave. It just seemed the right thing to do for you, the only thing I could do to protect you."

"Oh, Nathan. I was horrible to you about that job. I 'congratulated' you through gritted teeth. I was so terrible, guilting you over Allie. And all the time you were doing it for me? I'm so very sorry!"

"Elizabeth, there's more. Remember the day outside my office, when you came to say you were glad Allie and I were staying? I called you back and then couldn't go through with it. The cat didn't have my tongue. I just didn't feel you were ready for the truth."

"And that was…" she said anxiously.

"That I had decided to stay yes, because of Allie, but mostly because of you, because of us."

She moved to his lap, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him longingly. He held her close, lost in her. She was the aggressor this time, and he was completely hers.

She kissed his face and neck as she ran her fingers through his dark hair. She held his face close to hers, while moving her hand over his cheek, then to his gorgeous blue eyes. She reached to kiss his forehead, then his eyes, and lastly, his mouth again.

"Elizabeth," he spoke her name roughly, and his breathing was hard. They held each other tightly, kissing as passionately as two people can, till Nathan finally pulled back with that crooked grin and a half gasp, "Mrs. Thornton, I'm here to protect your honor, and you're not making that an easy task at all."

She laughed softly and kept her eyes on that oh so handsome face, "Constable Grant, you have no idea what's in store for you, no idea at all," she added playfully.

"Aah, that sounds like a threat!" his blue eyes had never been bluer, and they were dancing, "I'll hold you to that one, my Love. That's a promise!"

He paused a moment then whispered in her ear, "Perhaps, you have no idea what's in store for you, my beautiful Elizabeth." With that dreamy look he had just given her, she had no doubt he was right. Her eyes sparkled and her entire body shivered in response. He raised his eyebrows to her and smiled gently as he felt the shiver go through her.

They sat there a few minutes longer, with her head on his shoulder. Then they walked to the window together and realized they'd have to head back to Hope Valley soon, or they would be snowed in. But as they held each other, neither wanted to leave, and neither cared if the snow continued to fall.

The warmth of the cabin enveloped them in their own private cocoon of sorts.

"Elizabeth, originally, I hadn't planned on this weather. The sleigh was a necessary addition. But Bill, Lee, and Rosemary, all know we are here, and that I'll protect you and your honor with my life. Bill and Lee made me promise if it snowed more, for us to stay till the snow hardened before we left. And they are right. It's still pouring down, and there's so much of it. We'll only get stuck if we try to leave. Are you okay with all this?"

Her answer was a very long, tender kiss.

"I don't want this night to end. And Constable, I don't see that we really have a choice, do you? Safety first, you know!" she smiled at him flirtatiously.

And then she softly added, "Nathan, there's no place else I'd rather be," she whispered. "I belong with you."

He picked her up, kissed her tenderly, and carried her back to the settee in front of the fireplace.

Nathan added more wood to the fire and loosened his tie. He spread a blanket over the rug in front of the fire and went to get them fresh glasses of champagne.

She watched him quietly as though she couldn't take her eyes off him, all the while loosening her hair from the chic updo she had met him in.

He noticed.

"Elizabeth, you look glorious by the light of the fire."

He bent to set down the filled glasses on the low side table. He pulled her close, ran his fingers through her long loose hair, and then placed his hands toward the back of her head. With his fingers entwined in her hair, he bent to kiss her gently on the lips. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that," he whispered.

He then helped her down to the blanket, kissing her lightly again, as he helped her to sit. He bent down too and sat beside her, both with their back against the settee. He reached over to stoke the fire, and then returned his full attention to her.

"Elizabeth, what do you see for us from here? How do we navigate the next few months?" he asked gently. Their arms were interlinked, and their hands were intertwined.

His inherent directness was one of the things she loved most about him. His evasiveness of the past no longer existed since they had admitted their love for each other. And this was the first chance they had had to really talk about themselves and make plans together as a couple.

"Nathan, I only know one thing, and that is I don't want us to waste time. I don't want to wait forever like Jack and I did. We were together five years before we married, and I just can't think in terms of time like that any longer. We lost so much by waiting."

"I agree, Elizabeth. We're two mature people who know that we want to be with each other. That's not going to change. And there are children involved. I can't see how waiting very long would be healthy for them either. I do, however, I mean, assuming our courtship proceeds as such," he smiled cautiously as Elizabeth let out a giggle, "I do want to ask your Father for your hand in marriage."

"That's very sweet, Nathan! Father, will be very grateful for that I'm sure. But I must say you're a courageous man to want to meet him, much less ask for my hand."

Nathan gave her a puzzled look.

"To be honest, Father can be quite intimidating. He never really liked Jack, and the feeling was fairly mutual. They were more like adversaries than family. I think they just sort of set each other off."

"Do you think it was because he was a Mountie?"

"No, unknown to me, my Father was the reason Jack was sent to Hope Valley, with orders to protect me. My Father had pulled some strings, and Jack was furious when he found out! Things sort of went downhill from there. They never seemed to stop goading each other. Jack was just a little taller than me and quite a bit shorter than Father, which Father used to his full advantage. You'll have no problem in that department. I think it will rattle Father a bit that you are so much taller than him, which will be quite fun to watch," she giggled. "But you do know, if you're truly serious about asking him, that will mean a trip to Hamilton. I seriously doubt Father will be coming to Hope Valley any time soon."

"Then a trip to Hamilton, it is," Nathan stated matter of factly. "Do I need to go alone?"

"Nathan, I would never let you go through meeting my family alone. They can be quite overwhelming and even a tad, how should I say…pompous? We'll have to go together. Perhaps Lee and Rosemary will go with us as chaperones. Would that be okay?"

"Of course! It would be much more difficult without you, I'm sure. Thank you for being willing to accompany me, Elizabeth. How does a quick engagement after that sound?"

"Oh, could we please have a June wedding? Nathan, June is such a lovely month, and I've always thought a Wedding is particularly beautiful in June with all the lilacs and peonies. And roses! I'm sorry, Nathan. Is that too quick? I don't want you to feel pushed."

'Darling, a June wedding sounds perfect. I can't imagine a better birthday present. It's not too quick at all, and that will give me time to get a house at least started for us to make into a home before the next winter. Truthfully, my Love, it's going to be hard to wait that long."

"For me too, Nathan! When should we talk to the children? I know Little Jack is so much younger than Allie, but I think he understands more than we know. I think we should be honest and open with them. Do you agree?"

"Yes, we just have to be careful to only tell Allie what we want to be told, or there will be no privacy whatsoever. She's already wondering and even asking if I've kissed you, and I don't think she's referring to cheek kisses!" Nathan cautioned. "Why don't we just start with telling them about the courtship, and then tell them about the engagement as it comes?"

She nodded in agreement, "That part will be our secret, an extraordinary, lovely, romantic secret that's just ours!"

"In the meantime, soon to be Mrs. Grant," he gently raised her left hand to his lips and kissed her ring finger, "I want you to dream of the type of wedding you want, and I will make all your wedding dreams come true, every single one of them."

"'Mrs. Grant,' I love the sound of that. You already are making my dreams come true, Nathan. And you'll make my wedding dreams come true as long as you're there as the Groom!"

"Oh, no worries there. You couldn't keep me away if you tried!" and Nathan kissed her longingly to prove it.

"Is this terrible of me? I really don't want our wedding to be in the Church. That's where Jack and I got married, and I want this Ceremony to be all about you and me. We're going to have to get creative, I guess."

"That's not terrible at all! Whatever you want, Darling will be perfect. I'm sure we'll come up with something special that suits the two of us. Something uniquely us."

"Elizabeth, have you ever thought about having more children? Is that something you see in your future?"

"Nathan, do you want children?" smiling seductively at him.

"Very much. But you would have to want that too."

"Nathan, I want more children very much. I want your children, and if God blesses us, we will have them together. Lots of them, I hope," she answered assuredly and calmly. "I want girls just like Allie and me, and I want boys just like you and Little Jack. I want a big, happy family! Oh, we're going to be so happy, Darling!"

He smiled tenderly at her and reached to kiss her lightly, almost reverently. "I already am," he whispered.

They talked and talked, with both of them spilling out all the questions for each other they had always wanted to ask but had either not felt comfortable enough or had not had the opportunity.

They talked about their faith, passions, insecurities, goals, dreams, and all the little things that make a person who they are.

They talked about how God had drawn them together, despite their resistance. And the many blessings being bestowed on them after so much pain.

"Elizabeth, Darling, the one thing we haven't talked about is the kind of home you want. Have you thought about it?"

"I know I want a covered porch that wraps all the way around it, at least three sides, but preferably all four! I want a huge kitchen with a huge table where we can have our families and friends, and feed all those children we're going to have! And Nathan, if it's alright with you, I'd love it to be next door to Rosemary's and Lee's house when they build. Would you be okay with that?"

"I would love that! To know you and the children would be close to Rosemary and Lee, especially for the times I would have to travel, means everything to me." and then more playfully, "I love the idea of the porch and the huge kitchen, too. Whatever made you think of the idea of a wrap-around porch?"

"When I was a child, my Grandmother on my Father's side lived out of town on a huge farm, and she had a great big white farmhouse with a beautiful porch just like that. Playing and running on that porch were my two favorite things to do as a child. Even though the house was big, it still felt cozy, not at all like our stuffy house in town, which was, is, extremely formal. Our Nanny would never have let us children run on the estate's front porch. Or the back porch for that matter!"

"Then a wrap-around porch it is, all four sides," promised Nathan with a quick kiss. "You'll have to help me design it, though, so we get it just right."

She beamed at him. "But what do you want in our home, my Love?"

"Let's see…a room that functions as a combination Study and Library for both of us. That's pretty much all I want. Oh, and a Wood-shop in the Stables too! That's it."

"A Library in our home?"

"Um-hum, I told you I love to read. I have tons of books back at the Ranch, that I'm sure my Mother would like to get rid of!" Nathan hesitated for a few seconds, "Elizabeth, I'm not really sure how to tell you this. It's something not many people know. In fact, it's something I haven't even shared with Allie."

She looked over at him wondering what he could possibly be hesitant about, unsure of what was coming next.

"Elizabeth, have you ever noticed those leather binders stacked in my office?"

"The brown ones in front of the window?"

"Yes. The truth is, I love to write. I've been writing since I was twelve. It started out as journaling all the things that I couldn't seem to put into words out loud. But, as it turned out, those same words flowed when I took pen to paper. It was a way for me to express myself that was private, and quite frankly, it somehow helped to get me through all those issues with my Father. But my writing gradually grew into something much more. Mostly historical things, books, and essays."

Knowing how humble this man was, Elizabeth was not quite sure how to proceed, but before she could stop herself, her excitement and enthusiasm and even pride took over.

"Nathan Grant! You write? And you never told me?"

"Well, you never asked…" he said in his own pragmatic way, but with a twinkle in his eyes, and they both started laughing together.

"Nathan, have you published anything?"

"Maybe a few things…well, let's just say I've written a lot more than I've had published! But, yeah, several have been published! I don't use my full name. I just use my initials with Grant.'"

"Seriously? Several, Darling? I can't believe it - we have that in common too?"

"It appears that we do. I was pleasantly surprised to see your book that day at the dock. And when I first heard about your new book getting published, I was thrilled for you. Elizabeth! Getting a book published is so exciting and wonderful. I can't explain the feeling you get when someone reads your words and they're impacted by them. I can't wait for you to experience that."

"That's lovely Nathan! I can't wait to experience that, too. Especially now that we'll be doing it together! But, Nathan, back to this middle initial. I didn't even know you had a middle name. What is it, Darling?"

"Alexander, my full name is Nathan Alexander Grant, and don't laugh," although he was about to do so himself.

"It's a beautiful name! I would never laugh! Love, did you know that Alexander means "protector of people?"

"Yes, I guess we have to blame that one on my parents! But come to think of it, the Mountie thing probably was inevitable with a name like that! Colleen preferred my middle name over my first. She actually called me Alex most of the time. She even named Allie after me. Allie never uses it, but her full name is Alexandra Rose."

"That's beautiful, Nathan, truly beautiful!"

She reached to kiss this handsome man by her side, feeling so very close to him, as she was uncovering hidden layers she had never imagined would be there.

"And all this time you didn't say anything about your writing. I can't believe it, Nathan Alexander Grant! I can't wait to read every single word you've written. Now we'll have to have a joint Study/Library in our home! Let's get a beautiful antique Partner's desk to share. I can't imagine anything more wonderful. I truly can't! You just amaze me, Nathan Alexander, you positively amaze me! This is the most wonderful surprise!"

"You're having a bit too much fun with this name thing," he teased.

"Oh, most definitely! Actually, I love it and you haven't heard the last of it, either, my Darling!"

He could only smile and shake his head at her.

"Wait a minute, Elizabeth, what's your middle name?"

She was caught, "Well, let's just say I'm with Allie on this one! It's Rose, Elizabeth Rose."

"That is so beautiful Elizabeth, just like you. And I can't believe you and Allie share the same middle name! Allie will be beyond thrilled."

"Do you ever get the feeling that we are totally meant to be?"

"All the time, my Darling. All the time!"

He took her hands and kissed them tenderly.

"Me, too!" she whispered.

"Well, you, my beautiful Elizabeth, must know I'm dying to read your books, too...each and every single word!"

Elizabeth's cheeks turned crimson, "Now that we have sealed our Love, I think that can be arranged! I was too embarrassed to let you read them before, not being sure of how you felt. You'll understand why. After all, you're the one who told me to write what was in my heart! How did I not catch that? Now, I see that that is advice only a true writer would give. This Teacher is going to have to start paying a lot closer attention, Constable!"

"Aha! Now we get the truth about your soon to be published book! Straight from the heart!" he teased.

He laughed softly and bent to lightly kiss both of her flaming red cheeks.

"So, in addition to being a Mountie, you carve exquisite wood pieces, you journal and write historical books to be published….whatever else do you do?"

"Well," Nathan was beginning to get a little uncomfortable. "I do play a little guitar…"

"Nathan, I know you sing beautifully! I mean, I heard your voice at Church Sunday morning, but I didn't know you sang AND played guitar!"

"You didn't ask?"

"Here I've fallen in Love with a total Renaissance man and didn't even know it. This is to be continued, Nathan Grant." pointing her finger firmly to his nose. "But for now, sing something for me, please."

"I don't have my guitar," making a sad face with mock sorrow.

"No, but you do have a Victrola!"

"Do I have to?"

Elizabeth excitedly and forcefully nodded yes.

"If you let me continue to hold you, I'll sing even without the music. How's that?"

"That's perfect! In fact, Darling, I think I like that better for now!" cooed Elizabeth while snuggling in even closer, laying her head against his chest.

Holding her tightly, Nathan began singing "Beautiful Dreamer." His tenor voice was rich and melodious…he needed no music to accompany him. Elizabeth closed her eyes and listened intently to every word, and she was carried away, lost in his harmonious voice and the beautiful lyrics of the song.

"Beautiful dreamer,

Wake unto me

Starlight and dewdrops

Are awaiting thee

Sounds to the rude world

Heard in the day

Led by the moonlight

Have all passed away.

Beautiful dreamer,

Queen of my song

List while I woo thee

With soft melody

Gone are the cares of

Life's busy throng

Beautiful dreamer

Awake unto me

Beautiful dreamer,

Awake unto me." (6*)

"Oh, Nathan, that's so very beautiful. Now you're going to have to serenade me every single night," and she kissed him on the cheek.

"Maybe, I'll even sing with you…if you ask me nicely someday," she added, with a touch of guilt.

"Aah! So, all this time, you've been holding out on me? You'll sing, alright. A solo for me! Then we'll be even, and we can talk about duets, after that," he teased, trying to sound stern.

"Can I owe you one? I promise I'll pay, but I'll do a lot better with music. Deal?"

"Deal, my Love! I'll even play for you."

"Ever my Gentleman!"

Elizabeth stretched out her legs, arranging her gown and laid her head in Nathan's lap. By this time, both had kicked off their shoes.

"Nathan, what is that gleaming under the tree?"

"What tree. I don't see anything…" Nathan teased.

"That's because you're not looking at the right tree! There, I saw it again!"

"Maybe, you should look. Hope it's not a mouse, I really don't like mice…"

"Nathan Grant, you are a Mountie, and you're scared of mice?" she asked, teasing him.

"I didn't say that…I just don't like mice," but he was grinning and stretching his long arm out over her and scooting a bit to reach under the tree.

"Close your eyes tightly! Wait a minute…Okay, open!"

He had placed the most beautiful large package directly in front of her. The package was wrapped in silver and tied with a huge silver bow.

"Nathan! What is this?"

"Open it and find out. But I should tell you, don't feel bad if you don't know what it is. I read about something similar in Germany, and designed this especially for you and Little Jack to have for the Holidays!"

"Nathan, you made this for us?"

"I did, and I hope you both love it! Hurry, open!"

"It's too beautiful to unwrap! Oh, Nathan, I can't imagine what this is!"

"Here, I'll lift it out for you. It's a little heavy."

"Darling, it's an exact replica of the Schoolhouse, the Church Jack built! It's beautiful, Nathan!"

"It's called an Advent Calendar, but in three-dimensions. See, each side has drawers, one for each day of December, starting on December 1st, all the way to Christmas, so you can count down the days till Christmas with Little Jack. Each day, you unhook the latch of the drawer marked with that date, and you take out what's inside - there will be two little surprises in each drawer - one for Little Jack and one for you." He bent to kiss her forehead. "Until finally, you get to Christmas Day!"

"Nathan, I've never seen anything like it! It's beautiful, and it's such a lovely Holiday Tradition. I don't know who will be more excited, Little Jack or me! How In the world did you ever think of this?"

"I read about a man in Germany, who is starting to think in terms of three-dimensional advent calendars. So, I took his concept and sort of made it our own. I hope the two of you have a lot of fun with it. I know, I had a lot of fun making it and all the little things that go inside. I bought a few trinkets, but most of the things I made. I hope you don't mind Little Jack having some Mountie related items."

"Of course not, I think it's in his blood. And his Father's and yours, my Darling! Nathan, my Love, this may be the most thoughtful, unique, wonderful gift I've ever received! To think you did all this work for Little Jack and me. It will be a Family Treasure, our Family Treasure, and our First Tradition! But, Nathan, let's include Allie in it! Do you think we could come up with enough little things for her to add to each drawer?"

"That would be lovely, Elizabeth. Let me take care of it. Besides, no peaking for you!" he warned, then added tenderly, "We're going to be a real family, aren't we?"

"We are. And I can tell you already, we're going to be the most wonderful family, Nathan. I haven't a doubt. There will be so much love - more than enough to go around, no matter how many children we have!"

She threw her arms around him, this man she loved beyond measure. "Thank you, my Darling, for this perfect gift, for our family and for me. It's priceless."

"I am completely and deeply in love with you, Elizabeth Thornton!"

And he started kissing her softly, first lightly on her neck, then her face, then his lips met hers, and they were both, again, in a world all their own.

Glancing out the window, the snow was still falling, and they didn't mind at all.

Sitting there together before the fire, with plans for their future made, Nathan and Elizabeth needed nothing else, but each other.

(6*) Stephen Collins Foster "Beautiful Dreamer" Lyrics, 1864, Public Domain